Caz Makepeace

NAME: Caz Makepeace
BLOG: www.ytravelblog.com

How did you learn about MatadorU?

I somehow came across Matador Network and really enjoyed reading the articles that were published on there. I heard a couple of travel bloggers recommending the Matador U course and so I decided to have a look to see what it offered. I love writing and I love learning so my interest was piqued immediately.

Why were your interested in the travel writing or travel photography program?

I started writing a book a couple of years ago based on my experiences living and travelling around the world for 13 years. The book is intended to help inspire those who are considering doing the same, and to give them the tools to know how to do it. While I knew I had good stories and information to share, I also knew I needed help in improving my writing craft. I had also started my travel blog at the same time, and wanted to make sure I wrote interesting travel articles with a strong enough voice to stand out from the crowd.

What convinced you to enroll in the program?

I knew that if I was serious about pursuing my travel writing then I needed to take this step in order to improve and be the best I could be. I took several weeks to thoroughly look through the curriculum, and check out testimonials and writings from those who had already been through the course. Matador U seemed to have the package I was looking for. The writing published on their own site was always fresh, unique, and beautifully written. Eventually my husband convinced me to enroll and start.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learned in the U so far?

To think carefully about the relevancy of every word I choose to use. This has helped me tremendously, but is such a pain to the laziness side of me. Every time now I go to write the word ‘incredible’ or ‘great,’ a big Matador U buzzer goes off in my head, “Choose again, Caroline. This word tells me nothing.” And so I work harder to look at my writing with different eyes in order to describe a clearer picture. This has forced me to try different things, and to stretch myself more. And how else do we learn and grow but like this?