Meet Tami Brooks | Freelance Travel Writer & 52 Weeks 52 Hikes Founder
We had the good fortune of connecting with Tami Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tami, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
You need the right background or education to succeed. This conventional advice kept me stuck in jobs that were ho-hum at best for years. And I let it keep me doubting my ability to do something creative and meaningful for work. When I was first asked to write an article about my experiences hiking and traveling, I was very trepidatious. The editor, an acquaintance, asked what the hesitation was. I admitted my concerns with formatting, even grammatical errors. She looked at me and grinned, “Why honey, that’s what I’m for! You’re a great storyteller. Just write it down. I’ll do the rest.” I’ve learned since then that you don’t need the “right background” to succeed. You just need to start, which is often the most challenging thing.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2016 I was at a crossroads career-wise. It was also the year I began hiking, ultimately trekking the Grand Canyon. The confidence gained, and lessons learned that year on the trails made all the difference in starting my writing career.
I learned to be prepared. To ask questions and do my research.
I learned that one step is progress. No matter how small that step is, it’s progress if you move forward. If it’s hard, take one step. Then take another. Keep moving in the direction of your desire. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. Progress is progress.
I learned that nothing meaningful is easy. We live in a culture of fast fixes and instant gratification. On the trail, I worked hard for those views, for the chance to experience things that few do. I braved the elements, logged the miles, and climbed the mountains. It wasn’t always easy, but once I’d learned to sit with some discomfort, I could move forward, knowing it was only temporary and would pass.
Finally, I learned to look up now and then and enjoy the view. To take it all in. After all, isn’t the view what we’ve come for? It’s easy to become so single-mindedly focused on the goal that we miss the entire journey. Head down, heart-thumping, pushing through; we rush to the end with dogged determination. It can be discouraging to look at a far-off finish line in the distance. It helps to take in the bigger picture. You’ll see how far you’ve come and be astonished.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So, this is ironic. I moved to Texas in 2019 and was traveling for my work as a travel writer a lot. Whenever I came home, I stayed in the house. Well, we all know what happened in 2020. Not only did travel shut down, but it also seemed like the whole world did. That said, I haven’t done much exploring in my new(ish) hometown, which is a little embarrassing to admit. I’m working on rectifying that situation in 2023. Maybe some of your readers have recommendations for me?
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Writing can be a real chicken and egg dilemma — you need examples of published work to get published. My first published article was in a local magazine. I had doubted my ability but the editor, Cindy, assured me that it would be great and that she’d make me look good. I’m grateful to her and the many editors who took a chance on me.
I’ve been married for thirty years, and my husband has encouraged me to write a book for at least twenty of them. He believed in me long before I did, and I’m now at work on my second book.
Website: http://tamis-trippin.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamis.trippin/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tami-brooks-tmp-38512266/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamis.trippin/
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