Mary Shelley is often thought of as an accidental novelist. Frankenstein was written as a contest to alleviate boredom on a rainy summer in 1816. Mary, Percy, and Lord Byron all writing tales to entertain themselves with. But just like her husband and Lord Byron, Mary was already an author in her own right and a travel writer at that. In 1914 it was Mary who compiled and edited their party’s travel notes from their continental tour. Many of her observations and experiences on that journey found their way into Frankenstein.
travel writing
Writing Prompt – A change of Character
Think of your favorite hero or heroine from literature. Now re-write the disappointing entry from your travel journal as if it happened to the character instead of you. Give it a different ending.
Travel Journal Writing Tips
Before you leave, write a list of things one would expect to see on a trip to your destination. For example, when I went to New Orleans, my list of “predictables” included the following: Mardi Gras, the tomb of Marie Laveau, drunkards on Bourbon Street, street musicians, café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde.