Review of A Sense of Place

A Sense of Place: Great Travel Writers Talk About Their Craft, Lives, and Inspiration by Michael Shapiro


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ever wonder what makes people take to the road for out of the box adventures? Michael Shapiro, one of our best travel writers himself, shares with us what makes people who choose a lifetime of travel over the comfy confines of home tick. From Tim Cahill, whose adventures get him into outlandish situations, to Frances Mayers who followed her “wistful dreams” to civilized Tuscany, we find out what motivates their quests. I loved learning what our best contemporary commentators have in common and what they do not. Bill Bryson of "Walk in the Woods" fame says he is just paying his mortgage with his writing, while Peter Matthiessen, famous for his search for the elusive "Snow Leopard," says that the act of writing clarifies his view of realty. Each unique interview of these authors is conducted with extreme care for their privacy as Michael asks thoughtful, informed questions. A Sense of Place is insightful, fun and a must read for anyone contemplating the outsider’s lifestyle.

Linda Ballou adventure travel writer and author of
Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii-Her Epic Journey
www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

View all my reviews >>

Celeste beside the Place of Refuge on the Big Island

Join Celeste, the dolphin lady, on a swim with wild dolphin. She will take you on a shore swim or boat trip which ever you prefer. Local spotters call in each morning to let her know where the dolphins are jumping that day. She has a very spiritual connection with marine mammals and organizes a “sacred swim” with whales in Tonga each year. You can stay with her in her very comfortable home in Captain Cook, or you can stay at the inexpensive Manago Hotel nearby.

Celeste Eaton
celeste@celestialsonics.com
www.celestialsonics.com
808-323-2568

Travel Talk

My message about “How to Make Travel Writing Work for You “was well-received at Distant Lands—The best travel store in Los Angeles.

If you missed my talk go to www.LindaBallouAuthor.com for the free download with a roadmap of what you need to do if you are serious about becoming a travel writer.

Running in Good Company

I am proud to announce that my story Irish Mist about my cross-country jumping days in the wild west of Ireland is included in a wonderful anthology titled WHY WE RIDE. It is a collection of women writers talking about the horses in thier lives. Forward by Jane Smiley of Horse Heaven fame.

You can make advance purchase on Amazon. It will be out in 2010.

Hawaiian Songbird lands in Santa Monica

An evening of song, chant and dance with music performed by Lei’ ohu Ryder with power from a very ancient source proved to be was a very special treat. She lifted her voice to the heavens as she shared the songs of sacred places and people in haunting ethereal tones. She brought her ohana of hula dancers who added plenty of hoocha!

Ms. Ryder’s website is http://www.leiohuryder.com/

Truth stranger then fiction!

This video blew me away. In my novel, Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii, Wai-nani brings her dolphin friends to aid the Sacred Bride in the birth of her child. I had read that dolphins become excited when around a pregnant woman and that they send a soothing bath of sonar pulses to aid them. I thought I was writing fiction! Here it is happening in real live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_eeqqtckIQ

Good person to know in the other land down under!

Who is the kiwitravelwriter?
• Heather Hapeta was born in Christchurch, New Zealand; is a widow with two children who inherited her wanderlust.
• She got first passport in her forties and has made up for lost time ever since.
• Heather ran away from home when she was fifty
• She calls herself a passionate nomad
• And, has had a colourful life, has reinvented herself a few times: worked in real estate; been a model; a waitress on a Malaysian beach; an alcohol and drug counsellor, and even managed a farm for three months.
• She's now following her childhood dream of being a writer and has written ‘Naked in Budapest: travels with a passionate nomad’ which tells about her adventures after running away from home.
• She also has many travel related pieces published in world wide magazines and papers and in-flight magazines.
• She tutors travel writing.
http://kiwitravelwriter.wordpress.com (love travel? curious about NZ? odds & ends)
http://heatherhapeta.blogspot.com (kiwi thoughts on life, politics, travel & everything else)
http://www.kiwitravelwriter.com (my website)
http://twitter.com/kiwitravwriter (follow me on twitter)

Secret to Youth Revealed

Adventure Travel Writer Linda Ballou shares the Secret of Youth and what she learned on her Healing Hawaiian Holiday on the Big Island
on
Conversations with Renée

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/YolandaRenee/2009/09/11/CONVERSATIONS-with-Rene
Note: Please forgive 1-minute slow-mo opening-only
About Linda:
Linda Ballou is an adventure travel writer disguised as a Realtor. "I’ve been living a double life for the last decade. When I published my historical novel Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey , it became imperative that I come out of the drawer and into the streets to spread the “good news.” Writing is more fun and satisfying than profitable, and real estate is more profitable than fun. I love both worlds.

Blessed with a double dose of genetic wanderlust, I love to explore. When I was thirteen, my pioneering parents took me to Alaska, where I became firmly grounded in nature. From there I journeyed to proud California, where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and a Doctorate in urban savvy. My debut novel, Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii is the culmination of a long-standing love affair with the Hawaiian Islands. A free-lance writer, based in Los Angeles, I’m having a great deal of fun collecting stories for my soon to be published travel collection Lost Angel Walkabout.

You are invited

Linda Ballou Scheduled to speak at Distant Lands on Sept. 28, 2009 at 7:30pm

Ever dream about getting wonderful trips to exotic places for FREE?
Adventure travel writer, Linda Ballou, will give you the fast track on how to make travel writing work for you.

Tip #1- Find your niche

Choose something you are passionate about. Think about your areas of expertise and how you can capitalize on them. Are you a birder? Then go for some of the great birding trips about the globe to get you started. This is going to be a labor of love so make sure you love what you are doing.

She will also share the “Secret Side of Paradise” with you in a short talk about Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai’i—her ultimate destination piece.
7:30 PM -FREE
56 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena California
626-449-3220 RSVP

www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

Please join me in a fun talk about the Secret of Youth and More

Have you been searching for the secret to youth?
I will be talking about this and tradtional Hawaiian Healing modalities.
Join Us Thursday, September 10, 2009 9PM EST 6PM PST
on
Conversations with Renée

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/YolandaRenee/2009/09/11/CONVERSATIONS-with-Rene

Call in at (347) 215-9536

I am an adventure travel writer disguised as a Realtor. "I’ve been living a double life for the last decade. When I published my historical novel Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey , it became imperative that I come out of the drawer and into the streets to spread the “good news.” Writing is more fun and satisfying than profitable, and real estate is more profitable than fun. I love both worlds.


I will discuss her traditional healing venues found on the Big Island detailed in her article A Healing Hawaiian Holiday that will appear in Real Travel Adventures Nov. issue. Join us Thursday night for a discussion about writing, travel and the secrets to eternal youth.