Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Today, let’s dive into the wanderlust-filled world of Michelle Arrouas, famously known as The Restless Reporter. From TIME’s Asia Bureau to studying journalism in the Big Apple, Michelle has woven her life around creating captivating travel stories that she generously shares with the world.

Embarking on the Blogging Odyssey

Michelle kicked off The Restless Reporter back in 2014, initially aiming to share snapshots, anecdotes, and experiences with friends and family – the classic blogger’s start, right? As her focus shifted towards longform narrative journalism, the blog evolved into a canvas for honing those storytelling skills. More than that, it became a digital diary chronicling her adventures across Hong Kong, Rwanda, Paris, Brussels, DC, Beijing, and now, the bustling streets of New York City.

A Journalist at Heart

Always set on a journalism path, Michelle’s journey meandered briefly into dreams of jazz musician stardom during her teenage years. However, realizing her true passion lay in storytelling rather than music notes, she embarked on a journalism career. With a penchant for writing essays way beyond school requirements, journalism became the compass guiding her professional trajectory.

Juggling Blogging and Reporting: Finding the Right Mix

Now fully immersed in the world of reporting, Michelle faces the challenge of balancing her blog with the constant deadlines from newspapers and magazines. It’s a tricky act, trying to maintain the polished, news-friendly style for mainstream media while also keeping her blog a personal haven for her unfiltered thoughts and experiences.

In the hustle and bustle of journalism, where every moment counts, Michelle stands by her commitment to keeping the blog alive. It’s her special space, where she can share the raw, personal versions of her stories, filled with the details and reflections that might not make it into the mainstream pieces.

In the world of traditional reporting, where rules and time constraints rule the game, Michelle finds a breath of fresh air in her blog. It’s a place where she can be unapologetically herself and capture the essence of her experiences without the constraints of newspaper guidelines.

But the challenge persists – finding that delicate balance between the urgency of reporting news and the laid-back, reflective nature of her blog. To tackle this challenge, Michelle has some tricks up her sleeve, and you might find them handy too:

• Time Management: Michelle blocks out specific times just for her blog, making sure it gets the attention it deserves without affecting her reporting duties;
• Choosing Stories Wisely: She carefully selects which stories go where, considering the preferences of her blog audience versus the broader readership of mainstream publications;
• Efficient Note-Taking: Michelle has figured out a streamlined way to capture her field notes, making it easy for her to switch between on-the-ground experiences and crafting engaging narratives for both platforms;
• Planning Ahead: By staying ahead of her commitments, Michelle ensures that her blog remains an ongoing project rather than something she squeezes in when time allows;
• Connecting the Dots: Michelle strategically links her blog and reporting. A snippet in the newspaper might guide readers to the blog for a deeper dive into the story, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two.

In the midst of this juggling act, Michelle acknowledges that each platform has its purpose in her storytelling journey. Through this delicate balance, she not only meets the demands of her professional responsibilities but also nurtures a genuine connection with her audience through her blog. So, if you ever find yourself trying to manage multiple writing projects, take a page from Michelle’s book and find your own sweet spot.

From the Streets of New York to Roads and Kingdoms

Yearning for the newsroom buzz after leaving TIME’s Asia bureau, Michelle reached out to Roads & Kingdoms, drawn to their beautifully crafted features. Joining the team, she now revels in a collective pride with every published feature. The stories, exquisitely written and visually stunning, ignite her restlessness, making it hard to stay put in the city that stole her heart.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Travel Writers

Michelle’s advice for bloggers aspiring to venture into travel writing for larger publications is simple yet profound. Learn the ropes of conventional journalism and delve into the ethics of the trade. While many travel bloggers excel in crafting beautiful posts, understanding the nuances of tone, structure, and ethical considerations is crucial when transitioning to larger platforms.

Defining Success in Travel Blogging

For Michelle, success in travel blogging revolves around creating posts she’s proud of and growing her readership. Fueled by her journalistic endeavors, the blog serves as a canvas to share field notes, complementing the more polished pieces in mainstream publications. As she continues to craft these travel narratives, success, to her, lies in connecting with readers through words and pictures.

Conclusion

And there you have it, a glimpse into the captivating journey of The Restless Reporter, Michelle Arrouas. Stay tuned for more tales from the road and inspiring adventures!