10 tips to immortalize your adventures

Can any trip give rise to a story?

In absolute terms, I would say yes. But at first, writing for yourself allows you to leave a trace, a footprint. To anchor and integrate differently the journey through his body. The writing will allow, by remembering this trip, to live it internally, on another plane.

Should we prepare to write before leaving?

Yes, we must mature this project, knowing that real preparation will be done over the days, on the way, from daily experience, meetings, experiences that we cannot anticipate.

What should you bring in your backpack to do this?

A practical, solid, light support that suits us and with which we are comfortable. This can range from the simple notebook or notebook to a more fragile tablet. It all depends on the conditions and the environment in which the trip will be done. Any support has its advantages and disadvantages: think about it before its departure.

Do you advise to write every day?

Without hesitation, yes! Every day is so different … If you don’t want to lose anything, forgetting anything about this experience, these experiences, unique at all levels, it is important, in my opinion, to write every day.

Take notes or write?

It seems to me that the two steps have their usefulness. It all depends on the moment when we write. During the day, an idea, a feeling, an emotion can arise while you walk and it is not easy to stop to write. In this case, you can write a note quickly. On the other hand, in the evening, quiet, we can resume the notes of the day and write a more elaborate text.

What other supports could be useful for writing on the return?

Depending on his affinities, his interests, this can be: photos, cards, sketches, cities plans, drawings, paintings, collages, local newspapers, etc. The choice is vast and will be done according to everyone’s objectives.

On the return, let stand or get to work without delay?

When we come back from an important trip, this adventure is still present in us for quite a long time. But it seems to me that you shouldn’t wait too much to write. We may however need to take a step back, to let “decant” before embarking on writing. Again, this temporality depends on each.

What are the ingredients for a good travel story?

First: authenticity and sincerity. Writing with his heart, “with his guts”, will allow us to touch the reader. Also say his emotions, his sensitivity, his feelings. I often recall, in the writing workshop, not to forget the five senses: evoke sounds, smells, flavors, colors and touch. And finally, restore your relationship with nature.

How to go beyond the style of the logbook, whose interest is often limited for the reader?

To hang the curiosity of future readers, it is important to relate in an original way your personal, deep, even intimate experiences: a confidence received from a stranger, spontaneous mutual aid while we are in difficulty, hospital And the comfort in the evening stage, touching words to the office or a shock (a revelation, perhaps?) In a small country chapel …

And for those who want to edit their story, how do you go about it?

Two possibilities: to be edited by an editor or self-publishing. In the first case, inquire about the edition houses interested in this type of structures, and send your manuscript by highlighting your strengths and the way you could support its promotion. But there are many candidates and few elected officials! As for self-publishing, it requires an important personal investment: not only for the initial funding, but also for the dissemination of the work (conferences, fairs, etc.).

If you are motivated, this is the best solution that will present yourself to you! Like on the way …