In 2004 Rob McFarland was an IT consultant who had never been published. Now he's one of Australia's leading travel writers, with six writing awards including Travel Writer of the Year. He's proof that you don't need to have studied journalism or worked on a newspaper to break into travel writing.     

Join Rob for an intensive two-day workshop for aspiring travel writers in Sydney on January 17 & 24, 2015. Alternatively, check out the correspondence version of the course which can be taken from anywhere in the world.

“In all my years of journalism studies and internships, I honestly feel this has been one of the most constructive courses I've ever completed.” Penelope R

Content

During the course, you will learn how to:

• Recognise good travel writing
• Generate story angles
• Write compelling openings and closings
• Structure a feature
• Apply a specialised toolkit of travel writing techniques
• Edit effectively
• Pitch to editors
• Take inspiring travel photos
• Operate as a freelancer
• Market yourself

Most importantly, you'll get detailed feedback on your writing during the course plus the opportunity to submit a feature to be critiqued after the course has finished.

You'll also join a network of course alumni who receive ongoing support via email, Facebook and regular meetups.

Results

Students have gone on to be published in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, Sun-Herald, Sunday Telegraph, Herald Sun, International Traveller, Get Lost, Get Up & Go, Destinations and Signature magazines.

Writing credentials

Rob is a regular contributor to the Sydney Morning Herald, Sun-Herald, The Guardian, San Francisco Chronicle, NZ Herald, West Australian, Luxury Travel, Let's Travel & GQ magazines.

He is a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) and is a judge for the annual Gourmet Traveller, Hotel Management and International Traveller Hotel awards.

He's won six writing awards in Australia and the US including ASTW Travel Writer of the Year.

Teaching credentials

Rob has lectured at Sydney University, taught at TAFE and worked as a corporate trainer for the learning and development specialist TP3. He's a qualified trainer with a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and has extensive experience of developing and delivering training programs.

Details

When: 2 sessions – 10am – 5pm on Sat Jan 17 & Sat Jan 24, 2015

Where: Vibe Hotel, 111 Goulburn Street, Sydney

How much: $599 (early-bird special of $549 for bookings before Xmas)

How many: Limited to 12 spaces

Can't make these dates? Take the course by correspondence instead.

To register your interest, email robmcfarland@yahoo.com or see www.robmcfarland.org for more details.

Testimonials

“Rob McFarland's course far exceeded my expectations. Based on Rob's encouragement, I pitched my article from the course to the Sydney Morning Herald and it was accepted. I never would have done this on my own and Rob not only made it possible, but also very easy.” Emily S

“Fantastic, inspiring, exciting, motivating. This kind of knowledge could take months, even years to establish on one's own. I finished the course feeling that there wasn't anything you didn't cover for us be able to go out and have a really good crack at being a travel writer.” Annabelle S

“I've done a fair few writing courses over the years with the NSW Writer's Centre, and this would easily be the best, both in structure, presentation, access to information, content and value for money.” Alison A, literacy teacher

“I thought it was just terrific. Well planned and structured, and equally well-implemented and presented. I run a business based on communicating with an audience, and Rob is a communicator par excellence.” Jan B

“It was a great course and everything you said made so much sense and had so much value. It enabled me to break through whatever the barrier was that was stopping me from finding my travel writers voice. Suddenly I got it.” Deborah J, journalist

“I absolutely loved this workshop and I have learned so much. The structure was great. This was the best thing I have done in ages.” Christine H

“I'd done a travel writing course once before, through the Centre for Adult Learning at Syd Uni, and Rob effectively crammed into 2 days what that course accomplished over 8 weeks.” Simon P

“Wow! I have done a few writing courses over the last 7 or so years. Yours was the best structured and most clearly delivered.” Ian B

“I really loved your course – very inspiring and so constructive – thank you.” Susan H