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Read a story, send me a note if you see something you like. Want to join one of my writers groups? Let me know!
About Me
I’m a travel writer, editor, teacher, and publisher who has been covering the world since I began traveling internationally in the 1970s. As a freelance writer and syndicated columnist for more than 30 years, my work has appeared in many major newspapers and magazines, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Travel & Leisure, and Outside. In 1993 I cofounded the award-winning Travelers’ Tales books with James and Tim O’Reilly and am currently executive editor, where I help oversee the company’s publishing program and have worked on all of our 160-plus books.
I teach and coach writers, emphasizing the art of the personal travel story and memoir, and regularly teach at writers conferences. I’m also cofounder of The Prose Doctors, an editors consortium. I live with my wife Paula Mc Cabe on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco.
Teaching at the O’ahu Writers Retreat April 20–26
I will teach morning sessions in nonfiction at the O’ahu Writers Retreat on O’ahu’s north shore April 20–26. I’ve taught there twice before and am eager to return because I find the experience so inspiring.
At this annual retreat, two dozen writers gather at a beachfront sanctuary for six days of daily workshops, private coaching, evening readings, and writing in the shade of ironwood trees. The instructors are all acclaimed writers and teachers, with deep experience in the world of books. Other teachers you’ll meet are Faith Adiele, Zoe FitzGerald Carter, Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes, Constance Hale, and Tamara Leiokanoe Moan. Additional special faculty includes poets, novelists, and artists from Hawai‘i.
See another side of Polynesia through appearances by star musicians, kumu, (cultural masters), and excursions to sacred sites. Swimming, beachcombing, hiking, turtle watching, lazing and reflecting, and unforgettable sunsets are all part of the experience. For more information and to register (early bird pricing is good through January 31), visit oahuwritersretreat.com.
What the Traveler Said
From my imprint Wooden Walkways Press, check out this collection of quotes from the world’s great travelers: What the Traveler Said: 291 inspiring quotations from the San Francisco Chronicle’s Quotable Traveler column. For five and a half years I compiled these quotes for my weekly column in the Chronicle‘s Travel section. Now you can get them all in one volume. Order from your favorite bookstore (mine is Book Passage), from Indiebound, or, of course, from Amazon or other online booksellers. Available in print or ebook.
Get Great Books at Travelers’ Tales
Every season we publish new books at Travelers’ Tales, whether it’s our reliable Best Travel Writing volumes or our 100 Places Every Woman Should Go series. Sometimes we even publish fiction when we find a great new writer and a book with a strong sense of place. Check out Billy Gogan, American, on travelerstales.com (or see the dedicated website, BillyGogan.com).
