Lorraine Mace

Write Away! January 2009

Text Box: Insider Trading As expats, you are in a unique position to write about your adopted countries in ways a travel writer cannot possibly replicate. It is so much easier for you to capture the spirit of your regions, to make readers feel as though they are there with you, living as the locals do. It is your insider knowledge, a little something extra that you are able to bring to the table, which would interest an editor. Local flavour Adding local flavour is easy, after all who knows better than you about the peculiar characters inhabiting the market each week? Or the best places to eat, both in season and out? What about all those little-known historic facts you’ve picked up along with the bread in the local bakery? By reading the local paper you’ll be aware of future developments planned for your region, for example, if the high-speed rail link is coming to a town nearby, a motorway is being extended or upgraded, or a new theme park is due to open. Diversity But why stop at travel and country-themed magazines? You could pitch to a history or heritage magazine with a piece on an important anniversary. It could be something which affected world events, or was more localised. Adding quotes from a resident historian, or other knowledgeable person, adds depth not easily obtained by a writer living outside the country. Food magazines are another area to target with your unique resident’s insight. Think about recipes – new twists on old classics, the culinary background of local chefs, regional differences in food preparation, cooking classes and schools open to visitors from abroad. Photographs sell words Get into the habit of taking a camera with you wherever you go – even to the local supermarket. You never know when a worthwhile photographic opportunity will come up. Photographs help to sell words, and words are often inspired by pictures. Take a variety of shots – some with people, some without. The same scene can help market several different articles, depending on composition. Widening horizons I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth a reminder. An article on your region and/or country can be sold several times over. With the internet to aid research, it is possible to find publications in all of the English-speaking countries throughout the world, as well as submitting to the many websites looking for content. Don’t limit your horizons – sell your insider knowledge. Write Away! Notes from the Margin


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