Looking Back at the Book Passage Travel Writers Conference

Travel Blog  •  Jim Benning  •  08.18.08 | 6:15 PM ET

I’ve received a few emails from writers and readers wondering how the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference went. (The four-day gathering ended yesterday and I was on the faculty.) The short answer: It was fantastic. It was my second year there and, as was the case last year, in spite of all the uncertainties in the publishing industry and the grim state of newspapers, I left feeling inspired—by the sharp, ambitious students as well as the accomplished writers and editors on the faculty.

Among the highlights: Simon Winchester’s conversation with conference chair Don George, in which Winchester recalled his extraordinary mentorship with Jan Morris; Tim Cahill’s talk Thursday night about his far-flung adventures and launching Outside magazine; and photographer Alison Wright’s slideshow and reflection on her near-death experience in a bus accident in Laos. Her message—appreciate every moment, take nothing for granted, live life to the fullest—fueled conversations late into Saturday night. She has the kind of street cred you need to pull that off.

But the real power of the conference emanated from the countless conversations that took place over the four days between students and faculty about writing and photography and the power of travel. I can’t help but feel inspired by that.

Yes, there was a lot of earnest talk. But there was also late Saturday night karaoke. Pauline Frommer brought down the house with her rendition of “Lady Marmalade.” She can really sing. Others of us, fueled on beer and wine, and demonstrating little regard for the importance of, um, singing ability, found ourselves on stage in groups, attempting the likes of “Smoke on the Water,” “American Pie” and “Like a Virgin.”

Most overheard comment on stage between songs: “This better not wind up on YouTube.”



1 Comment for Looking Back at the Book Passage Travel Writers Conference

Nancy Brown What a Trip 08.27.08 | 2:03 PM ET

Hey Jim
Thanks for the Developing a Website panel.  As everyone suggested, I used my own URL, http://www.nancydbrown.com/ for my new website.  Please stop by.

I also posted my own review of Book Passage at http://www.nancydbrown.com/journal/2008/8/26/my-dinner-with-travel-writer-tim-cahill.html

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