Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do you become an adventurer?
Some thoughts here
- How do you make an adventure film?
I've written about that here, here, here, here and here.
- How do you write a book?
This isn’t exactly an answer, but some thoughts here, and less seriously, here.
- How do you get a book published?
Both my books have been published by established publishing houses. I chose this way because I wanted the help with marketing and production, and I was willing to compromise on some of the autonomy that self-publishing brings. Self-publishing is a big deal now, and by no means an inevitably lesser option that regular publishing - there are a lot of parameters that affect it. Suffice to say - there are wonderful self-published book, and awful regularly published ones too. Neither way is a marker of quality.
To get a publisher: here's my experience. Initially I wrote an entire manuscript and redrafted it five times myself, then chose a publisher that I liked and thought I had a chance with, and submitted it to them. I invited them to one of my talks so they could see the platform I was trying to create for myself. They accepted my proposal, and I had my first deal. Now I have an agent who helps me pitch book ideas.
- How do you plan a long cycling journey?
I hope this helps.
- How do I plan a walking trip?
I wrote a long piece here.
- Is it safe to wild camp on adventures?
Some thoughts here
- What gear should I take?
If you're planning on walking or cycling (or filmmaking) then look above. For winter hiking/packrafting/cycling/ultra-running/filmmaking trips, then this might help!
- How do you make money?
Most of my income comes from talks (about 70%.) I speak to schools, businesses, societies and anyone that’ll have me. The rest of my income is from selling my stories in other ways – written articles and books, films, radio and TV.
- Were you rich before you started adventuring?
No! I saved after university to fund my early adventures, and since then have created a sustainable income from the work. I still haven’t paid off my student debt…
- Can you help me fund my expedition?
Sadly, no. I am terribly at soliciting money for trips. I suggest you apply to grants, like the ones from the Royal Geographical Society. Other than that, my best tip is to ask someone who knows better than me!
- How do you organise logistics for expeditions?
I’m never sure how to answer this, though I get asked it a lot. I suggest googling stuff, and reading books. When you get stuck, go on twitter and ask the expert in that field what to do. If you think there’s anything really specific than I can help with, then let me know.
- How do I get become a better writer/filmmaker?
Read more books, watch more films. Practice furiously.
How do I plan a bike trip across North America?
Look at the maps by the Adventure Cycling Association here. Ideally go with the wind from west to east (unlike me.)
How do I walk through the Middle East?
Check out the trails that I walked upon in Palestine, Jordan and Sinai. There are other all across the region too – google will tell you more.
Some thoughts here
- How do you make an adventure film?
I've written about that here, here, here, here and here.
- How do you write a book?
This isn’t exactly an answer, but some thoughts here, and less seriously, here.
- How do you get a book published?
Both my books have been published by established publishing houses. I chose this way because I wanted the help with marketing and production, and I was willing to compromise on some of the autonomy that self-publishing brings. Self-publishing is a big deal now, and by no means an inevitably lesser option that regular publishing - there are a lot of parameters that affect it. Suffice to say - there are wonderful self-published book, and awful regularly published ones too. Neither way is a marker of quality.
To get a publisher: here's my experience. Initially I wrote an entire manuscript and redrafted it five times myself, then chose a publisher that I liked and thought I had a chance with, and submitted it to them. I invited them to one of my talks so they could see the platform I was trying to create for myself. They accepted my proposal, and I had my first deal. Now I have an agent who helps me pitch book ideas.
- How do you plan a long cycling journey?
I hope this helps.
- How do I plan a walking trip?
I wrote a long piece here.
- Is it safe to wild camp on adventures?
Some thoughts here
- What gear should I take?
If you're planning on walking or cycling (or filmmaking) then look above. For winter hiking/packrafting/cycling/ultra-running/filmmaking trips, then this might help!
- How do you make money?
Most of my income comes from talks (about 70%.) I speak to schools, businesses, societies and anyone that’ll have me. The rest of my income is from selling my stories in other ways – written articles and books, films, radio and TV.
- Were you rich before you started adventuring?
No! I saved after university to fund my early adventures, and since then have created a sustainable income from the work. I still haven’t paid off my student debt…
- Can you help me fund my expedition?
Sadly, no. I am terribly at soliciting money for trips. I suggest you apply to grants, like the ones from the Royal Geographical Society. Other than that, my best tip is to ask someone who knows better than me!
- How do you organise logistics for expeditions?
I’m never sure how to answer this, though I get asked it a lot. I suggest googling stuff, and reading books. When you get stuck, go on twitter and ask the expert in that field what to do. If you think there’s anything really specific than I can help with, then let me know.
- How do I get become a better writer/filmmaker?
Read more books, watch more films. Practice furiously.
How do I plan a bike trip across North America?
Look at the maps by the Adventure Cycling Association here. Ideally go with the wind from west to east (unlike me.)
How do I walk through the Middle East?
Check out the trails that I walked upon in Palestine, Jordan and Sinai. There are other all across the region too – google will tell you more.