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| The Soul of Travel Magazine
TRAVEL JOURNALISM WITH SOUL *** Spring & Summer 2008
The Zen of Travel Writing
an interview with Spirituality and Health's editor-in-chief, Stephen Kiesling
by John Lamkin
Stephen Kiesling Hammock Shopping in Chetumal Prison
I caught up with Stephen Kiesling taking "hammock time" from a travel writing workshop, The Soul of Travel, of which he was one of the leaders. Rancho Encantado, a small eco-resort in the south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, on the tropical shore of Laguna Bacalar was the host of the workshop. A couple of "Negra Modelo" beers, the gentle lapping of waves and the warm tropical sun kicked off this interview with Steve, a giant of a man, looking still like his former college athletic self.
The Zen of Mid Life
Some men when they reach that time of mid-life crisis buy a Jaguar convertible. Instead Steve, at 48, is re-training for the Olympics in rowing.
Steve started his career as a magazine editor as an assistant editor for American Health at the age of 21 years old under the mentorship of editor-in chief George Harris. George, at 83, remains his mentor to this day.
It all started when, as a senior in college, he realized a "far fetched" idea of training for the Olympics. He did it--made the U.S. Olympic Rowing Team and wrote a book about it. The book, when published, became his open door to writing and editorship.
Travel Writing
I asked Steve for his ideas, as an editor, about what a novice travel writer needs to enter and excel in the field. He said, "Starting out is like a piece of a puzzle. It takes a long time to do, but it allows one to do all kinds of interesting things on the way. It makes travel possible."
"Know where and why you want to go."
"Intention is important."
As in all things, intention is the engine that drives manifestation and self knowing strengthens it.
"Have a love of writing and a love of travel! Focusing on travel makes it possible.""
"Travel for other purposes first. Let your love of travel lead you into the writing."
"Produce a whole lot of work--later the pieces of the puzzle will come together."
"You will get glimpses of how good it can be by traveling--writing--publishing."
"Work always, Don't submit or pitch a piece and wait. Immediately start the next--then the next and the next."
"Becoming a real travel writer means simplifying life, not being burdened with lots of stuff. When the opportunity comes you are able to take it. Take risks!"
"We tend to insulate ourselves with stuff, mortgages, people. Have relationships that will allow you this kind of life or with someone who will go with you."
"Don't become attached to one story--move on--keep the work in motion."
"The goal for travel writing is "Keep moving, keep writing! This takes a particular relationship with the world that most people don't have." But, one can develop it. The love of the craft helps.
Zen
When asked if his writing philosophy seemed Zen, he replied, "When I was a kid we had a zendo in the basement--a Zen priest living there. The travel writing path is not for everyone because to be good one has to be continually OPEN to new experience. That's difficult to pull off."
The Zen of It
When asked if he had a spiritual practice, Steve said, "Rowing, kayaking--it involves the whole body, being in the world. Travel writing is similar. Go out into the world. Touch it anyway you can."
"Rowing in the flow. Travel writing in the flow."
"Locked gates become unlocked!"
He said, "...the biggest mistake a travel writer can make is to lose the JOY of it--especially in the beginning when the payoff is so small."
"Overcome that at some point and you know it will turn around and you will make a living at it--at least a spiritual practice of it."
Stories
"Have a wonderful time traveling, build a repertoire of experiences, let them ferment--the stories emerge. Write them. Sell them. It all gets richer with time."
Place
"Let yourself get caught up in the energy of a place. Some stories are rooted in the place. Become the tuning fork for the energy of that place." For example, "In Mayan ruins (which Steve had recently visited) find the power spot. Be transported to somewhere else by that experience."
"There is more to these stories than I understand--but communicate them to someone else."
"THIS IS THE GOAL."
"Take someone on that trip--create the experience for them and they don't have to go anywhere."
"THERE IS REAL MAGIC TO IT."
The Zen of Travel Writing!
As for myself, after interviewing Steve I feel a strong commitment to make a shift in my own travel writing and life towards a real spiritual practice.
AND THE MAGIC OF THIS ZEN -- TRAVEL WRITING BEGINS!
John Lamkin is a freelance writer and photographer based in Taos, New Mexico and part time in Oaxaca and Quintana Roo, Mexico. | |
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