Travel writer Julie Miller was awarded ‘Best Travel Writer – Consumer’ in the National Travel Industry Awards on Saturday July 22nd, hosted by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents.
Julie’s work was amongst finalists including Katrina Lobley, Andrew Bain, Beverley Malzard and Christine Retschlag.
Julie talks to Ruby TV about her award winning article “Elephant in the Room” (featured in Get Up and Go magazine). She also shares her travel inspirations and tips on what makes a great travel story.
1.Congrats! Tell me a little about writing the story that won the award.
The story that won is about elephant tourism in Thailand, and how tourists can contribute to the ethical treatment of these animals by visiting sanctuaries that provide a cruelty-free, safe haven for them.
I have been writing about elephants for about 10 years now, and have watched how the issue has evolved as people become more aware of animal welfare and the mistreatment of wild animals in captivity.
Thailand has a very close bond with its beloved symbol, and the problem of what to do with domesticated elephants is a huge and complex one. There are a handful of places doing a great job and also providing travellers with opportunities to interact with the animals.
2.Why do you think/were told that you won?
I think this story fit the criteria for the award submission – to be topical and to provide solid information for travel agents and their clients.
3.What is your favourite (self written) travel story other than this?
I love writing about characters I meet on the road, and also about experiences that impact me on a personal level.
One of my favourite stories is about a horseback safari in Botswana – possibly the most amazing thing I’ve had the privilege of doing.
Here’s the story . a link to that story.
4. When did you start travel writing and why?
I worked for many years as a researcher and producer on The Great Outdoors television program.
One of my co-workers, Helen Hayes, also edited several travel magazines at the time, and she asked me to write about experiences I had on the road.
I soon found out I liked writing more than producing, and ended up changing lanes (though I still dabble in TV!)
5. What for you makes a good travel story?
You need to take the reader on a journey with you, to engage, inform and entertain them.
The best stories are always written from the heart – if there’s passion for the subject matter, it shows.
6.What are your favourite things to write about- what gets your juices flowing?
I’ve developed a niche for writing about wildlife, nature experiences and horse-riding adventures.
There’s nothing I like more than getting out exploring this planet on the back of a horse.
Having said that, elephants are a close competitor to horses, I can’t get enough of those wonderful, wise and intelligent animals!
7.Tips on making a story great? How have you developed your craft?
There is a bit of a formula, in regards to story structure – but the real key is to write from the heart, and to grab the attention of the reader from the start.
Once you have your introduction in place, the rest seems to flow.
While there’s obviously natural talent involved in being a good storyteller, it also requires discipline, self-editing skills and the ability to delete any waffle!
8.Who are your inspirations- favourite travel writers or places to read great travel stories?
When I visit a new destination, I like to read the seminal books that capture the spirit of the place – such as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, by John Berendt, about the southern US city of Savannah.
It’s not a “travel book” per se, but it captures what’s so intriguing about that city.
For short form travel writing, I check out the travel pages in The Guardian, the New York Times, the New Yorker … often it’s pieces that have been recommended by friends on Facebook!
And of course, Australia has brilliant writers as well, I really do have some talented peers!
9.Where to next and who for?
The travel writing industry is in a state of flux, what with editorial cutbacks, budget slashes and redundancies … but I’m hoping to weather the storm and continue contributing to my regular outlets, which include the Sydney Morning Herald, Vacations & Travel, Holidays with Kids and inflight magazines, amongst others. I’ll write for anyone who’ll pay me, really!! I’ve also been working on a book based around my travels, and I’m co-producing a travel/paranormal television show that will hopefully go into production later this year.
10. Where can we read your other work?
Sadly, the magazine that published my elephant story – Get Up and Go – folded recently … a sign of times.
But you can also read my work in SMH/The Age Traveller or in any good travel magazine!
