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Add this to the top of your 'What to Pack' list
Today’s blog might seem a bit off topic, but I wanted to share a suggestion with my friends and readers. Consider this a Public Service Announcement for anyone who loves to travel.
GET A PASSPORT.
I’ve had a passport for years, and I often assume most people have this pocket-sized blue booklet. A casual conversation with a friend of mine revealed that isn’t necessarily the case.
My friend mentioned that she unexpectedly had an opportunity to travel to Europe but was now in a mad scramble to get a passport. The process seemed straightforward enough…until she ran into problems with her birth certificate. She had to order a new one online since she no longer lives in the state where she was born. No problem, right? Wrong. That process was supposed to take two weeks and now four weeks later, she’s getting nervous.
So why do you need a passport…especially if you aren’t planning to travel abroad?
The most obvious reason is never say never. Like my friend, an unexpected opportunity to travel may present itself and you’ll be glad you’re prepared.
International travel will increase by 35% over the next 10 years, according to a 2016 study conducted by VISA. While work, finances and family obligations may preclude international travel right now, your situation may change in the not-too-distant future.
Any international travel, even venturing into Canada and Mexico from the U.S., requires a valid passport (or passport card). Dreaming of a Caribbean cruise? You’ll need a passport. Invited to a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas? You’ll need a passport. And what happens if you win an all-expense paid Mexican vacation from LIVE! with Kelly & Ryan? You’ll need a passport!
Be prepared for any eventuality. In the event a close friend or family member experiences an emergency situation while traveling outside the U.S. and needs help, you’ll be ready to help out if you already have a passport.
Get it now to save money. The average cost of a passport is $140. There are additional costs for expedited services and the application fee could increase in the future.
A passport serves as a secondary form of photo ID. If you lose your driver’s license or other important documentation, having a passport on hand can minimize the inconvenience.
Don’t have the extra cash to get your passport? Put it on your wish list. The next time someone asks what you want for your birthday or special occasion, tell them you want a passport. Just be sure to send them a postcard from your first international destination to say thanks. (A check for $140 along with a passport application makes a terrific graduation gift also!)
If you’re ready to get started or want more information, visit the U.S. Passports & International Travel site.
Regency Education
It’s back to school time already! During the Regency, boarding schools were very common. Some people also were educated at home by a governess or tutor. They studied subjects such as Latin, Greek, Literature, Philosophy, and Religion. What was your favorite subject in school?
Romance Authors Support Literacy
Today is the final day of the 2017 Romance Writers of America (RWA) National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The closing event is the Readers for Life Literacy Autographing. This free book signing, which is open to the public and draws huge numbers of readers, features hundreds of romance writers. The Literacy Autographing is an opportunity for readers to meet their favorite authors and discover new ones.
Proceeds from book sales at this fundraiser benefit literacy programs and organizations. Since 1990, RWA has donated $1 million.
The Literacy Autographing is open from 3-5 p.m. today at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort , Pacific Hall.
Even if you cannot attend the RWA Readers for Life Literacy Autographing, there are many ways you can support literacy programs. Here are a few ideas:
Donate used books to libraries, schools, women’s shelters and refugee organizations.
Volunteer with your local literacy organization, school or community center to read aloud to children, provide one-on-one mentoring, etc.
Create a book-rich and reading-friendly environment in your home.
Donate to literacy organizations.
But you know how to write...
This weekend I’ll be attending a Master Class presented by New York literary agent Donald Maass called “Swept Away: Writing Enthralling Fiction.” This event is part of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Summer Conference, being held July 20-23, 2017, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Seattle.
I have nine books books published and am working on my tenth. I’ve been to a lot of conferences and workshops. Some people might wonder why I keep enrolling in classes when I have the basics down.
That’s a good question and hopefully I can provide a good answer.
Writing, like many skills, isn’t something you perfect overnight or by your tenth book. There are nuances to the craft that reveal themselves as writers gain experiences, learn from mistakes, tackle new writing challenges and venture into new genres.
Think of a classically trained chef. His education begins with the basics. As he refines those skills, he learns new techniques and adds those to his repertoire. Over time, after cooking thousands of dishes (some of which were total flops), the chef might rise to the top of his field. But even once this achievement has been reached, the chef will continue to experiment and study and create new ways to prepare food.
That’s what conferences and workshops do for writers. Even the bestselling authors go through this process. They may not sign up for classes, but many work and collaborate with trusted author friends or maybe an editor to keep improving their craft.
I’m excited about the knowledge I’ll gain at this weekend’s master class. One day you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of my continuing education.
Does your career require continuing education? What kinds of lessons or workshops to you enjoy most?
Win an audiobook for your next road trip
A friend of mine was moving from Virginia to Florida – a 13-hour trip in the minivan with two toddlers, a cat and a dog. She had originally planned to make the trip in two days, but ended up driving straight through. Why? Because she couldn’t turn off the Harry Potter audiobook she was listening to.
Audiobooks are a great way to make the most of long hours in the car. You can listen on your own device or plug into the car’s sound system so everyone can enjoy the story. Add audiobooks to your next road trip with these easy tips:
- Download the Audible or iTunes app to your cell phone or tablet before your trip and make sure it’s active.
- Test drive your audiobook app and device in the car. Make sure you have necessary cords and connectors.
- Select a few titles before you head out. Download them so you don’t need Wi-Fi to stream them.
- Listen to the audio sample before selecting a new audiobook. Make sure you’ll enjoy the narrator’s performance to avoid being disappointed.
- Take a group vote to decide on audiobooks everyone in the family will enjoy.
- Choose books that are funny, entertaining and engaging.
- Ask friends to recommend that favorite audiobook narrators and audiobooks.
For a chance to win one of my audiobooks, comment with your favorite audiobook or narrator.