Published : 6 years ago, on 16/07/2018

Entertainment is that activity providing amusement and enjoyment for leisure and fun purposes. Entertainment can range from television shows, live performances, events, musical extravaganza, games and adventurous sports, travelling & sightseeing and many more.

The entertainment industry is filled with actors, singers, diverse performers and, of course, travel and tourism take a major chunk.

However, entertainment writing is the other side of the coin and an exciting facet of the entertainment industry. The field of entertainment journalism can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, it calls for the perfect mix of various factors including education, networking and diligence.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications is your first step towards establishing yourself for a career in entertainment writing. Entertainment writing or reporting is a facet of journalism and, a degree in journalism can arm you with a journalistic aptitude and the tools required to research and draft a captivating story to engage your audience.

This can also include multimedia and photography since developing content with relevant graphics, high-quality images, videos and audio are equally important.

Internship

Your experience gained through internships also play an important role in becoming an entertainment writer. Internships are a great way to develop stories and create a portfolio with the best samples.

Read

Reading magazines and newspapers is critical to learn the aspects of journalism and entertainment writing. Reading magazines helps you focus on a particular topic and learn the format and style of writing.

Develop your writing skills

Make it a regular practice to hone your writing skills and enhance your vocabulary. One of the best ways to work on your writing ability is to write blogs for your school or university. This will also help you familiarize with journalism writing. Remember, writing is an ever-learning process. The more you write, the more you learn, unlearn and relearn the techniques of effective writing.

Develop your own niche and style

You should have your own voice and concentrate on a specific topic. Role of a generalist can kick start your career in the entertainment industry. However, choosing a niche you are passionate about has several paybacks. It will help you dedicate yourself completely in the subject and be an expert at it down the line.

Develop your network

Opportunities in the entertainment industry depend on connections. You should reach out to others in the industry and also with your mentors during the internship. Developing a positive rapport with like-minded individuals helps create a name for yourself and advance in your career.

Proficient computer skills

As an entertainment writer, you should master the art of creating and editing content on the computer using relevant software and editing tools.

Excellent interpersonal skills

In the entertainment industry, you will come across other journalists, editors and news directors. You may need to work with them too. Hence, it’s important to build a good rapport with fellow colleagues and develop contacts.

Maintain deadlines

Being an entertainment writer or any writer for that matter is all about meeting deadlines. Don’t give in to procrastination otherwise, the quality of your story will suffer. Missing deadlines frequently earn you a bad reputation and doubt among readers and editors.

Objective outlook

You have to create a story using only the facts without including your opinion or any bias. An objective approach to storytelling and reporting gives you the power to create original and quality copies that carry immense value.

Writing for the Travel and Tourism Industry

All types of entertainment writing require exceptional writing skills enabled with creativity. The same goes for travel writing since travel and tourism to represent the entertainment industry. Writing for the travel industry can particularly be an exciting option since you get an opportunity to leverage your creative skills to the maximum. Besides, some travel writing jobs or careers present an opportunity to travel and, this can be an exciting cultural expedition.

Is Travel Writing Your Cup of Tea?

Travel writing can be your profession if you have flexibility and self-motivation. You have to develop good ideas that have the potential to sell. In fact, you should write a lot, even for practising. A skill to play with words and create valuable content immensely helps.

Above all, it’s your attitude that matters. You should have the persistence and belief in yourself and you work. You need to learn to handle rejections and keep writing.

The Secret to be a Successful Travel Writer

Travel and tourism is a vast industry and, often, travel writers assume that everyone will be interested in reading their copy. However, the secret to striking the right chord with readers is to write as though nobody is interested. You need to bring in your creativity and vocabulary skills with a spectrum of ideas to draft articles that generate interest.

You need to know what exactly you are conveying to the reader. You should maintain the essence of the article. Your readers should be able to visualize it, feel it and go for it.

The following tips provide better insights to convert your travel writing dream into a reality:

Have a clear storyline

May be your recent trip to a scenic hotspot was indeed a memorable one. You also could write about a happening holiday destination. Whatever the case, just jotting down places of interest and activities will not pass the bill. A travel writer’s job is to develop a particular story to tell using the experience or events.

Ever heard of standfirst? It’s a brief introductory summary about a particular article appearing below the headline. Write an attractive standfirst and build your story from there.

Develop a goal

Check if the subject you are writing about has a goal to achieve or discover the surroundings. In any case, create a specific goal that speaks to readers on a personal level. Give readers the feel of where your description is taking them. Readers are looking for specific events or activities in your writing.

Edit the story

Travel destinations have a plot, dialogue, characters and more. Give shape and meaning to those factors and develop the story around them. Don’t include unnecessary fluff into your story.

Create an irresistible first paragraph

Use the different facets of the article to develop a powerful introduction. Induce drama, dialogue and style into your writing. Start writing in your own way but, make sure it attracts readers to your article.

Always write to entertain, not to impress

It’s fine to be experimental and playful. However, refrain from doing so at the readers’ expense. Always put efforts to write the facts and characters in an engaging and the simplest way possible.

Use vivid, authentic words

Very often, travel articles feature common and tried-and-tested words and phrases. These could be stunning, bustling, incredible, etc that can be used for any destination. Use words that are specific to a particular destination that helps readers visualize the picture.

Develop your own website

Gone are the days where your portfolio with publications had to be in a glossy mag. Switch to the digital age and build a website of your own. You can publish your best works and travel information as blogs. These days it’s easy to create a catchy and professional website for much less.

Publishing your work online helps expand your network of potential readers and is effective in spreading the word.

Develop your online presence

Just building your website and posting blogs is not the end. If you are looking to stay active online, create a page and build your presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media platforms. It’s an effective way to connect with other writers and editors, including potential readers.

Develop other relevant skills

Travel writing is also about having other important skills, including photography. Professionally shot photographs combined with impeccable content have the power to virtually transport readers to a destination.

Register yourself on travel writing websites

Tying up with well-known travel writing websites is a great way to enhance your opportunities. It’s your ticket to becoming a better travel writer and gain a foothold in the industry.

Remain updated with the travel industry

Your success as a travel writer depends on your knowledge about this dynamic industry. There are changes to rules and regulations pertaining to tourism in certain countries. There can be seasonal changes and Government intervention too. Signing up to various travel newsletters keep you on par with the industry. This goes a long way into you becoming a sought-after travel writer.

Persistence counts

There is nothing like persistence to taste success in travel writing. There’s cut-throat competition out there and, it can get frustrating sometimes. The key is not to get disheartened with no responses. You need to keep trying while looking out for new editors. Responses take time to come by and, sometimes you may be rejected. Keep your spirits high and keep making efforts. Persistence will eventually show results and bring recognition.

Defining a Story

A good story always focuses on the reader and not on the writer. Effective storytelling, whether its entertainment writing or travel writing, is about pleasing the audience and influencing their actions. Remember, a powerful story always belongs to the audience.