Write What You Know

I've been working with writers for 10 years. I've told authors to write what they know. Everyone has heard this. Unfortunately, very few writers do it. I have one friend who did. She took a trip to Britain. She spent the whole time staying at old hotels, castles, and visiting museums.

I do have one friend who listened to this advice. Less than 10 years later she has 9 books in print and is the Senior Editor at one of North America's larger Book Publishers.

I am a firm believer that authors should travel. Everyone should travel. There is nothing more empowering than seeing the world beyond your neighborhood. I think every author should stand on a mountain in China, walk the coast of Africa, stand on a castle in Scotland, and ride a schooner in Australia. Only then will they be prepared to explore the 'human condition.'


Here are some tips for using a good Online Hotel Booking site.

1. Make sure the website is owned by a recognized travel group. When you find the name of the company, Google it. Can you find the head office on a map? Is there a phone number? If so then you have a ‘real’ website and not one of the affiliate websites.

2. Do the same test with the Hotel before booking. One friend of mine asks the hotel for a good local restaurant. Then, she searches the restaurant. She phones them and asks if they can refer a few local hotels. If the restaurant refers the hotel then you can be fairly certain that the hotel did not misrepresent their quality.

3. Book online. Travel agencies can book hotels that are not on the Hotel booking websites then, Buyer Beware. I find that I can get a discount when booking online.

4. Contact the local health department. Make sure that you have all the shots needed. Also, make sure that you have a good idea of the local diet. My parents went on a dream vacation to the Bahamas. They didn’t consider their diet and ended up feeling ill most of the trip.

If you have food sensitivities then stay in the tourist areas. Do not venture into the local restaurants and markets. Also, beware of the water.

5. Make sure that you have a good idea of the Hotel’s clientele before booking. There is nothing more disheartening than expecting to sleep late and bask on a sun soaked beach, only to arrive to find you booked the ‘hottest’ party spot on the beach.

6. Book Hotels Online but make sure the site is SLL secure. Verify the website with your credit card company. This will verify that the company is legit.

One last note. The travel industry is not regulated. Anyone can start their own travel agency without any experience or knowledge. Use the same guidelines to book an online hotel for local travel agencies. The travel world is full of horror stories about local travel agencies. They are not more legit than an online site.