OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
Podcast: Download (Duration: 29:00 — 6.6MB)
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This is an inspirational podcast! Alastair Humphreys is the author of 3 books, an adventurer and inspirational speaker based in London, England. He spent 4 years cycling around the world – 46,000 miles across 5 continents for charity. An amazing story and full of tips for writers as well.
In this podcast you will learn:
- How Alastair made it round the world over 4 years for very little money
- Learning how to write by reading and just getting on with it
- Writing a diary on the road and then turning it into a book (and how his Mum typed them all up over the years!)
- On the inspiration of Steinbeck and Hemingway (and is Ayn Rand “Atlas Shrugged” life-changing?)
- Loneliness vs. solitude in the life of a traveller and writer.
- How honest writing can really connect with your audience. Travel writing is not just about beautiful scenery.
- The use of fictional techniques in ‘truthful' non-fiction writing
- Alastair's publishing journey
- Being an evangelist for self-publishing and print-on-demand
- “Setting small targets to achieve outrageous goals”: How to write a book as well as cycling round the world!
- Make a bold statement of your goal – and then take the small steps to get there.
- On giving books away for free in an attempt to drive print book sales
- Internet book marketing is critical if you are self-publishing. Interesting, regularly updated blog and social networking are top tips.
- Your internet following will grow over time – it is not a ‘get rich quick' solution but you will get there!
- Making a living with speaking and how books help that career
- The next outrageous goal: an unsupported return journey across the South Pole
His website http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/ is packed with fascinating information and is a great resource for any aspiring travel writers.
He also has a Flickr site for photos and you can watch his videos online here. You can contact Alastair on his website or through Twitter @Al_Humphreys
Here's a brilliant video – around the world in 3 minutes.
Round the World in 3 Minutes from alastair Humphreys on Vimeo.
Alastair is a great inspiration, and this was a great interview, thanks!
The interview was fascinating. Alastair Humphrey’s an interesting personality someone worth following. Great job on the interview Joanna. My favorite part was the discussion concerning the usage of fictional techniques for non-fictional writing. Many non fiction writers, like me are in a similar dilemma. Hope you post articles more on that 🙂
Great interview, enjoyed it, and found it funny. I’v done a lot of travelling but not to his extent.