Featured Online Travel Writing Class

TRAVEL WRITING: From Journaling Outside the Box to Articles that Sell by Melanie Faith

START DATE: This class is now closed.

DURATION: 4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Whether exploring bucket list destinations across the nation, globe-trekking famed wonders, or discovering marvels in your own neighborhood, there’s a niche of travel writing for every writer. In this four-week course, we will explore various facets of travel writing—from listing ideas, researching, keeping a travel journal, interviewing sources, matching article ideas to markets, and more. Via travel essay packets provided by the instructor as well as exercises from the instructional texts, The Travel Writer’s Handbook: How to Write—and Sell—Your Own Travel Experiences, Revised 7th Edition and Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals, students will find inspiration aplenty. Each week, students will choose and complete one of two assignments for constructive and supportive instructor feedback. A variety of writing quotes and tips, both in the text and at the class group, will motivate students’ writing. Topics covered will include: Creative Techniques for Super-Journalers, Capturing the Scene, Picking Your Market, Eluding Your Inner Censor, The Joy of Culture Shock, and The Inner Journey: Travel as a Backdrop for Self-Discovery. Join us for this inspiring travel writing journey!

When I signed up for this course, I didn't know what to expect and I was ready for just about any kind of instruction. What I didn’t expect was such supportive and constructive critiquing . . . the very kind that makes me really want to dig in and do it again and again! I’d reached a bit of a wall in my writing career and you’ve given me some hints on how to circumvent that barrier. ~ Kathleen Birmingham

Melanie’s class taught me economy of words by using strong verbs and nouns, implying and showing rather than telling, and exploring topics outside of my comfort zone. Her feedback is prompt, detailed and constructive. ~ Rajni Gupta

Melanie Faith’s “Spark and Sizzle Flash Fiction Class” lives up to its title. The sample stories provided were examples of good writing and served as models. Melanie’s prompts came at a rapid pace and kept my pen on the page every day. Her critique comments were sharp and encouraging and challenged me to be the best writer I could be. She is easily available for questions or discussions during and after her classes via her personal email. This is the third class I’ve taken with Melanie and I am looking forward to taking many more in the future. ~ Renee Cassese

Melanie knows how to offer on-the-mark suggestions for writing improvement while also being extremely encouraging (and a joy to work with). I've taken many classes with her, including the flash class, and I plan on taking many more. ~ Marilyn Fahey

Melanie has always shown great insight into my work. Often times, she is able to pull out deeper meanings, that even I wasn't consciously aware of while writing. Her constructive criticism has moved my writing into new directions. I find that I feel more confident and prepared as a writer by having her constant editing eye. I respect that she critiques my poetry honestly, letting me know areas that are weak as well as strong points. I wouldn't be able to grow as a writer if she always told me my poems were great. It's from her perspective of my work that I grow. I enjoy learning through her and appreciate her sharing tricks of the trade that she learned in her masters program.

I'm thankful to know Melanie and hope we remain friends and a poetry support system for the rest of our lives. She's the type of person and writer that anyone would feel lucky to know. She is a great mentor and holds a wealth of knowledge in the written language. Her achievements and constant pursuit as a writer inspire so many. Her determination and skill will go very far and I suspect she'll leave a lasting imprint in the written world. She already has. ~ Courtney Burger

The course was great. I did not want it to end. I have taken several college level creative writing courses, as well as, attended many writer’s workshops, but I have enjoyed this course the most. I really appreciated that Melanie would also critique our re-writes which was very, very helpful. This course has really helped to motivate me creatively. ~ Barb Cramer

Melanie demonstrates particular qualities in a writing teacher/coach that I would recommend for anyone looking for focused attention to help move their writing forward.

I had not taken an on-line course previously, and didn't know what to expect, but Melanie melted the distance, was always accessible, and never missed a beat with out on-line communication. I always felt like I had Melanie right here around my writing table, or knocking on my door saying—“I had a few thoughts..." She provided a wealth of resources and provided us with course materials that were tuned to our course level.

Her insight into my work, in terms of critique, were extremely thoughtful, thorough, and eye-opening. I feel that working with Melanie has allowed me to be braver with my writing and editing—as she was supportive of experimentation and taking chances with style, vocabulary, and theme. She provides serious critique in an atmosphere that, well, just makes me want to keep on writing!” ~ Mary Ellen Sanger

I have taken three courses from Melanie and in each course I grow tremendously as a writer. The texts she uses as well as the handouts and daily writing prompts all contribute to what she refers to as “the writing life” and in her courses that’s exactly what it becomes. Her comments on the pieces go way beyond grammar and punctuation. She delves into the content and clarifies what is good and what can be adjusted to make the piece stronger. I can tell she spends time reading what I write and is prompt in returning the assignments so I always have plenty of time for revision. She treats me, and everyone in the class, like a writer. Her classes are a joy. If there is a course offered by Melanie and I can fit it in, I always take it. ~ Holly Helscher

I have the normal anxiousness of sharing my work while so excited to have Melanie Faith’s critical eye read my writing. It is always reviewed with an eye to improvement and an eye to the thoughts the words contain. This is the first computer class I have ever taken and want to take many more. I also look forward to many more classes with Melanie Faith. ~ Benita Cervantes

Because I love memoir writing, I have taken two memoir/personal essay classes from Melanie. I can’t believe this, but because I enjoy the teacher herself and her method of teaching so much, I’ve even taken a poetry-writing class. I’ve always steered away from writing poetry of any kind ever since I wrote a poem in college (an assignment, not a by-choice piece) and the class laughed because I wrote about a controversial topic and was so naïve that I didn’t even know it was controversial. Every time I’d mention to Melanie that I’d never write a poem, she’d encourage me to take her class, assuring me that I’d be successful. I took the class, and sure enough, I was successful, thanks to Melanie’s velvet critiquing, encouraging comments, and thoughtful suggestions, many times seeing in my writing what I couldn’t see for myself.

I have to rein myself in every time I see in the WOW classes list that Melanie is teaching another essay class. And why is this? In all of my education (B.A. in English and M.A. in English), I never took a writing class. When I was in college, writing was taught only in Freshman English; after that class, we were just expected to know how to write. I learned to teach writing myself by reading books about writing. How refreshing and educational to find a teacher/mentor who exhibits the characteristics that I know an excellent writing teacher has: the creativity to come up with topics that students want to write about, the ability to critique without finding fault, the desire to encourage students to keep on writing even when the juices aren’t flowing. Believe me . . . she’s an excellent teacher. In addition, she became my friend through being my teacher. To be a friend AND a teacher takes real talent. ~ Sandy Young

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Friday, June 7, 14, 21, and 28 (instructor travel writing packets sent)

Friday, June 14, 21, 28 and July 5 (student travel writing assignments due for instructor feedback)

Week One: The Ultimate Souvenir, Speed Journaling, Joining Substance to Style, Putting Yourself on Stage, and Research Methods

Travel Writing Essay Packet (provided by instructor):

“Flirting in Paris,” Kayla Allen
“Changing the World: One Chicken at a Time,” Barbara Kingsolver

Travel Writer’s Handbook text reading:

Chapters One-Three, “Joining Substance to Style,” “Putting Yourself on Stage,” and “Research is the Answer: What’s the Question?” pages 1-33

Assignment: Pick either Choice 1 or Choice 2 (below to hand in to the instructor for feedback:

Choice 1: Compile a “Plus Value” list of ten travel writing destinations. From that list, start to develop three of the destinations with further research and by jotting preliminary notes of half a page to a page for each destination. What unique information did you glean? What would you like to research further?

Choice 2: Complete the Flight Simulator Exercise from Globejotting, Chapter Two, pages 27-28.

Week Two: Creative Techniques for Super-Journalers, Capturing the Scene, Picking Your Market, and Following the Reader

Travel Writing Essay Packet (provided by instructor):

“10,000 Miles, 24 Water Parks, 10 Stitches to the Head, and 3 Bathing Suits Later,” Barbara Brown
“Up Close and Personal in Frankfurt,” Kelly Schierman
“Getting Clean in Chiang Mai,” Laurie Covens

Travel Writer’s Handbook text reading:

Chapter Five, “To Market, to Market,” Chapter Eight, “Sense and Sensibility,” Chapter Nine, “Follow the Reader,” and Chapter Ten, “Getting Things Write,” pages 43-77 and 110-135

Globejotting text reading:

Chapter Three, “Journaling Outside the Box: Creative Techniques for Super-Journalers,” and Chapter Four, “The Outer Journey: Capturing the Scene,” pages 35-74

Assignment: Pick either Choice 1 or Choice 2 (below) to hand in to the instructor for feedback:

Choice 1: After reading The Travel Writer’s Handbook, Chapter 5, revisit your list from last week’s assignment of ten travel destination ideas (or, if you chose the other option last week, quickly jot a list of possible destinations now). From that list, research potential markets for your top three choices. Consider unique angles on each destination. Note at least three potential markets for each of your three options. Page 70 may be particularly inspirational while completing this exercise. Note how the tone, sources, and content might be different for each of the three markets. For example, what sources and content would you include for a travel article about a Disney vacation in South Florida for AARP The Magazine compared to a Parents magazine article or one for teen readers of Seventeen magazine?

Choice 2: Complete any of the Flight Simulator Exercises found within Globejotting, Chapters Three and Four.

Week Three: Eluding Your Inner Censor, The Joy of Culture Shock, Travel as a Backdrop for Self-Discovery, Asking the Question, and Small (and Large) Talk

Travel Writing Essay Packet (provided by instructor):

“Take in the State Fair,” Garrison Keillor
“Getting There,” Suzanne Kratzig

Travel Writer’s Handbook text reading:

Chapter Eleven, “Asking the Question,” Chapter Twelve, “Going on with the Show,” and Chapter Thirteen, “Small (and Large) Talk,” pages 139-181

Globejotting text reading:

Chapter Five, “Eluding Your Inner Censor,” Chapter Six, “The Joy of Culture Shock,” and Chapter Seven, “The Inner Journey: Travel as a Backdrop for Self-Discovery,” and pages 75-122

Assignment: Pick either Choice 1 or Choice 2 (below) to hand in to the instructor for feedback:

Choice 1: From your list of ten travel articles, develop at least three potential hooks for each of three options. If you have time, consider revisiting some of the other travel writing ideas you’ve not yet explored and creating at least three hooks for them as well.

Choice 2: Complete any of the Flight Simulator Exercises found within Globejotting, Chapters 5, 6, or 7.

Week Four: Travel Journaling When You’re Not Traveling: Pre-Journaling, Post-Journaling, and Re-Journaling; Sharing Journals with Others, Empty Notebook Syndrome: Finding Time and Motivation; and Find a Pattern, Make it Fit

Travel Writing Essay Packet (provided by instructor):

“Higher Ground,” Shari Caudron
“The Cuy of Cooking,” Jennifer Sieg
“A.K. Phone Home,” Abbie Kozolchyk

Travel Writer’s Handbook text reading:

Chapter Fifteen, “Find a Pattern, Make it Fit,” Chapter Seventeen, “Minding Your Own Business,” and Chapter Eighteen, “Good Writing is Hard Work,” pages 205-233 and 240-252

Globejotting text reading:

Chapter Eight, “Travel Journaling When You’re Not Traveling: Pre-Journaling, Post-Journaling, and Re-Journaling,” Chapter Nine, “How Was Your Trip? Sharing Journals with Others,” and Chapter Ten, “Empty Notebook Syndrome: Finding Time and Motivation,” pages 123-175

Assignment: Pick either Choice 1 or Choice 2 (below) to hand in to the instructor for feedback:

Choice 1: After reading Chapter Fifteen, pick one of the three travel destination ideas you’ve been researching and choose one of the patterns detailed in the chapter. Write a 200-300 word query letter and/or travel article using that pattern.

Choice 2: Complete any of the Flight Simulator Exercises found within Globejotting, Chapters Eight, Nine, or Ten.

Materials needed: Students will need a copy of: The Travel Writer’s Handbook: How to Write—and Sell—Your Own Travel Experiences, Revised 7th Edition by Jacqueline Harmon Butler and Louise Purwin Zobel (Surrey Books, 2012) and Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals by Dave Fox (Inkwater Press, 2008). These texts are currently in print and readily available online at used bookstore sites as well as at Amazon.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Melanie Faith holds an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte, NC. Her fiction, poetry, and nonfiction most recently were published in Linden Avenue (June 2012), Vermillion Literary Project (U. of South Dakota, Spring 2012), The New Writer (April 2012), Foliate Oak (Spring 2012), Mason's Road (Winter 2012 issue) and Origami Poems Project. Her photos were published in Foliate Oak (May 2011), Epiphany Magazine (October 2011), Up the Staircase (Fall 2011), and Ray's Road Review (December 2011). Her poetry chapbook, To Waken is to Begin, was published by Aldrich Press in September 2012. She was a semi-finalist for the 2011 James Applewhite Poetry Prize, and an essay about editing poetry appeared in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Writers’ Journal. In 2011, her poetry and essays was featured in Referential Magazine (July and June 2011), Tapestry (Delta State U., Spring 2011), and Front Range Review (U. of Montana, Spring 2011). She has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. Her work won the 2009 Anne E. Sucher Poetry Prize for the Iguana Review. She has been a small town journalist, an ESL classroom teacher for international students, and (currently) a literature and writing tutor at a private college prep high school, and a freelance editor. She has enjoyed teaching writing classes for WOW! Her instructional articles about creative writing techniques have appeared in The Writer (Nov. ’09) and Writers’ Journal, among others.

COST: $150, which includes e-mail critique and positive feedback on student writing, weekly handout packets, and access to a private group for student interactions.

BUY NOW: Travel Writing: From Journaling Outside the Box to Articles That Sell by Melanie Faith (4 weeks, starting 6/7/2013) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

This class is now closed. Please check here for our current schedule.

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email so you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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