Interview with the winner of the ITTP sponsored “Spot” award honorable mention at the Travel writing Workshop in Chennai
Meet Judy Balan, the winner of the “India Today Travel Plus“ Spot” Award, honorable mention at the Travel Workshop organized by Chillibreeze at Chennai on 19th Sept.
Judy is a freelance writer and full-time single mom of three year old Kiara. She recently quit her full-time job in advertising after working for a host of agencies in Chennai. Her writing remains versatile though her passion revolves around travel and food, fiction, memoir-writing, blogging and song writing.
Congratulations on winning the Best “Spot” award for your writing sample and the India Today Travel Plus book at the Travel Writing Workshop in Chennai. Tell us a bit about yourself:
Writer. Mom. Dreamer.
Currently pursuing two dreams – writing and music.
I’m into various genres of writing, although for the time being I’m focusing on children’s writing, blogging, song-writing and fiction, all of which I do for personal joy and nothing else.
Advertising is still my bread and butter though, because I come from that background. Most of my freelance projects revolve around brochures, ads, website content and other marketing collateral.
I’ve dabbled in various types of writing in the past and have particularly enjoyed food/restaurant reviewing. Travel is another interest that I haven’t fully explored yet, but I look forward to it.
How long have you been writing travel articles?
I really haven’t written travel articles. I’ve written tons of food and restaurant reviews, which is only a part of travel writing.
Why did you choose to attend a travel writing workshop?
I was interested in travel writing and didn’t have any clue where to start. So I thought a workshop might be a good place to find out.
Tell us more about your experience at the Chillibreeze travel writing workshop
It was informative and interesting (tough combination!). It’s usually hard for me to concentrate on anything for more than an hour, but there was plenty of interaction and on-the-spot-exercises to ensure that no one got bored. What’s more, we got to meet other writers from different backgrounds and now we’re all in touch and bartering links to our blogs, useful contacts and what not. I enjoyed it!
What are your thoughts about “armchair travel writing” or in other words travel writing without actually traveling?
I honestly don’t think that would be authentic travel writing. But I’m guilty. Most of my reviews were for restaurants spread across the US, Europe and the UK. And no, I didn’t visit any of them! While customer reviews on the www helps, it’s definitely not the real thing. At least I’m sure that my reviews would have a lot more depth were I to actually visit the place – that way I could pick up on the nuances that make for an authentic travel piece.
Do you personally prefer writing travelogues (in the first person) or feature travel articles (with tips for travelers)? Why?
Travelogues win hands down. I’m most comfortable with first-person writing, which is probably why I love blogging and song-writing. Even my attempt at fiction, would be in the first person I’m sure. I don’t know why. I guess it’s because that’s what I love to read too – books that get me involved in the journey. I loved ‘Eat pray love’ and if I were be a travel writer, that’s the style I will be most comfortable with.
Is there a difference between the style of writing when you write travel content for an Indian reader vs a global reader?
Like I said, I haven’t really sunk my teeth in travel writing. But I guess this is true for all kinds of writing. There surely is a difference in the way you address an Indian audience versus a global audience. I worked for a UK based company for a while, and had to alter my style a little. It had to be formal without losing elegance, and they can be anal when it comes to punctuations. But I love to experiment when it comes to writing, so I enjoyed it anyway. It helps to keep my writing versatile.
What is the best feedback you received about your travel writing skills?
Well since I’ve never really attempted travel writing, the feedback I received was for my food-writing. David Juman mentioned at the workshop that it made him want to visit the restaurant himself, and coming from him, it totally made my day.
Do you have any tips for budding travel writers in India?
Err. I’m a budding travel writer too. So tips welcome!
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