First time here?

Welcome! This blog began as a place for me to chronicle my experience writing my first book, a travel memoir about backpacking solo through Africa.

But I missed blogging about travel. So I decided to morph my two interests, blogging about writing and travel, as well as travel writing. I also share thoughts on journalism and social media.

What can you expect to find here? Practical tips about writing and publishing, inspiration to keep you moving toward your goal and a community of writers who want to share ideas. I also offer travel stories and advice. My specialties are Africa and women traveling alone.

The word “travel” usually evokes images of visiting foreign countries. But like each of you, I’m also traveling through life, looking forward to the unknowns that lie ahead. In addition to working to publish this book, soon I’ll be moving to a new city, working a new job and starting my second book. Who knows where life will take me next?

Newbies may want to check out these posts:

On writing:

• What I wish I knew before I started writing a book

• Why you should reveal embarrassing details in memoir

• How to find a critique group

• Writing for twenty-seven readers

• How to find and apply to writers’ colonies

On social media:

• How to use Facebook to — shhh — promote your book

• How to use social media to look for a job

• The challenge: build community around your blog

• Why writers should use Twitter — and another good reason

• How to turn your blog into a book

On traveling:

• A dozen tips for independent travelers

• Tips for blogging from developing countries
  

On journalism:

• Five cool ways news organizations are using social media

• Considering journalism school? My advice.

Popular interviews with writers:

• Mira’s List of grants, fellowships and residencies

• Dani Shapiro on Devotion, memoir and evolving as a writer

Other awesome stuff:

• A Hambidge Love Story and an update on the Hambidge dog, Cooper

About me & my project:

• Overview of the book

• My bio