29 January 2005
I want to get out of my way
Although it's nearly 12 months since I researched the Hong Kong story (about the survival of traditional pastimes and other activities in which the visitor can participate) that was much easier to write. I'm not sure whether that's because of an abiding affection for Hong Kong, an ease in writing about Chinese culture through long exposure and familiarity, or because at the time the trip went well and the notes were copious and clear, backed up by an assortment of aide-memoire digital snaps. The HKTB usually lays on a guide and a Mercedes to scoot me round whatever locations are necessary, and certainly the guide on this occasion was someone I've had twice before and of whom I've become quite fond.
Unfortunately, due to lack of space, the story needed to be shorter than usual, which meant that chartering a sanban (sampan) from Sai Kung and shopping for reliable antiques had to be mentioned only in notes at the end. But at least this local paper values good writing, and interferes very little with the stories given. Oddly, although in a way this is one of my less glamorous outlets, I tend to take more care with it because I know the people there personally and see some of them socially, and although it never ceases to surprise me how many friends around the planet happen to see my stories in various in-flights, and write to tell me so, here I can be sure than friends, family, and mild acquaintances galore will see it. Some will even read it.
That, very mildly, reintroduces the sense of fear that drove the writing in the early days, then the sense of complete disbelief that some big name publication was keeping space open on a specific date for a story I hadn't even written yet. Experience now tells me that when I have to I can produce a story on anywhere I've been, regardless of how unenthusiastic I may have been at the time. But fear makes for a better story and keeps me alert late into the night polishing it. A bit of fear might have helped the William Adams story I file two weeks ago with a Canadian syndicate. A rewrite asked for more history and cultural background although there was precious little room for an account of the actual travel experience as it was. Adding all the requested material brought the piece at least 20% over length. Another rewrite request then cut some of that and asked for further changes. The next rewrite was accepted, but with queries that had been answered in material first added and then cut again, and which all had to be answered. It all just becomes like shovelling a pile of something to a different place and then shovelling it all back again.
I could do with more fear, really, and more diligence at searching out new markets, too. I was particularly slow at that last year, and having dumped the thoroughly disreputable Frommer's, I should certainly be looking for something to fill the gap.
Some editing and various stories to do before I leave for Antarctica, as well as various admin problems on future trips to sort out and travel insurance to deal with.
Today my son suddenly said, "I want to get out of my way!"
I feel like that almost all the time.
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