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![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Jun 2015
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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What,pray-tell,is wrong with "motorcyclist"?
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![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
22 Jun 2015
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris
The travel writing genre section in most bookshops is packed. And so much (to me) is fiction waiting to be pulped.
When I am spending my hard earned cash I tend to steer towards authors I've liked in the past, like AA Gill, John Simpson and Tim Butcher, for example.
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You sound like a hard man to please Chris ![Smile3](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/smile3.gif) Most authors would probably admit their output is never going to please all of the people all of the time and that enough sales to make the project worthwhile is the best they can hope for - you've only got to read a few Amazon reviews to see how people differ. It is a big world out there though and the problem with a lot of books (from an author's perspective anyway) isn't the quality of the writing but the quality of the marketing. If nothing else putting the written version of the trip on a freebie site like Smashwords may just be the cathartic ending many people need.
I would agree that a "what we did on our holidays" approach to travel writing doesn't usually make for an interesting read but we're not all Dan Walsh or Ted Simon and typed up travel notes may be the best many of us can do. I've read three bike travel books in the last couple of months (thanks to my local charity shops) and the one written by a professional (Uneasy Rider by Mike Carter) is the one that bugged me the most and came closest to ending its half read days
in the recycle bin. The other two "amateur" books had far less style / polish but were at least honest within their limits. If the subject material appeals I'll forgive a certain degree of roughness round the edges.
Personally I think it's a pity that more people don't put pen to paper. There are a number of people here whose wit, wisdom and life experience (as perceived from the content of their posts anyway (he said flatteringly)) suggests they might have something interesting to say. To them I say ignore the one star reviewers and go for it. I'll put my money where my mouth is and buy it when a copy turns up in Oxfam
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![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
22 Jun 2015
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Join Date: Jun 2000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
You sound like a hard man to please Chris ![Smile3](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/smile3.gif) Most authors would probably admit their output is never going to please all of the people all of the time and that enough sales to make the project worthwhile is the best they can hope for - you've only got to read a few Amazon reviews to see how people differ. It is a big world out there though and the problem with a lot of books (from an author's perspective anyway) isn't the quality of the writing but the quality of the marketing. If nothing else putting the written version of the trip on a freebie site like Smashwords may just be the cathartic ending many people need.
I would agree that a "what we did on our holidays" approach to travel writing doesn't usually make for an interesting read but we're not all Dan Walsh or Ted Simon and typed up travel notes may be the best many of us can do. I've read three bike travel books in the last couple of months (thanks to my local charity shops) and the one written by a professional (Uneasy Rider by Mike Carter) is the one that bugged me the most and came closest to ending its half read days
in the recycle bin. The other two "amateur" books had far less style / polish but were at least honest within their limits. If the subject material appeals I'll forgive a certain degree of roughness round the edges.
Personally I think it's a pity that more people don't put pen to paper. There are a number of people here whose wit, wisdom and life experience (as perceived from the content of their posts anyway (he said flatteringly)) suggests they might have something interesting to say. To them I say ignore the one star reviewers and go for it. I'll put my money where my mouth is and buy it when a copy turns up in Oxfam ![RoFL](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
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Apologies to the OP for another ![Offtopic](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/offtopic.gif) response to his question about whether there should be multiple "different" English translations of his German book. Why different English anyway? English was invented in England and the language spoken in Nord Amerika is just that of the descendants of chancers and gold prospectors and Australian convicts ![RoFL](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/rofl.gif) (please note emoticons!....)
I struggle (call me cynical if you will: You'd be right) to understand why people who ride a m/c in interesting parts of the world then feel the need to write a "book". I was asked multiple times when doing my RTW jolly around the turn of the Millennium if I was writing a book (often by people in Nord Amerika: Maybe that was the done thing to ask in the days before asking you if you're copying Ewen and Thingy from the Long Way series). When I asked if they would buy a copy if I did, they looked perplexed.
In order to keep your friends and family amused and to stay in touch: What's wrong with having a website/blog, posting on Facebook and/or updating a ride report? Why the need to print a book of what you did on holiday? Unless you know you're good at writing and/or you have a really good story to tell, the time and expense of bringing such a tome to market will be huge.
An aside: I thought Carter's Uneasy rider wasn't that bad. Memo to self: Spend more time in Oxfam shops
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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