The following excerpt is from “Successful with Words,” by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill.

We do not label ourselves as travel writers. Many people think that travel writing is full of free, easy, delicious and exotic vacations. However, the truth is that we do pay for a great deal, and travel writing is hard work enhanced by the experiences.

Food writing sounds like fun, until you have eaten your 11th fishcake on a sweltering, sunny August day in the tropics while judging a contest, or have to move up to the next size clothing from too many tastes.

Collectively, we also write about country Christmas, train travel, camping, health and healing waters, Mexican Mole, big (bad) business writing, race car driving, and building green.

Anthony Bourdain is author of the controversial Kitchen Confidential, and host of his own TV show, No Reservations, our favorite food writer (after Julia, of course). Tony does not claim to be a writer. He is a chef. But, he goes deep, behind the scenes, into the pungent back kitchens of Cambodia. He reads the mind and repeats the raw words of a 3rd line cook in Provincetown. Bourdain tells it all, exactly how it is, straight from the gut. He sounds irreverent, yet I find him spiritual. He travels and tastes. Yet, he writes about life.

No one can teach this art, and it is not found in guidebooks. Writing is as much about perspiration and determination as inspiration.

Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
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