Great Escape Radio Podcast #24: Times have changed

"All of your struggles are not forever, they're just for now." Lori Allen

If you'd like to learn more about Great Escape Publishing's programs, Lori suggests starting with the travel writing program. You can find more information and a video to see if travel writing is right for you here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.

This week host, Jody Mayberry and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, talk more about last episode's interview with Jeff Kontur and the concept of figuring out what works for you.

Lori shares with us more about the DC Social Summit where she met Jeff Kontur…

"The idea behind the DC Area Social was to invite people in the area to come in and meet us and learn about our events and products and then to have drinks and socialize. We've found that our most successful members are the ones who have formed networks with other writers and photographers."

Since Great Escape Publishing began, Lori has noted trends that come and go.

In the past…

1. Travel writers and photographers were separate
2. It wasn't acceptable for you to pursue your passion – you were expected to have a real job
3. Great Escape Publishing workshops gave attendees access to the professional and inside info from editors

Today…

1. Travel writers are taking photos and photographers are writing about travel
2. Now, it is acceptable to follow your passions instead of having a "real job"
3. Great Escape Publishing workshops still give attendees access to the professionals and inside info from the editors, but there is a new trend – an added benefit: networking among the attendees

"Networking is HUGE now. We noticed this trend starting after the 2011 travel workshop in Chicago when a group of women set up a Facebook group to stay connected with other attendees for encouragement, inspiration and to share ideas. Patti Morrow and Terri Marshall were in that initial group and look at them now, they've got hundreds of bylines. Patti quit her job as a lobbyist, Terri quit her job as a tax accountant and they are both writing full-time."

In Podcast #23, Jeff Kontur talked about his "Italian pasta concept of experimentation," which involves throwing a bunch of stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. For him, most everything has stuck…

Lori's take on that –

"It's a real testament to the times that we're in right now. Previously we didn't have all these opportunities, you had to pick something. But that's changing and evolving over time. Now, you can try all kinds of things and then decide what works for you."

Most importantly…

• Follow your heart
• Follow what is the most fun for you to do
• Or go forward with all of your options and allow yourself to be multifaceted
• If something doesn't work, just go back to something else.

If you'd like to learn more about Great Escape Publishing's programs, Lori suggests starting with the travel writing program. You can find more information and a video to see if travel writing is right for you here: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.