Hi, I’m Fiona Harper, travel writer, content creator, social media specialist, digital travel editor, blogger, sailor, marathoner, wannabe triathlete & gadget geek.
There’s more but we’ll leave it at that for now. Unless there’s cocktails involved. In that case carry on reading and you’ll get the full story from one of Australia’s most experienced and much-published travel writers, Fiona Harper.
You could call me an ‘Influencer’ too but it’s a word I steer away from as it’s a little vague, and frankly, not the sort of claim I’d make on my Immigration departure form. Oh sure, I have influence through how I present articles and images, but an ‘Influencer’ I am not. That barking dog next door is an influencer: it influences me to do things I’m not proud of. Like shout at the fence when I’m trying to work! So the moniker ‘Influencer’ is a tad overused if you want my opinion. And I assume you do since you’ve read this far.
Can’t get enough of my ramblings? Check out Published Portfolio for links to hundreds of published travel, lifestyle and boating articles and images. Or you could head over to Travel Boating Lifestyle, my creative outlet where I get to make the rules on what does and doesn’t get published.
“With a Google page #1 ranking for Best Australian travel writers, Fiona Harper is one of Australia’s most respected travel writers and travel content creators.”
Words matter!
But you’re likely here because of one little four letter WORD (please excuse the capitals and bold but I’m a seriously unsexy word nerd). Magical words, no less. Word’s that sing. Words that string themselves together in a carnal cacophony of pleasure. Ok, admittedly not all words are quite so risque but as I specialise in travel and marine writing along with tourism and travel content, my words are intended to tantalise. To transport the reader to far-flung destinations. Which is usually where the magic happens, right? If you’re a tourism business or a travel publisher it’s probably happening within reach of your desk right now.
Words are my tools. My days are spent writing, reading, rearranging or editing them. I’ve also been known to create a few of my own. Yes gliking (as in glam hiking) I’m looking at you. Words jubilantly slip into my bed at night jeering and jostling amidst the jumble of slumber. Recalcitrant ramblings are with me when I wake, clamoring for clarity before the first cup of tea is brewed. On most days they’ve fallen nicely into line by the time my computer is switched on and I start writing. Other days? Admittedly there are days when the words congeal like an unappetising dogs breakfast before I can convince them to behave and get into line. Or they end up in a beguiling discombobulation of mixed metaphors like the title of this post. Sure, there are diehard writing rules but I’m a not a big fan of conformity.
Words hitch a ride with me up mountains, under the sea and across forest trails. They’ll never turn down an invitation to join me on a tropical island, lulled into submission by a gentle trade-wind whooshing through the fronds of a coconut palm. Like me, they’re equally partial to a mojito or a marathon. They flutter in the breeze like a luffing headsail patiently waiting for a sailor to trim the sheets. Stashed in my backpack alongside my cameras, words compete with images for attention. Words. They are demanding little critters!
And so they should be: words pack a powerful punch.
Why do words matter so much?
For a start, words are influential. Seriously influential. Sure, you could argue that one kick-butt image is worth a thousand words. But think about the last time you saw a photograph that tugged at your heart. Did you immediately want to know more? The answers to where, what, why, how and when were likely found in the words accompanying the image.
Words are the little treasures that tip people over the line to make a purchase. A commitment. A decision. They help fine tune dreams or at the very least provide clarity amongst clutter. Cleverly crafted words will lead people to your publication, brand, destination, hotel or whatever the heck you’re selling.