Last March I saw an advert for a writer to author Moon Chile, part of a series of Moon guidebooks published in the USA that specialise in independent travel. It hardly needs stating that, since becoming a travel writer, my number one goal has been to author a guidebook, and it seemed like this opportunity was made for me.
Realistically, I didn’t really fancy my chances of getting the job – but four months and a 62-page book proposal later, I’ve finally put pen to paper and signed the contract for the new Moon Chile.
The realities of being a guidebook author
It certainly feels surreal and I’m still trying to get my head around how exactly I can travel the length and breadth of this 292,000 square-mile country, combing it for the restaurants and hotels, the adventures and barely-discovered places that will fill my guidebook. It’s going to be a very busy year.
Part of the fun of writing Moon Chile is that I’ll be exploring places that I’ve not yet reached, despite spending the past year trying my hardest to scour Chile from top to bottom.
Easter Island – that mystical place of giant, stone monoliths and vast volcanic craters – has long topped the list of places I’m dying to visit. The gaping valley of Cochamó – a paradise for climbers and hikers – is somewhere I’ve tried, and failed, multiple times to reach. The oldest mummies in the world near Arica; the remote, carless town of Caleta Tortel; the southernmost settlement on the planet, Puerto Williams; all are finally on my travel itinerary.
But what I’m most excited about writing the new Moon Chile guidebook is how I’ll be able to share the experience with you – my readers. I’m going to be documenting my journeys, writing about the places that I discover and giving you insider access to parts of Chile that so few others visitors ever reach as I update the website with tales and practical information so that you can experience them as well.
And I’ll be writing about the entirely unglamorous world that is guidebook writing – a profession that I know is joined for love, and certainly not money.
Stay in touch as I start writing Moon Chile
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Head over to the Worldly Adventurer Facebook page for photographs, videos from my new toy – a drone – and to hear all about the adventure as it happens!
Jazza - NOMADasaurus
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Congratulations Steph! So happy for you :)
Jannan Poppen
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
So perfect for you! Can't wait to follow along.
Steph Dyson
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Thanks Jannan! Glad to take you along for the journey :D
Sue Cooke
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Well done lovely. Can't wait to keep up with you xxxx
Steph Dyson
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Thanks Sue! xxx
Alisa Tank
Tuesday 8th of August 2017
This is amazing news Steph! Congrats! I can't wait to read about your experiences and all of the new places you get to visit!
Steph Dyson
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Thanks so much Alisa :D