Travel Writing by Marilee Kostadimas
Hi, I'm Marilee Kostadimas, the voice and writer of Spotlight Sojourns, slow travel stories and hidden gems with the Hidden Gemologists.
I've been asked to share my approach to writing and, specifically, my perspective of travel writing and travel journalism.
On the one hand, it's easy to wax rhapsodic when I'm writing, for example:
- A slow travel story for our weekly newsletter
- A travel article or a coffee guide in the Spotlight blog
- My introduction to Paul's photography portfolio
- How we define what is slow travel and why slow travel matters
- Our travel story and why we're known as the Hidden Gemologists
- And why your travel story deserves your own voice, with your own words
But on the other hand, it's quite awkward to write about myself and my writing.
Hmm, I pondered, should I use the third-person singular? No, surely it must be first-person singular.
Ah, I wondered, could I perhaps just share some kudos for my storytelling? Why yes, that’s a fine idea.
“Marilee’s soulful eloquence will touch you to the core."
Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, MD, Host, the Intimate Marriage Podcast
“Inspirational and knowledgeable … able to captivate a multi-generational audience.”
Dean, School of Applied Arts and Sciences, San Jose State University
“A masterful storyteller who has an innate ability to draw readers in.”
Sarah Yekinni, Attorney and Social Media Strategist
Travel writing perspective
My perspective of travel writing today includes three fundamentals which are increasingly necessary now, more than ever in this automated era:
- An old-fashioned approach
- Traditional skills
- Modern craftsmanship
To clarify, an old fashioned approach to writing means more than wielding pen and ink to fill notepads and paper.
(although yes, I still send hand-written letters and cards in the mail).
Instead, an old-fashioned approach to travel writing means proper researching, sourcing and verifying sources. As well as citing sources, original source material whenever possible.
And, of course, while desk research is indeed invaluable, an old-fashioned approach means taking the trip.
Modern craftsmanship in writing to me means an artistic yet authentic expression of real human moments and genuine emotions.
It's being skilled in the rules of grammar, structure, and techniques.
While possessing a well-honed flexibility and dexterity to deploy or ignore those rules in order to create and shape the work.
Additionally, in my perspective, craftsmanship means the artisan's ongoing quest for originality and creativity and quality.
Marilee Kostadimas
Marilee Kostadimas is an award-winning travel expert and writer committed to originality, creativity, and craftsmanship. She's the Creative Director of Spotlight Sojourns®, slow travel stories and hidden gems with the Hidden Gemologists®.