I regularly teach writing classes and give workshops on Travel Writing, Memoir Writing, and Creative Writing. As well as teaching Memoir Writing at Carleton University in Ottawa, Travel Writing courses for the Department of Foreign Affairs, and an Intensive Travel Writing Workshop at the San Miguel International Writers' Conference in Mexico, I enjoy teaching and working with groups large and small at events, schools, book clubs, women’s groups, university groups, libraries, travel-related groups, and arts organizations.
Travel Writing Workshop blurbs:
"World Travels and Travel Writing: Turning One Obsession Into Another"
"Live your travels over again by writing about them and become a travel writer in the process. Join author Laurie Gough in a workshop focusing on what makes a good travel story. You’ll learn that to be an effective travel writer you must lead the reader into the wonder of the place you’re describing, always remembering that your experience can only be conveyed through details. We’ll discuss ‘finding’ the story and how this isn’t something you can anticipate before leaving; travelling for a story as opposed to travelling for travel’s sake; how to begin and craft your stories; how the ‘quest’ makes for a good travel story; the various types of travel writing; and travel journals. We’ll also discuss ideas on getting published in today’s rapidly changing market, and you’ll be given the opportunity to share and be given feedback on your work."
“Breaking Into Travel Writing”
"Author Laurie Gough will talk about the practicalities of approaching travel writing as a profession with lots of how-to advice on breaking into the market. You’ll learn what editors are looking for in today’s rapidly-changing travel writing world and how to sell your stories several times over. We’ll discuss opportunities in writing ‘travel advice’ and ‘travel news’—the kind of stories that are always in demand but may not involve actually getting on a plane. We’ll also discuss aspects of what makes a good travel story, and focus on different ways to start a travel story to catch an editor’s attention. Bring a pen, notebook, and your questions."Memoir Writing Course: “Turning Your Life Stories Into Memoir”
"Everyone has a unique and compelling story to tell. This course concentrates on writing from personal experience, offering you the tools to give your life story shape and form. Through lectures on specific topics and in-class exercises that are fun and inspiring, you’ll learn how to craft your life story into a valuable narrative. In a supportive environment, you’ll explore the creative doors that open as you commit those memories to paper. The homework given will build toward your own memoir."Writing Course/Workshop Testimonials
“The setting of your outdoor travel writing workshop was perfect; the round table opened communication amongst the group, and the outdoor setting created a warm relaxed atmosphere to share stories and ideas. I found the session exceptionally informative. Your presentation style was effective because you incorporated discussion of fundamental travel writing skills in addition to elaborating on your own personal experiences of how you got started. Now that I have some idea of the basic skills and knowledge required to become a travel writer, I will begin to hone my writing skills. I appreciate your generosity of offering to review our upcoming work. What a great gift to be able to get feedback from you. Thanks Laurie!”~Julie Cote, Wakefield, Quebec
“Laurie is perfect for the material and age of the class. She has a quiet way of getting us to read our work without feeling vulnerable—a great skill indeed! She introduced a lot of very helpful material and the exercises challenged us and also pointed the way to what we need to do to continue our learning. Bring her back for the next class!!!”
~Olivia Jacobs, Learning In Retirement Student at Carleton University, Fall, 2009
“I enjoyed Laurie's course so much and found the round table format worked wonderfully under her leadership. It gave us plenty of scope to exchange ideas and share our work in an accepting environment. So thanks so much, Laurie!”
~Joan Fairweather, Learning In Retirement Student at Carleton University, Fall, 2009
Writing and Editing for all types of Clients
My Work
Rates
Writing and Editing for all types of Clients
I don't just write travel books, travel articles, and travel-related websites. I also write for a living, which means writing everything from reports, to websites, to nature guides, to government guidebooks on working in Bangladesh, to catalogues on organic mattresses. I always meet my deadlines and I'm happy to do research. Whether you're a corporate or government client, or someone who needs something written well, re-written or edited, I'm up for the job.
My Work
Click here for Samples of my Work
And Some Websites I've Written...
www.thelearningtraveller.comwww.bahamabeachclub.com
www.travel-wise.com
Editing and Critiquing
I specialize in Travel Writing Editing and Memoir Editing, both of which I've been doing for 15 years. I also do other types of editing. Do you have a short story, article, essay, or manuscript you’ve written that you’d like feedback on? Need an editor? Email me and we’ll discuss your project. I’ve critiqued and edited everything from novels, to young adult and children’s books, to articles on vitamin D, to government fact sheets. Rates are negotiable.
Rates
Flat fee
With a per-project flat fee, the client always knows what to expect in advance.By the hour
Sometimes I charge by the hour for ongoing work that doesn't easily fit into a flat fee structure. For the projects which require hourly billing, my general rate starts at $35/hour, depending on the project, which is darn cheap for quality writing, but this is a recession!If you need a writer or editor who will work with you to build the best articles, books, brochures, web sites, or any other projects, please contact me.
Thanks for your interest!
“Laurie is an astute editor with great instincts for language and the human condition. With a light, deft touch, she quickly sizes up what needs to be done to improve a story or essay, and offers practical, realistic advice.”
~Diane Bacuk, Writer, Toronto