“I determined to keep an account of the voyage and to write down punctually everything we performed or saw from day to day…” Christopher Columbus wrote this in his ‘Diary of the First Voyage’ to the Americas in 1492. Travel writing has been around since we first decided to set off exploring the world, wanting to record our adventures, sounds, images and feelings along the way.

There’s never been a better time to write than today. As well as the traditional method of pen and paper we now have technology to aid our creative efforts.  With the PC, netbook, iPad, smart phone, digital camera etc we can capture not only our ideas but also our pictures in an instant (batteries permitting!)  Although it is more difficult to get into print for money, publishing has become easier with the boom in self-publishing and blogging.  So, there’s no excuse not to write…

Ah, but maybe there is.  In fact, most writers I know, myself included, can find any excuse NOT to write. Here are Quirky Traveller’s Top 10 Excuses for NOT Writing.

1. I’m not good enough
2. It’s too late/I’m too old
3. I don’t have time
4. I don’t know what to write about
5. I can’t afford to
6. I’ll do it later/when I retire
7. I’m waiting for inspiration
8. There’s too much competition
9. I haven’t travelled enough
10. I don’t know how

What we often don’t add to that list is –“I’m scared” or “I don’t want to.” Well, the good news is if you really do want to write, you will, however much you tell yourself you can’t or won’t.  Why? Because in the end, you won’t be able NOT to … but you may need a bit of help along the way.  So here are some ideas to help you get started.

1.    I’m not good enough Find your own voice. Think about the writing that you enjoy. Humorous? Descriptive? Lyrical? Informative?  Maybe that is a style you can aspire to but with your own twist.

2.    It’s too late/I’m too old You’re NEVER too old to be creative. Think Grandma Moses! Just give it a go. Age, maturity, experience call it what you will, all help to produce fascinating writing.

3.    I don’t have time Well, that’s probably the oldest procrastination in the book … you don’t need much time to do a bit.  Tell yourself you’re only going to take 10 minutes – and see what happens…

4.    I don’t know what to write about A classic piece of writing advice bears repetition here – write about what you know. You may want to recollect a favourite holiday, a local sight of interest, a festival you’ve been to…

5.    I can’t afford to It’s true that you may not make any money at all from your writing so don’t pack in your job just yet. However, many writers have a paid job and write in their spare time.

6.    I’ll do it later/when I retire Hmmm, yes, that’s all very well, but what if you got knocked down by a bus and you’re breathing your last and you think, “ I never did give it go” – how would you feel? Tomorrow DOES come, and so do regrets.  JDI – JUST DO IT…

7.    I’m waiting for inspiration Write ANYTHING to cover that blank page … you can always delete/throw it away but it will get you used to the simple process of writing.  Most writers are seldom inspired most of the time.

8.    There’s too much competition See #1 – don’t try to compete with anyone. Writing’s not a team sport. Being creative comes from inside and there’s plenty of room for voices of all kinds.

9.    I haven’t travelled enough Some of the best writing is about the most ordinary places, people, sights. Choose somewhere nearby – maybe it’s the local park, the view from the bedroom, the station. Write about it as if you were selling it to a first time visitor.  Travel brochure writers can do it – so can you!

10.    I don’t know how Learn from others. Go on a writing course, a workshop, have 1-1 coaching, ask people who’ve done it – how they do it.

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