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Janice Waugh, aka Solotraveler is a new acquaintance. Like so many writers, she has followed her desire to keep traveling which has led her to a new career.
Maralyn: Please introduce yourself Provide some background, i.e.where are you from, how did you start writing, is there anything specifically interesting about you? If you had another career first, how/why did you switch to writing?
Janice: I have been a writer and avid traveler for over 20 years, but almost four years ago my husband passed away. Then, a year ago, in an effort to pull myself out of my funk and in realization that I would have to travel solo, I started the blog Solo Traveler. I’m based in Canada but my readers are all over the world.
Maralyn: What type of writing do you focus on, food, wine or travel or all three?
Janice: I write about the unique nature of solo travel. I offer tips, safety advice, destinations, stories and perspectives. I also have a short eBook that is free on my site called “Glad You’re Not Here: a solo traveler’s manifesto.”
Maralyn: What can you share with others as to important tips or suggestions for other writers on writing and finding outlets for articles?
Janice: There are dozens if not hundreds of opportunities to syndicate your writing on the web for free. The trick is to make a bit of money at it. Unlike travel writing where one is paid for the work specifically, travel blogging is more like a publishing business. You are responsible for editorial policies, research, writing the articles, promotions, advertising sales, and accounting… The most important tip I can offer is to keep writing, publishing and connecting. Twitter was the most valuable tool for the start up of my blog. I met other bloggers there and promoted my posts there.
Maralyn: How did you get started writing and blogging?
Janice: I started writing out of necessity. I had to do it for my soul. And, because it is a passion, I have been able to sustain my enthusiasm despite very long work hours.
Maralyn: Did you have something specific that inspired you to write in this genre?
Janice: As described above, my life circumstance of being a widow inspired me to write about solo travel.
Maralyn: How often do you blog?
Janice: I publish 4 times per week, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The fact that I publish on specific days is important because readers know what and when to expect more stories from me.
Maralyn: What has been the most effective means of gaining traffic/followers?
Janice: Twitter was at first. Then Stumbleupon. Now Google drives the most traffic to my site.
Maralyn: Do you go to food, wine or tavel writers or blog conferences?
Janice: I’m speaking at The Travel Bloggers Show in Orlando on September 12Janice: I’m speaking at The Travel Bloggers Show in Orlando on September 12thth. I am also a co-founder of the . I am also a co-founder of the Global Bloggers NetworkGlobal Bloggers Network – an online resources for travel bloggers. – an online resources for travel bloggers.
Maralyn: What do you feel you gain the most from blogging?
Janice: I have found a network of colleagues with shared interests and outlook. I have never found that before. It’s fantastic.
Maralyn: What’s the most difficult part of your job?
Janice: There are too many things to do. I feel pulled in many directions and never feel that I have done enough.
Maralyn: Have you learned any inside tips along the way you could recommend to writers/bloggers starting out?
Janice: Hundreds. I offer them on a regular basis in the newsletter of the Global Bloggers Network. Sorry, I’m rushed and can’t attend to this at the moment.
Maralyn: Do you use social networking to promote your blog? If so, which ones work best for you?
Janice: Twitter. Facebook. Stumbleupon.
Maralyn: Have you considered writing a book? If so, could you tell us about the subject and any titles you may have already?
Janice: That’s in the future.Janice: That’s in the future.
Maralyn: Where can readers learn more about you?
Blog:Blog: http://solotravelerblog.com
Twitter: Twitter: http://twitter.com/solotraveler/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=83319714352#!/pages/Solo-Travel-Society/83319714352
Thank you Janice. In addition to providing an interesting interview, you have given our readers some wonderful insight into blogging. I know I’m going to check out Global Bloggers Network.
Maralyn D. Hill, President, International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
EMail: MDHill@noralyn.com
WhereAndWhatInTheWorld.com, Books By Hills, SuccessWithWriting.com, Big Blend Magazine, Global Writes NoraLyn LTD
Member: Society of Professional Journalists
These interviews for authors, writers, bloggers, publishers, etc. are offered to provide you a means to showcase yourself and success with writing. If you would like to be interviewed, please tell email me at mdhill@noralyn.com and let me know if you want the writer/author, blogger/writer, or publisher questions.
If you are a blogger who does not blog about food, wine or travel, be sure to send me your website and blog so I can ask appropriate questions.
I travel and write a lot, so requests go in queue.
