This month at the RolfPotts.com Travel Writers page, I interview L. Peat O’Neil, author of Travel Writing: See the World, Sell the Story (2nd edition, Writer’s Digest Books, 2005). Here are some of the highlights from our Q&A:

• “I tend to do too much research and then lose interest in the story because I’ve spent my passionate energy on gathering information. My challenge is to write the story immediately after the trip, even if I don’t have an editorial deadline. If I have a deadline, there’s no problem, I’m on the case. Without someone waiting at the end of the fiber optic line, I tend put off the final writing stages. I use a notebook computer if I’m on deadline on the road, but usually handwrite my notes or send e-mails to myself. If I collect lots of paper materials, I mail the paper home from wherever the postal service is secure. The packages arrive home before I do.”
• “I have to confess I’m still a bit timid about approaching new editors. I tend to stick with the editors I’ve already worked with, publications that know me. A couple of years ago, I decided to push myself to approach a completely different publication — Gastronomica, a food history quarterly — and my query was received enthusiastically. At a certain point, we have to push ourselves as writers and move into new publication arenas.”
• “Pursue a strong education. Don’t be satisfied with what the school dishes out. Seek more. Don’t quit your day job until you have at least three steady clients who produce checks when you turn in the writing. If you can, steer away from publications that pay on publication. Insist on payment when you deliver the work. Save your energy and experiences for writing the story. Don’t tell people about your travel experiences until you’ve done the writing about the trip. Travel alone. Live in the moment and learn new languages. Don’t put off your real life or wait for someone to give you permission to follow your dream. The right job and enough money is the least of it; put your thought and energy into moving yourself forward on the path you choose. Read widely.”

Full L. Peat O’Neil interview online here.