A $1,500 Assignment... Interview with Attendee David Fawcette

Read the interview with workshop attendee David Fawcette. David joined us in Santa Monica at our Travel Writer’s Workshop, and then again at our Stock Photo Workshop at Delray Beach. Since then, he’s had several articles and photos published.
CHRISTINA: Hi Dave. Congratulations on your recently-published articles and photos. Before we get into the specifics, can you tell me what made you want to get into travel writing?
DAVID: I love to travel and write, and I enjoy the different cultures of the world. I spent more than 38 years with the federal government in several agencies, and my job required me to travel. During those years, I went through three government passports — it was impossible to put any additional stamps or pages in them.
CHRISTINA: Last year, you joined us first in Santa Monica for the Travel Writer’s Workshop, and then in October at the Delray Beach Stock Photo Workshop. How has your writing and photography changed since these events?
DAVID: Before the events, I’d been studying the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program written by Jennifer Stevens, and I’d read everything you publish in The Right Way to Travel. At the live events, the course instructors make you feel at ease — no matter your experience. And, they take the time to assist you with problems. I took away confidence, determination, and the ability to look outside the box – all of which have impacted on the way I write and take photos.
CHRISTINA: You mentioned you’ve had several articles (and photos) published in your hometown newspaper. Can you tell me a little bit about that process? How did you contact the editor?
DAVID: I got off my tush and started contacting the editor of the Gaston Gazette, The Belmont Banner, the Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties Senior Citizens Games officials, in person. I asked each what I could do for their organizations.
CHRISTINA:  Can you tell me a little bit about the articles — what they are about…how you get the ideas…whether they are paid assignments?
DAVID: With the newspapers, I choose items that are of interest to the people of the counties. The Senior Games officials saw some of my work and requested me to be their writer and photographer for the games. So, this summer, I’ll do the articles and photos.
At first, it was mostly to just get the exposure. Then, as I proved myself to the editors and the Senior Games people, things opened up. Both newspaper editors said they would hire me full-time. I’d prefer to stay a freelancer, though.
The senior games of Mecklinburg offered $1,500 for my article and photos. And, the newspapers are paying my expenses. So, as far as I am concerned, I’ve come a long way since last August. My name and my business name is getting out there.
CHRISTINA:  What is your favorite thing about being a published travel writer/photographer?
DAVID: Travel, writing, being a people person, and developing a niche. In time, I’d like to expand both internationally and domestically; giving to people something that is missing in their lives. Having someone look at a photo you took, a story or article that says all is not lost and brings a smile to their face and soul is very rewarding.
CHRISTINA: What’s next for you? Do you have more articles in the works?
DAVID: Yes, I have several things on the fire. There’s the National White Water Rafting Center located in the area; it’s the national training area for the Olympics and is opening up soon. Then there’s Stowe Botanical Gardens, the Schiele Museum of Natural History, and Lynn Planetarium.
CHRISTINA:  Anything else you’d like to share with fellow travel writers or photographers who are just getting started (or even those thinking about getting started)?
DAVID: You as an individual have to decide what’s best for you. You may be that one individual who makes the world a little happier with your writing and photographs.
CHRISTINA: Thanks, David. Keep up the good work!
[Editor’s Note: Learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel.  Sign up here today and we’ll send you a new report, Selling Photos for Cash: A Quick-Start Guide, completely FREE.]