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CONTENT INTRODUCTION Travel writing is one of the most popular and marketable genres of nonfiction, calling on a variety of writing skills—the use of concrete detail, point of view, character development and scene by scene construction. Through readings, written assignments and individual critiques, students will gain a practical grasp of these techniques. Class will explore literary devices used in travel writing and practice information gathering strategies. Class will also discuss publication and submission of manuscripts. Students will create stories from their own travel experiences for mini-workshops in class. Participants must meet deadlines set for assignments. Participants may not submit previously published work. COURSE DESCRIPTION What better place to learn the genre of travel writing than in Florence! Class excursions will be planned in and around Florence where students will learn to observe and report on these trips by using highly detailed and personal style characteristics of travel writing. With the goal of publishing a piece of writing in a local American periodical students will complete a series of writing assignments based on class outing and personal travels. In class and outside reading assignments will augment classroom discussion. COURSE RATIONALE This course is intended for travelling writers who are intent on reaching an understanding of their geographical and cultural surroundings via observation-based experience and documentation. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Students will learn the essentials of travel writing based on the four elements outlined below. Students will be able to prepare article proposals, transform research-based travel writing into publishable manuscripts. They will also learn how to submit a piece of writing for publication. The elements of travel writing: 1) On the Road: Keeping a writer’s journal, brainstorming, travelogues, questions to ask about places you’ve visited, connecting to travel sources, information gathering strategies, research, outlining methods, practice vs. inspiration. 2) Travel Essentials: Discovering a place, developing a clear narrative voice, establishing sociological and cultural context, descriptive details, hook and tie writing, titles, theme specific writing, stylistic techniques: informative, experiential, philosophical. 3) Travel Profiles: Discovering people and their voices, quick character development, point of view, conducting interviews, fictional devices, creating strong dialogue. 4) On the Market: Submissions, developing query letters, getting to know the market, manuscript production techniques, self-editing, preparing a pitch.
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