Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Tuesday Travels: Florida Keys Ahead

As I mentioned last month, Avalon Travel has hired me to write the first edition of a Moon travel guide to the Florida Keys, and I couldn’t be more excited. Just today, I signed the contract and trekked, through the rain, to my French Quarter mailing place, making the deal official. So, now begins the hard work of researching and writing the guide, gathering the photos, and creating the maps.

I’ve already shared my love for this unique region on my American Nomad blog – in the posts entitled “Across the Florida Keys” and “Good Eats in Key West” – but I have so much more to say about its oddities and delights. I’m thrilled that I’ll soon be down there, exploring my favorite haunts yet again – with my favorite traveling companion in tow.

Although I have a long way to go before becoming a published novelist, I’m grateful every day for the opportunities that Avalon has given me to be a published author.

12 comments:

Swapna Raghu Sanand said...

Congrats! That's an awesome achievement and cheers to Avalon for igniting your passion for writing.

Joshua McCune said...

Florida sounds really nice right now. And the assignment sounds like it should be a blast.

Deb said...

Lucky you to have an assignment in Florida!! It's t-t-t-twenty-one below here. (Celsius)

P.S. If I had a published work with my name on the cover, I'd have it up in my sidebar :)

Unknown said...

What a wonderful travel assignment (as I sit here with snow falling outside). Congrats!

Becky said...

Yipee! I can't wait to hear (and read) all about it! When do you leave/start?

Susan R. Mills said...

Congrats! I think I missed it when you announced it. Sorry. Anyway, that is awesome news.

Laura Martone said...

Swapna - Thanks! Cheers to Avalon indeed. :-)

Bane - I'm pretty excited. Florida's a terrific place to escape the winter elsewhere. Course, it's not like New Orleans is so tough this time of year. What's Portland like?

Deb - Ick. I like the snow, but I don't think I could handle winter for 6+ months. P.S. I always thought it would be weird to put my travel guides up on the side. You think I should?

Laura Martone said...

Kristi - Thanks! Yes, but snow can be lovely. Sometimes, I miss it. :-(

Becky - Aw, shucks. Well, I can't wait to write it. After Christmas, we'll head to Florida, where we'll be till February.

Susan - Thanks! And, please, no worries. You're one busy mama. I was just excited about sending my contract off, so I felt the need to share.

Deb said...

I think you should. Hey, if you've got it flaunt it, you never know who will be passing through your blog...

Laura Martone said...

Okay, I did it, Deb. I took your advice and posted my travel guides in the sidebar (with links and everything). Does that work?

Marguerite said...

Congratulations, Laura, on the signing! I am so excited for you and happy that you will get to go to the Keys!! Perfect winter place and you never know, I might end up there in January!
Have a blast, cher!

Laura Martone said...

Thanks, Marguerite! I appreciate the warm fuzzies... ooh, how funny would it be if we saw each other in the Keys BEFORE meeting up in Louisiana! P.S. Is it just me, or did you change your profile pic? Too cute!