I had given scant thought to the hows and whys of blogging in the three years since I started The Urge To Wander.
A nomination by the lovely Kathryn, of Travel With Kat, for a ‘Blog Hop’ that requires me to do just that, seemed like the perfect subject for an anniversary post. Thank you Kathryn!
And here goes:
WHAT AM I WORKING ON/WRITING?
Lots actually, even if my recent absence indicates otherwise! I have a few more stories from Tanzania to complete…..particularly on Zanzibar. Pages dedicated to tips and guides are in the pipeline on the specific request of readers and friends. That is taking up more time than I envisaged.
I am hoping to get my social media activity – sporadic so far – up to speed. I have also been giving serious thought to self hosting, but haven’t quite made up my mind yet.
Add research for forthcoming travel and the effort of updating my new Viber Public Chats to the basket, and it all adds up to extra long hours. I am looking forward to our first break of the year with close friends at the end of the month at Nagarhole (again!). Fingers and toes crossed for that tiger sighting.
HOW DOES MY WRITING DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?
Most travel bloggers, other than those that purely depend on generic ‘top ten’ lists, have their own distinct voices that depict their individual travel styles.
Mine, I think, is the historical/cultural (and older?) perspective that I bring to each article. Despite my architectural background, my posts tend to dwell on local culture and folklore, with a focus, more often than not, on people (currently wildlife!). I do love nature and stunning landscapes, but this is what truly fascinates me and I think it comes through..
Being a non-stereotypical, urban educated, multilingual Asian, bred on stories from Shakespeare, the bible and the Ramayan, has to have some advantages (even if visa officers think otherwise!).
Also, the fact that I consciously go beyond standard itineraries whenever possible, does reflect in my writing. The Han Yangling museum in Xian for example, the Wat Loha Prasat in Bangkok, the beautiful ancient village of Laitan, the Solar Barge museum in Giza, or the Abydos and Dendera temples near Luxor and their attendant myths are a few examples of sights that don’t always make it to the regular travel circuit.
WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I DO?
Because I am overly effusive about all that I am passionate about, and I couldn’t find enough people willing to listen without tuning out. Really.
A travel editor at our local newspaper who ruthlessly edited my article to make space for his own piece, was the catalyst that set me on the blogging path. And I was astonished and gratified to find a receptive virtual audience.
I never set out to be a writer. Nor a photographer. While I like to think there has been some improvement on both counts in these three years, I am still primarily a chronicler of our travels.
HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?
For an obsessive compulsive (borderline, let me remind you.) person who cannot survive without meticulous lists, my writing process is most impulsive. I rarely stick to a chronological order, or chronicle travels in sequence. And I procrastinate. A lot.
I spend considerable time on deciding how I want to portray a place or monument, and I try hard to limit each post to under 750 words. Sometimes a post will draft itself even before I have returned from an inspiring destination. Other times it takes several hours of staring blankly at the screen for something concrete to materialise. Both involve loads of editing and fact checking, and I am never quite satisfied even after I click ‘Publish’. As with all travel bloggers, sorting, processing and selecting images constitutes another large and time consuming part of the process.
I do not generally post when I am traveling, although I religiously lug my laptop along. That is something I plan to work on this year. As on the elusive balance that keeps a regular posting schedule just short of feeling like a chore.
Thank you all for accompanying me on my journey. And for your engagement and encouragement along the way.
I now invite two of my favourite travel bloggers to the Behind The Scenes Blog Hop:
This young duo have been traveling together for the past two years and are veritable walking guidebooks on Indonesia. A country that fascinates me no end, and has steadily moved up my list with each of their insightful posts. I am so looking forward to trading stories with them in person when they come to Chennai later this year.
Happy travels……..no matter where life takes you!
The Urge To Wander 
I finally stopped to read this one, Madhu! It gave me good chills and a funny ache, too, a kind of longing, I think—maybe something about how challenging it is to be a writer, or the part about the local editor’s creepy behavior or wanting to find people who will listen. I think I must have always assumed you’d been doing this forever, and I am heartened to hear the blogging is still pretty new, and that I must have “discovered” you and begun the pleasure of knowing you in this fashion relatively early on in your blog. Thanks for all of this. 🙂
Thank YOU for your company Riba. The enjoyment is mutual 🙂
I’m a firm believe in things happening for a reason – so many thanks to that very short-sighted editor. I wonder what he would think if he could see the following you have built as a result of your passion and the unique viewpoint you bring to your amazing travel blog, Madhu! Congratulations on three years, and thank you for sharing your stories and your photographs!!
Thank you very much for your lovely comment Stacy 🙂
So many awesome travel opportunities you get to document – I’m jealous!
http://itsjpei.wordpress.com/
Don’t be. We have waited a long time and worked hard towards it. You will get there too eventually if you want it badly enough 🙂
I’m a bigger sucker for articles about writing process. Most of the time I’m very gratified to hear that there are the bits that come easy and the bits (lots of bits) that take time. Actually, let’s upgrade that to all the time – I don’t think I’ve read anyone say differently yet!
I seem to be struggling more of late Bronwyn. Not sure why.
Keep traveling, and shooting, and writing for our greatest joy!
🙂
Thank you Brian.
hello Madhu, you inspired me to write this tweet:
https://twitter.com/frizztext/status/565892240497971200
Counting my blessings Frizz.
good question (for EVERY blogger):
HOW DOES MY WRITING DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?
– nice that we are not sentenced by our governments to a penalty of 1,000 caning like recently the blogger in Saudi Arabia
Brilliant, by the way how come the number plates are English?
Must be the Brit legacy, like it is here in India. We would have had riots over the choice of language for our number plates if we didn’t have English as a via media!! 😉
Yes taking the road less travelled and doing even that on your own terms is great. Thanks for liking my blog
You are most welcome. Thank you for stopping by Kate.
Glad to know you better, M. I’m happy your literary journey has been so fulfilling. Stunning shot of the shop in Tanz.
Xx
Diana
Yes, fulfilling and fun, even though it does get overwhelming sometimes. Thank you Diana.
Happy 3rd Anniversary! Love your blog Madhu. Now have to go visit the ones you mentioned…
Thank you Khaula. You will not be disappointed 🙂
Love the new Gravatar image!! Your entire brood? 🙂
I could never tune you out, Madhu, your travel experiences leave me on the edge of my seat and hoping for more! Happy 3rd Anniversary!
Aww, thank you Elisa! Couldn’t ask for more as a travel blogger 🙂
Madhu, yours is one of the consummate travel blogs that I have read in the blogosphere. I love your unique perspective. You keep us wanting for more. 🙂
Thank you very much LuAnn. I am happy to hear that 🙂
Very interesting and enjoyable reading. Thank You. Your blog differs from mine basically that You present all the world and I only one quite unknown country. 🙂
Happy and safe travel!
True. I know many destination bloggers who concentrate on one country or city. All best wishes for 2015 Sartenada.
It’s actually a huge relief to read this, Madhu, and find that you are simply (or complicatedly 🙂 ) busy! I had worried that there was a family crisis, so I’m very happy to read this. Know that your posts are always worth waiting for! 🙂 Hugs!
Rather complicatedly, but all sorted now….thank you very much Jo 🙂
One of the best travel blogs I have seen on WordPress, Madhu.. without a doubt.. Good to know you are busy writing coz that means there are more interesting posts coming up! 🙂
Aww, kind of you to say so Uday. Your appreciation means a lot 🙂
Thanks for giving us this look into the creative process. I like how you got serious about your blog after having a piece ruthlessly edited. The power of the internet is that we an all create and share – there are no longer gatekeepers that decide what gets published or not.
Very true. Who knows how much great talent has been denied us because previous generations did not have the luxury of letting consumers judge their value. Thank you for your visit and comment Jeff.
Blogging reflections are quite interesting. Many thanks .. .and happy travels to you.
Thank you Frank. Glad I didn’t bore you with the details 🙂
I agree with others – editor’s loss is our gain.
Flattered that you think so Paula 🙂
The way you describe your writing and what sets you apart from other travel bloggers is dead on. It’s why I enjoy reading your posts so much. You give us history and culture and always, beautiful photography. Here’s to the start of another great year!
Thank you very much Juliann! A wonderful, travel filled year to you too 🙂
Madhu, I always enjoy your blog and adventures. Three years goes by so quickly. I can’t wait to see what the next 3 years will bring.
Judy
Lots more travel hopefully! 🙂 Thank you for your support through the years Judy.
Congratulations on your milestone, Madhu. I have enjoyed traveling – vicariously – thru you. I really enjoy your photos and posts. The focus on the people, nature and the historical background adds to the visuals. Good luck on seeing that tiger – from a safe distance – thru your lens.
Thank you Judy. We set off on the tiger hunt on Thursday. Need all the luck I can muster 🙂
Congratulations for three fruitful and creative years, Madhu. The thought and work that go into your blog show in your posts. They are always informative and a feast for the eyes. 🙂 Here’s to more destinations and more articles. 🙂
Thank you very much for your good wishes Imelda 🙂
Congratulations Madhu! Great insights! Sadly, I’m also quite the procrastinator. Working on changing that. See, I’m doing it again 😀 I guess when it comes to writing, I find it difficult when I’m not utterly inspired. And it’s good to want your work to come out perfect. I’m sure all your readers appreciate the quality of your photographs and writing. Anyways, all the best and wish you further success with the blog!
Thank you very much Nita. Wish you many wonderful adventures in 2015 🙂
What a beautiful post Madhu, I love your writing and photographs – they take me to unique places I haven’t traveled, so I get to experience them through your eyes. So happy that you turned to the blogging world three years ago – you’ve enriched our lives. Congratulations on your anniversary and hope that you continue to many years to come.
Mary, thank you. The inspiration is mutual 🙂
Congratulations on your third anniversary Madhu, lovely to get a glimpse behind the scenes of your blogging process! Here’s to lots more blogging years to come.
Thank you Lucy. Much blogging success to you too 🙂
Beautiful Madhu! I adore your blog. It is one of my favorites!
Aww, thank you for staying with me Nicole 🙂
Congrats Madhu! I’m definitely one who do not tune out by your posts 🙂 Keep it going as you inspire all of us, can’t wait to see your lovely photos and read more of your blog.
Thank you dear Kat for reading, and for all the shares. Much appreciated 🙂
Congratulations on 3 wonderful years of blogging, Madhu. Love your blog. Look forward to reading many more lovely articles here. 🙂
Thank you Niranjan. I hope to add a few domestic destinations this year.
Congratulations, Madhu, and keep up your great and inspiring work!
Thank you very much Bente 🙂
Good to know a little bit of the behind the scene information 😀
Hope you travel more and more and post more to inspire us
I don’t think it is much different from other bloggers in the same niche. Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Keep up the great work, Madhu…you take great images and your words have me wanting to hop on a plane and visit new places!
That’s special coming from you Sue, since I am a huge fan of your work 🙂
Thank you, Madhu! We’ll have a mutual fan club! 🙂
🙂
Thanks for sharing your inner strength, wisdom and fine borderline OC meticulous behaviour that drives you to make this blog a Fantastic piece of writing!! We, readers, just wait for it to pop up … literally…..really! Keep travelling, keep writing…and sharing.
Thank you very much for taking the time to let me know Veena. Have a great day!
What a fabulous peak behind the scenes. I particularly appreciate admitting to ‘procrastination’ and not posting trips in chronological order. That is the joy of blogging, isn’t it? It is YOURS and doesn’t need to follow a strict schedule unless you choose one… and doesn’t need to have any rules you don’t chose to make! Also love your nomination choices – also two of my favs!!
Oh, I have a huge starting problem. Hubby thinks I am like the wildebeest that dawdle on the edge before taking the plunge! 🙂 I need to make up my mind where I want to go from here, if at all. Thank you for reading and for the thoughtful comment.
Clearly you manage to take the plunge often enough and we certainly are the beneficiaries! 🙂
Congratulations on three years running Madhu! You and I have held strong through the years and have arrived to the same place. Doing what we love to do the most and forgot those pesky editors.
Love the new look of your blog and as always, your unique perspective on our world. Emily
Thank you very much Emily. Hope to stay on top of my blog reading this year 🙂
Congratulations on your blogging years, Madhu. I don’t remember how I came upon your blog, but I am always the richer for each and every post. I have learned things here I would otherwise never have known, about places that entrance me.
Thank you for your lovely comment Angeline. I am grateful for your company and generous support.
I’ve been both entertained and enlightened from the time I discovered your blog site. All the best in your future travels and thank you for taking us along with you in cyberspace.
Thank you very much Ian. The pleasure is all mine 🙂
Have been missing you in the blogosphere, Madhu. I am totally there with you on “never being satisfied even after I hit publish” 🙂 I love your lyrical writing. Here’s wishing you a great year of travel, writing and photographing!
Thank you Kan. Have missed you guys too. I tend to get overwhelmed sometimes. Hopefully back with renewed motivation 🙂
You have a strong voice and writing style, Madhu that does each subject justice. You’ve taken me places with with an honesty and open attitude that reflects the due diligence that goes into each post. Thanks for sharing your writing and research process and congratulations for three years of blogging.
Thank you for your generosity Lynne. Means a lot. I can’t tell you how many times fabulous photo blogs (Rons’ included) have made me want to pull down all my photos or gifted authors filled me with despair about my ability to write. I am always amazed that my formula – whatever it is – works!!
Oh, I have felt the same way.
Thanks for inspiring us with your blog. And well done on 3 years!
Thank you for your visit and for the generous comment Ailene. Wish you many wonderful adventures in the year ahead.
Congratulations, sweet Madhu! And now we will be able to read from James as well! In fact, it was on one of James’ posts that I found you!
Thank you Ann Christine. I am looking forward to reading James’ version as well 🙂
🙂
I enjoy travelling the world with you Madhu. Your posts are always interesting to tead.
And I enjoy having you on board! Thank you Colline.
I’ve only found your blog recently and let me tell you, I love your writing style and your photos. I can’t wait to read and see more of your travels!
Thank you very much for stopping by to tell me Carla. Much appreciated.
My dear Madhu, may you keep inspiring us with your posts for many many blogging years to come! Thank you and …congratulations!!! 🙂
Thank you Marina. Your company has enriched my journey manifold 🙂
A generous and thoughtful post, Madhu. It’s a lovely insight into you and the way you work. It prompts me to consider my own blogging practice and challenges me to move on from the haphazard. Thank you
Thank YOU for your thoughtful response Meg. Haphazard is good if it suits you. I find rigid schedules restricting. But a bit of structure is certainly required if I want to move this blog up to the next level. Do I want to is the question I need to address first 🙂
Happy blog-anniversary, Madhu. Love your work and passion for it. It is the way you write that I find compelling – the lovely details that others pay no heed to, yet you effortlessly capture in all their glory, whether it is a tid-bit on history, or a persknal reflection, they are all fascinating and you express yourself wonderfully. That’s what keeps me coming back for more. I look forward to many more years of travelling with you through this wonderful space.
Thank you for the wonderful endorsement! Makes all the time I put into this blog worthwhile 🙂
I think I must have been following since almost the beginning. Keep up the good work.
Getting to meet you in Bologna was one of the highlights of 2014 for me Debra. Hope to catch up with you again someday, somewhere 🙂
Hey… congratulations Madhu! Wonderful to read about your behind the scenes thoughts… and I am glad that the ruthless editor chucked your writing – we have got you as a gift! Here’s to many many years of blogging:)
Thank you very much Ishita. I hope I can manage a Dubai stopover this year 🙂
It was very enjoyable to get to see you as the writer, photographer of the blog. I find your photographs very beautiful, and enjoy your narrative. Thanks very much for sharing the process with us.
Means a lot coming from a writer like you Shimon. Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful comment.
Your photos, posts, stories and education are second to none. I have followed you for almost three years and look forward to each new journey . Congratulations on your third year. Another Kathryn seconds the motion 🙂
Ah, thank you dear Kathryn! It has been my pleasure to have you on board 🙂
Thanks for taking part Madhu and I really enjoyed this insight into your blogging world. Happy 3rd birthday!
I enjoyed the exercise in introspection…thank YOU Kathryn 🙂
I really enjoyed reading about your writing process and it explains why your posts are so polished. Now, what I really want to know is how far up your list is England? 🙂
Ha, good question Gilly 🙂 Tougher destinations – requiring more time and fitness lvls, and of course money – are taking precedence at the moment, and is the reason why we aren’t concentrating on Europe (except when we want to celebrate milestone events).
But you never know, I just might turn up at your doorstep one of these days! 🙂
Thanks Madhu! Your writing and blog continue to inspire… really..
Means a lot, thank you Shikha.
Three exotic years of rich adventure! Thank you Madhu and fascinating to get a glimpse of the process!
Getting to know bloggers like you has been one of the rewards. Thank you Patti!
Congratulations–always enjoy your posts.
And I yours….thank you Sally 🙂
Congratulations on your three years of wonderful posts, Madhu… 🙂
That editor we worldwide owe him thanks, which probably wasn’t his motive… 😀
No I doubt it was 😀 Appreciate your support Drake.
Hi Madhu – I enjoyed reading more about you personally and how you approach blogging. Keep it coming!
Happy you did. Thank you for reading Anette.
We come to it from different backgrounds, but our writing processes and personality traits are so very similar! I hope to have as many loyal readers as you do after three years in the blogosphere.
I see you have even started out with the same theme as I did 🙂 Thank you and good luck with your blogging journey.
Wishing you all the best in the future too 🙂
Thank you Samjoth 🙂
The pleasure is all mine 🙂
Congratulations on your three years of wonderful posts, Madhu. I am always thrilled to see a new one in my inbox. 🙂
Thank you for your company throughout Sylvia 🙂
Happy blogging anniversary, Madhu.
You have had some hard lessons, keep up your good work and stay a happy blogger! 🙂
Love, Dina xo
Thank you very much Dina 🙂
Well Madhu, you might not consider yourself a writer or a photographer, but the Orples and I certainly do. Your photos and your stories are awesome. Never doubt it. 🙂
Marcy, that is very kind of you. Many thanks to you and the Orples 🙂
I/we love your blog Madhu. You’ve shared things with us, some of us may have never seen otherwise. keep up the good work. 🙂
You have always been a wonderful writer of travel experiences…lovely choice of pictures and the way of description of the places and the people. You have been inspiring us to travel to all those places and drives us think differently about the locations and the little things generally overlooked.
Happy Travelling & Wonderful Blogging…
Delighted that you find my posts inspiring Nihar. Thank you for reading.
Wonderful insights. Thank you for sharing Madhu your travels, images and magic.
Thank YOU Gary. Have a great day!
Never stop doing what you’re doing, Madhu! And I am one of the ones waiting for your guides and itineraries! Especially on India, and other places I know little about (Tanzania!). 🙂
Thank you Lee. I don’t intend to stop anytime soon 🙂 Let me know if you need help with travel to India. Would be happy to help.
I hope you never change your voice! I relish your travels.
Thank you very much Valentine. Appreciate your constant support 🙂
Madhu, in a way I am glad you had a brush with that self-indulgent editor. If it weren’t for what he did, WordPress (and the internet in general) would be missing a fabulous travel blog!
From the sounds of it we are very similar… there is that shared architecture background; a fascination with history, culture and folklore; and that desire to head off the usual tourist trail. I too am guilty of being borderline OCD (or maybe we should just call it being meticulous) with my posts. There are times when I edit them even after publishing.
And thank you very much for the nomination, Madhu. It’s certainly an honour. 🙂
Happy blogging anniversary!
Thank you for the lovely compliment James. Yes, I think we have a lot in common too, including the “non-stereotypical, urban Asian….” tag 🙂 Look forward to reading your take on the challenge.
I’m even more convinced now that James and I will talk for hours with you when we meet in Chennai! 🙂 It usually takes more than a month for me to prepare a post, and that includes pretty much everything you and James do when you prepare your posts. I don’t have any architecture background but it’s one of the recurring themes of my posts.
Speaking of those visa officers, I hope there’s a list Interpol or FBI releases on ‘Approved Travelers’, those whose intention to travel is purely to marvel at the beauty of other countries, get immersed in local cultures and customs, and sample local cuisines. 🙂 Indonesians and Indians are in similar situation when it comes to visa restrictions.
Thank you for the nomination, Madhu. To receive this from one of my favorite travel bloggers certainly is an honor.
Ha, that special list of travel bloggers is a brilliant idea Bama! One that affords us complete exemption would be better still 🙂 Look forward to reading your take Bama. And to spending time with you guys here in Chennai.
thanks to the ruthless man:
A travel editor at our local newspaper who ruthlessly edited my article to make space for his own piece, was the catalyst that set me on the blogging path.
Thank you Frizz…. kind of you 🙂
Beatiful Madhu, you had my undivided & uninterrupted attention:-)
Ha, delighted to hear that Shantala! 😀