TRAVEL WRITER SUCCESS INSIDER WITH ROSE PALMER
Rose Palmer is an award-winning travel writer and photographer, who shares her stories from her adventures around the world and across the country. As she says, ”Life is a Patchwork of Experiences! ” Rose is also host to Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” Podcast that features new episodes every 2nd Tuesday.
After a diverse 25-year career as a PhD chemist, Rose took early retirement and now uses her time to explore the world and her creativity. Travel, photography and quilting have been her lasting passions and provide the framework for continuing learning experiences. She is always on the lookout for unique experiences and likes to focus her traveling lens on history, art, architecture, nature, soft adventures, and cruising in all its forms.
So, what does it take to be successful as a travel writer and photographer? Enjoy the podcast and slide show featuring some of Rose’s travel images, and check out her answers to our 10 Insider Questions about her career:
What led you to a career as a travel writer and photographer?
This is my “retirement” career. I’ve always loved to travel and take photos. I was reading other people’s blogs and thought ”I can do that. I can write about my experiences and share my photos” without realizing how much work it really is. But I love to travel, and I do love sharing my stories and seeing that other people find them useful.
What attributes do you have that make you a good fit for the lifestyle of a travel writer?
As my mother said, I have no “sitz fleisch” which is German for not being able to sit still. I get bored very quickly, so the thrill of going somewhere new counters that boredom. Traveling stimulates me mentally and physically. I’ve also been into photography since my early 20s. I love taking photos of the places I visit and trying to capture the essence of what I see and feel about a destination.
Who or what inspires you?
I always wished I could be a National Geographic photographer. They always went to the coolest places and produced some of the most beautiful photos. I aspire to produce that level of content with both my writing and photography.
Describe your ideal audience.
My ideal audience is inquisitive, likes to try new experiences, has a creative side, and a sense of humor.
What personal changes have you had to make to build your career?
I never did anything with social media before I started travel writing. I had to learn the ins and outs of Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok. I don’t enjoy it, but posting on social media is necessary to help me get my content out to others.
What challenges do travel writers go through that readers may not know about?
When I travel, I am always “working”. I take photos constantly because I don’t know what I may want later. I am always thinking about possible story ideas. Once I am home, the process of crafting a story and picking and editing photos takes a lot longer than it appears.
If you could invite any three people (alive or passed on) for a dinner party, who would they be?
Michelle Obama, Rick Steves, and Marie Curie.
If you could switch careers for a day (just to learn something new), what would you choose?
Musician. I have absolutely no musical talent – can’t carry a tune, can’t whistle, can’t play an instrument. I am in awe of anyone who is a skilled musician, especially those who compose music. I can’t imagine how someone can take the music in their head and then put it down on paper, especially when it involves multiple instruments and complicated harmonies.
What three destinations or experiences are on your bucket list to do within the next 3-5 years?
Oh, that’s hard to narrow down – the list is long and keeps growing even as I cross off one or two. Patagonia; Churchill, Canada to see polar bears; as many of the US National Parks as I can that I have not been to yet.
What is the most important tip you would pass on to someone just getting started in the world of travel writing?
Find your own voice and be authentic. Write about your own personal experiences and passions. There is so much content out there that sounds the same – we don’t need more of that. And travel as much as you can.
Follow Rose’s “Quiltripping” Travels at www.Quiltripping.com.
