What does each audience find interesting about Viva Travel Latin Guide?
I have one formal book event under my belt, twenty conversations with book store managers, and 2 dozen social occasions where I have been asked to talk about the book.
Sure I have a short story about the book. I have a book coming out along with 150 collaborators. Yep, all those emails about all the far flung places I schlepped my kids are now coming out in print. I usually mention about how the V!va editors found out I knew about Paraguay and asked if I could write about a few sites there.
But my story has changed.
I used to launch into the how-to's of publishing writing about your travels. I offered sage advice that I cannot seem to adhere to in practice. Blah, blah, blah.
Then I tried closing my mouth. I found what people really wanted to hear were stories, stories about Claire being surrounded by a dozen penguins in Argentina, tales of cowardice in flying in a 12- seater over the Andes and into the Amazon, vignettes of the lusty 19th century leaders of Paraguay Madame Lynch and Mariscol Lopez, mini moments on side trips in the alleyways of Cuzco, La Paz, and Quito, accounts of Andrew and his transportation fixation, and counts of all the insects in Madidi.
So my first lesson is the stories in the book and behind the travels capture the imagination.
My second lesson is that many are fascinated with how the book came into being, and learning whether Latin America is the place for them (or their readers). But is is the web connection that intrigues them, not the nitty gritty details of writing.
My third lesson is that everyone likes a sneak preview. I worried that if I "gave away" tips and stories no one would want the book. Instead they keep asking when the book is coming out.
How does this translate to talking to book reviewer? Here is what I am saying:
- Web 2.0 Meets Travelogue--- Through the VivaGuide's website travelers from five continents came together to write a travel guide.
- Latin America is for everyone--- families, writers, adventurers, backpackers, volunteers, retirees, trekkers, cafe sitters you name it.
- You (and your readers) can have a sneak preview. there are 333 excerpts available for reprint and you can see what you are buying. It is short, quirky, varied. The stories are great. I give a sample of titles and topics.
- Nothing like a snap shot story: Everyone's favorite story is about hearing Claire, then 4, calling out, "Moooom they are all around me." I turned from the Atlantic ocean and saw her surrounded by 20 or a million penguins depending on where you stopped counting.
2 comments:
While Kelley and our older daughter were on their Galapagos cruise, I stayed on a historic hacienda north of Quito with our first grader, Claire, and our two year-old son, Andrew. While we were walking in the garden we were attacked by two unpleasant and highly territorial geese. I tried to kick at them while shouting at the kids -- frozen like statues -- to run away. Later Claire got over the experience and spent a lot of time exploring the hacienda's beautiful gardens. But she always caried a stick and told me she even used it to take a swipe or two at the geese.
The book sounds fascinating! I will order one for me, and I'll also spread the word here in Bolivia -- there are many here in La Paz looking for a good latin american travel guide. We've traveled a bit within Bolivia and to Buenos Aires with our two young kids, but are looking forward to some more adventures during the next year!
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