ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM BCATW - APRIL 28, VANCOUVER

© Photos by Pharos 2011

  


 Ostriches are very curious, are you?







Spring in Vancouver, Canada, means the annual symposium of the BC Association of Travel Writers. Both freelancers and industry members gather for some professional development presentations and to connect in person, something we rarely do at other times of the year.

The 2012 symposium focuses on social media - following introductions, experts will offer their guidance and wisdom at round tables. My table at this event will discuss Raising Your Online Presence: Building Trust and Your Tribe.

The symposium is open to non-members for $40.00 including refreshment on Saturday April 28, 2012, at the Listel Hotel on Robson Street; 1:00-3:30pm. Details at http://www.facebook.com/events/301214406615667/ and register at http://www.bctravelwriters.com/events2012/index.html.

Please join us for a afternoon of learning and fantastic door prizes!!

Related articles:

• Writers' Acceptance of Social Media (beaconlit.blogspot.com)
• For Unpublished Writers Who Are Not on Social Media (beaconlit.blogspot.com)

TODAY AT A TRAVEL WRITING SYMPOSIUM

Here are some keepers from today's BC Association of Travel Writers' Annual Symposium:

Panel at BCATW
(c) Julie H. Ferguson 2011

• Travel writers must include not only text  for travel editors, but also still photos, videos, and clear indication of frequent activity on a blog, Twitter, and Facebook. This will help you stand out from the competition.
• Include in your profile to PR companies your recent publication list and URLs of your Flickr page, Youtube page, blogs, and FB biz page. Don't have them? Get them!!
• To be successful, your travel blog must have visuals, original content, and excellent writing. Post often to improve your rankings ...
• The travel memoir is gaining in popularity. Make sure yours include a fundemental truth, a journey, and a transformation caused by your travel experience. (Ruth Kozac's presentation)
• Make sure other characters as well as you are engaged in your travel memoir.
• Include in the memoir more attention to setting and characters, as well as dialogue.

Question: What pro-d do you do to improve your travel writing?