Well, that’s about it from me and my adventures in Japan for
the World Nomads travel writing scholarship... for now at least. I intend to
continue posting at this address with updates on what I’m up to in the world of
travel writing… which, if all goes to plan, will be a lot of things!
Since returning from Japan, my life has taken on quite a
different shape – I’ve been discussing future assignments with the Rough Guide,
have been interviewed by local media and am generally still trying to get my
head around how to earn a crust as freelance writer. It’s all very new to me and the learning curve has been
steep, but I’m really enjoying myself and am excited for what the future holds.
One of the main things I’ve gleaned from this experience is
that the life of a guide book writer isn’t as easy or leisurely as one may
imagine. The days are looooooong and invariably draining – both physically and
mentally. You have to be
incredibly motivated, energetic and flexible, switched on 24/7 and unafraid to
throw yourself into the unknown at any given second… but this also makes the
job really exciting, a lot of fun and definitely something I’m pursuing
wholeheartedly.
As a newbie to this game, the thing I’ve had to work hardest
at is training myself to produce quality writing to a deadline over and over
again – I’ve still got a long way to go (the fact that I’m still blogging a
month after my return is testament to this), but I’m getting faster at it and
finding it easier every day… practice, practice, practice.
I would like to say a massive thank you to World Nomads for
giving me this insanely cool opportunity – people plug away for years to get
even just a taste of what you’ve handed to me on a sushi covered silver
platter. This scholarship has been
life changing in the best way possible and for that my gratitude has no bounds.
To my travel-writing sensei/mentor/guru, Simon Richmond; it
was a privilege to meet you and learn from you. It was also a whole lot of fun. Thank you, from the bottom of my Anpanman-loving heart for
all you have done for me – your patience, encouragement and guidance ensured
that I got more out of this experience than I could have ever hoped for… when I
grow up, I want to be just like you.
Thanks also to everyone who has been following my blog and
for all your comments (even if most of them came from my friends posing as
random strangers)… the idea that anyone other than my mother would read what I
write is really quite cool.
Oh, and I hope for world peace.
Watch this space…
