Karin-Marijke

NAME: Karin-Marijke

How did you learn about MatadorU?

I read Matador stories on a regular basis. I saw the banner and thought it would be a good idea to upgrade my own writing techniques, hence I signed up

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

As we were travelling I discovered a great joy in writing and started to have a bilingual website [Dutch and English]. After 3 years or so, various magazines approached us with the request for a story. And so we started. Since my partner is a professional photographer we can perfectly combine my texts with his photographs. However, I have no decent background in writing skills and I realise there is much I can improve. MatadorU provides this opportunity.

What convinced you to enroll in the program?

Especially reading Matador articles made me realise how much more creativity and writing skills I can develop to make my writing better and more interesting.

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

By reading other people’s assignments and ‘forcing’ myself to form an opinion / critique I start to understand better what it is that makes an article good / bad / pleasant to read / interesting. By understanding this better, and recognising it, no doubt this will help me increase my own level of writing.

Initially I thought that an on-line course would be a lonely struggle. However, MatadorU proved differently. I believe that one of the strong points of this course is how you use the Internet to link people [students] together. For example, the introduction Skype meeting, as well as now by reading and commenting on each others’ articles. All that combined with a inspiring coach I am greatly enjoying the process. So thank you Julie, for your enthusiasm and constructive criticism.

Keep up the good work!