Looking for a subway map for your next trip? Look here. You’ll find them for every continent. Truly an amazing resource for travelers.
Category Archives: travel
World Atlas
This resource is pretty cool–especially if you do a lot of travel writing. World Atlas gives facts, maps and other info for continents, islands, oceans and more. A great thing to have bookmarked for quick reference.
Writers Retreat: Moss Mountain Inn, Columbia Falls, MT
Moss Mountain Inn is pretty amazing on a lot of levels. First of all, the place functions as writer’s retreat from September through May. Secondly, it is right near Montana’s glorious Glacier National Park. And third? It is a fully organic, green property. Hunter and Debi Moss will be your hosts, cook your meals, and if you sign on for it, Debi will mentor you in your writing while you are there as well.
A professional writer since 1984, Debi has some fantastic publishing credits which include Outside, Bicycling, Discovery and Chicken Soup for the Soul, to name a few. Views of the national park and even a balcony are yours to enjoy. There is also a solarium and two libraries at your disposal. It doesn’t get much better than this people! The price is right too–$149 per night–including an organic breakfast! (Writing services negotiated individually)
Check out the site–and if you get to go–post here and let everyone know how it was! (You’ll make me very jealous!)
Freelance Destinations: Sori Sushi, Toledo OH
I’m on the road this week, and today I had an excellent under $20-per-person meal at Sori Sushi in Toledo, Ohio. This is freelancer-friendly with good sized tables for laptops and food. Perfect for yours truly, the work-obsessed constant scribbler trying to earn a buck–make that MORE than a buck–any way I can. (In spite of having a good-paying gig that eats much of my time already.) The sushi here is excellent, you can get some decent work done and the dessert menu includes my all-time favorite, red bean ice cream.
Hey, freelancers, if you’re wondering what the hell Toledo has to offer a writer looking for story ideas, check out the Toledo Museum of Art (home to more than 30 thousand works of art inlcuding works by Chuck Close, Mark Rothko and Matisse). It has a large collection of Egyptian and Greek artifacts, and the museum’s Glass Pavillion was named “Best Museum” by Travel + Leisure in 2007. You can also check out Toledo’s Sound Asylum at 2582 Monroe St, Toledo. This shop has served Toledo since 1978–a very long track record for a sole-owner record shop. This would be great as a business profile or as music journalism piece on how one local business is surviving the current CD vs. download wars. And you can always write a food/travel piece on Sori Sushi…
No matter what brings you out to Toledo, Ohio, pay a visit to Sori Sushi. You will NOT regret the stop. Sori and Kenny will make you feel right at home.
Buzz Cafe In Oak Park, IL
Artists, writers and other people who enjoy an offbeat, comfortable atmosphere will appreciate Buzz Cafe in Oak Park, Illinois. This coffee house serves up some delicious food in addition to providing some strong java for those who need a jolt to keep the muse alive a little longer. The walls hold an endless supply of local artist’s work and provide additional inspiration. Check out their schedule too, they have musicians, dancers and other performers in from time to time as well.
Feel the need to get away?
Combine your best intentions for a nice vacation with something work-related! Below is a quick run-down of some upcoming writers conferences across the country.
Shop the Novel, Pitch the House: September 25-28 in NYC
What: The goal, in their own words, “is to set writers on a realistic path to publication by providing not only opportunity, but guidance on the novel from the best industry professionals in New York.”
Who: Acquisitions editors from major publishing houses such as Doubleday, Penguin, Random House, Viking, Berkeley, and more.
Where: Workshops take place at the Ripley Greer Studios on 520 Eighth Ave, 16th floor, near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station
Go if: You’re working in the genres of all types of commercial and literary fiction, serious and light women’s fiction, historical fiction, mystery/thriller and detective, high-concept young adult, as well as memoir and narrative nonfiction.
Site: Shop the Novel, Pitch the House
Backspace Writers Conference: August 7 & 8 in NYC
What: “Two-day, two-track program of workshops, panels and networking in the heart of the publishing world.”
Who: Keynote speakers, literary agents, authors, editors and other publishing professionals (for a complete list, refer to the site)
Where: The Radisson Martinique Hotel, 32nd and Broadway, in New York City
Go if: You want to take part in a newer conference with a solid reputation that presents a variety of industry topics in a well-organized two-day span.
Site: Backspace Writers Conference
Willamette Writers Conference: August 1-3 in Portland, OR
What: “Meet and exchange ideas with hundreds of other writers, to hone your craft, find expert advice, sell your work and get your creative juices flowing.” Now in its 39th year, with over 80 workshops to choose from. This year’s conference specifically focuses on making writing and marketing easier with the theme “Easy Writer.”
Who: Over 50 literary agents and editors on hand with 44 conference speakers and workshop leaders.
Where: Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel on Airport Way
Go if: You’re a writer in the Pacific Northwest, established or aspiring, seeking a creative environment and support system while attending informative workshops with a “by writers, for writers” feel.