Charukesi Ramadurai

Charukesi Ramaduraihttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/charukesi-ramaduraiCharukesi Ramaduraihttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/writing/how-to-deal-with-rejection-travel-writingRejection is never easy. BBC Travel writer Charukesi Ramadurai shares some tips from her sometimes painful – but always practical – experience. 2018-02-23T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/writing/how-to-deal-with-rejection-travel-writinghttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#personal">Don’t take it personally</a></li> <li><a href="#analyze">Analyze your work</a></li> <li><a href="#learn">Learn from feedback </a></li> <li><a href="#think">Think about the next step </a></li> <li><a href="#move">Keep moving forward </a></li> </ul> <div class="scholarships-assignment-intro segment-margin-break"> <p>Not all travelers, or <a href="/create/learn/writing">travel writers</a>, have the comfort of a regular job and steady income. In the case of freelance writers, often the only certainty is the uncertainty of the work scene.</p> <p>Along with a nose for interesting stories and a flair for working on the go, one of the most important qualities a <a href="/create/learn/writing/the-realities-freelance-writing">freelancer</a> needs is thick skin. By that, I mean, the ability to cope with rejection.</p> <p>So, as a freelancer, how do you make sure you don’t get crushed under the weight of rejection and radio silence? </p> <p>Here are a few tips from my own long, sometimes painful, and always practical experience.</p> <h2 id="personal">Don’t take it personally</h2> <p>As a beginner, it’s likely most of the pitches you send out will be rejected – with a curt no, or worse, icy cold reticence. It’s often no better for seasoned freelancers. </p> <p>It doesn’t mean that your idea was a bad one, or that your pitch was poorly conceived and executed. There are various reasons an <a href="/create/learn/writing/think-like-an-editor" target="_blank">editor might pass on your pitch</a>, but unfortunately, even the kindest editors don't have the time to explain these over email, especially to an eager stranger.</p> <p>For instance, the publication (or even a close rival) may have carried a similar story in the recent past, or the timing of your story is not right for some reason beyond your control. The trick is to never take it personally. Easier said than done. But print out this mantra and put it on your t-shirt. </p> <h2 id="analyze">Analyze your work</h2> <p>Think of rejection as a wake-up call; a nudge to see how things can be made better, rather than just where they've been going wrong. In the specific case of receiving <g class="gr_ gr_102 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="102" data-gr-id="102">only</g> rejection in response to your ideas, it might be time to ask yourself a few probing questions, such as:</p> <p>Does this idea seem too familiar? Has it been run by the publication or its rivals in recent times? Does your voice match that of the target audience? Does your idea seem too off-beat compared to the features they usually carry? Or alternatively, does it seem too tame?</p> <p>It’s always best to do this research before sending your work off, but it’s still a good idea to reflect on these questions <g class="gr_ gr_79 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="79" data-gr-id="79">afterward</g> as well.</p> <h2 id="learn">Learn from feedback</h2> <p>It’s true that editors are extremely busy, and rarely have the time to explain why they rejected your pitch. But occasionally, there are the nice ones who'll let slip an insight or two about what didn’t really work – lookout for these gems in editor emails and see how you can use them to hone your work in the future.</p> <p>It could be a minor detail about the timing of your idea, or a displeased frown about the tone of your message. Pay close attention to what the editor wants, and you'll likely find clues for success in future communications.</p> <h2 id="think">Think about the next step</h2> <p>Study your pitch again to see if it belongs in a different market – can you tweak it a bit and target it elsewhere while it is still warm in your mind?</p> <p>Or can you fix it up and send it again in a few weeks to the same editor, with a <a href="/create/learn/writing/find-a-new-angle-for-an-old-story" target="_blank">different angle</a>, or with a more topical hook?</p> <h2 id="move">Keep moving forward</h2> <p>As a freelancer, you can't afford to wallow in doubt or pity (although the temptation is so, so great). Success in freelance writing, at least in the initial years, depends on patience and persistence. And you will also soon learn that it's a numbers game; the more pitches you send out, the more assignments will come in.</p> <p>So, keep moving; keep the channels of communication open with editors, follow up gently and firmly, and keep the ideas flowing.</p> </div>Getty Images/pixelfit 0 A writer on a laptop in a tent

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/writing/find-a-new-angle-for-an-old-storyBBC Travel contributor Charukesi Ramadurai reveals that it's not only the story told that's important but the interesting details that make it stand out.2018-02-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/writing/find-a-new-angle-for-an-old-storyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-intro segment-margin-break"> <p>In a world where it increasingly seems like everyone has been everywhere, and what's worse, has recorded it for posterity, it's a real challenge to find a new story. </p> <p>Yet, when you visit a place for the first time, even one that has been seen a million times by other pairs of eyes, you have the chance to tell a tale – or a dozen – through your unique perspective.</p> <p>So, how do you ensure the stories that emerge from your travels translate into enjoyable and useful material for your readers?</p> <h2 id="social">Use social media</h2> <p>If, like me, you live much of your life online, then it's time to leverage the power to hunt for ideas that'll shape your travel writing. Set Google alerts for your travel destination a few weeks in advance. This way, you're aware of events in your destination, and you'll get an idea of the kind of stories already being published.</p> <p>Also, make sure to ask locals for tips <em>before</em> you arrive – you’ll be surprised at how many people will volunteer to take you around their beloved city. A <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/a-locals-guide-to-the-best-things-to-see-and-do-in-christchurch">local perspective</a> will help you avoid the obvious and the overdone (if it’s only a story you're after), and go after the secrets not every visitor is aware of.</p> </div> <h2 id="trends">Look out for trends</h2> <p>On a trip to a city you’ve never visited before – let’s say <a href="/explore/europe/portugal/best-day-trips-from-lisbon">Lisbon</a> – you've tried and loved the artisanal gelato at a small outlet. A quick chat reveals the gelato maker was a sociology professor not too long ago. Now, you already have an interesting person to profile.</p> <p>During the next few days, the post-dinner dessert cravings that made you explore Lisbon’s streets for several hours late at night made you realize that there are many more artisanal gelato outlets in the city. Now you have another story on how artisanal gelateria are getting popular in Lisbon. Does that sound interesting enough? </p> <p>Perhaps, you could also dig into the idea of whether locals are losing a taste for their famed Pastel de Nata?</p> <p>Congratulations, you have a story in hand. Or two, actually.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/create/learn/writing/new-angle-old-story-article.jpeg " alt="2017 Travel Writing Scholarship winners buying ice-cream" /><figcaption><a href="/create/learn/writing/top-travel-writing-tips-from-2017-scholarship-winners">2017 Travel Writing Scholarship</a> winners buying ice cream. Photo credit: Andrew Stephen</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="niche">Find a niche</h2> <p>As a beginner in the travel writing scene, there are two options open to you: compete with accomplished writers who have found their unique narrative voices.</p> <p>Or, the alternative: develop your own niche.</p> <p>Do you get high on adventure sports? Or does your sense of adventure come from going forth with an iron stomach to conquer street food stalls? See if you can combine your passion for travel with adventure sports or street food – or nearly anything else, for that matter. </p> <p>Are you a runner while at home? The next city you visit, why not write about it through the eyes of an early morning runner?</p> <h2 id="digdeeper">Dig deeper</h2> <p>Look for stories that others miss out on. Remember the ancient ruins at that <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/">UNESCO World Heritage site</a> you visited recently? The one that's also on the wish list of millions of other travelers around the world? Did you notice how some tourists walked around, their necks craned upwards, searching for something elusive under tree canopies with bulky binoculars and camera equipment in tow? They are birdwatchers – talk to them, there is a story there.</p> <p>Or did you take a horse-cart to gallop around the ruins accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who is also a budding historian? How about looking for a story there?</p> <h2>Finally…</h2> <p>Remember, the 'big story' is only one part of a destination. A good travel writer brings alive the smaller stories, the interesting details that define a place: bargain markets, street food, art and craft, and quirky locals. The real fun of travel writing is <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/writing/importance-of-details">uncovering those details</a>.</p>Getty Images/Westend61 0 A traveler in a sandstone cave