The Flourishing Creator

There is usually one drink article found in “Food & Drink” which covers alcoholic drinks such as spirits, wine and cocktails. This could appear as a round up of drinks to try, cocktail recipes, or an article covering a story or trend. In 400 to 1,000 words, the article is written in third person and sometimes includes quotes from those involved, such as bartenders or managers. Recent examples include “Grape Expectations,” a round up of different wines for readers to try, and “Doubling Down,” which covers cocktails including two of the same spirit, such as two complimentary brands of vodka in the same drink plus three recipes to try.

“Great Escape” covers a big trip in detail through one destination. It usually covers around five spots on the trip giving details for each one. This includes practical information like how to get there, when to go, and what to budget as well as a narrative style 3,000-word exploration of each spot focusing on a theme. For example, architecture in Phoenix and vineyards in Sedona on a trip through Arizona. These are written in third person and often include quotes from locals or guides giving more information on the area. There is a sidebar to accompany each stop called “Essentials.” These are around 100 words each and give an accommodation option and information about an attraction in each place including prices and websites. There is also a 200-word sidebar called “On the Road” which highlights what to eat, drink, listen to, read, and watch to best experience the destination. Example destinations from recent issues include Arizona, Taiwan, and Madagascar.

“The Insider Address” is a 150-word description of an interesting hotel or accommodation option. These are usually luxury options and can be based in destinations worldwide. There’s a third-person description which covers the design, room, location, and any interesting annecdotes about the architect, owner or designer. This is followed by the price and website. The Jaffa Hotel in Tel Aviv, Isreal and the Palazzo Daniele villa in Puglia, Italy were recently covered here.

“Time Off” runs to about 650 words long and covers travel and lifestyle topics in third person. This could take the form of a round up or a simple description of a place or activity. Quotes from relevant sources are sometimes included. Examples include “Diving Hawaii’s Lava Tubes,” about the Hawaiian dive destination with quotes from a dive guide, “Autos Around the Bend,” a round up of six cars on display at the New York International Auto Show, and “Paradise by the Sea,” a round up of the world’s best beaches.

“Designer Profile” is an up to 1,000-word section that looks into the life and work of a fashion designer such as Tommy Hilfiger or Edgardo Osorio. Written in the third person, the section combines quotes from an interview with the designer and provides readers with a more personal insight into their lives.

“Road Trips” covers driving adventures in the country in about 2,000 words. Articles are written in a second-person style as the writer gives readers tips and advice for taking the trip themselves. There are multiple sidebars which gives more details on the route, what to pack, where to stay, and how to get there. There’s also often a final sidebar which gives two alternative driving adventures. A recent example includes “Northern Exposure” which describes a round trip on the Gibb River Road in Kimberley with information on what expect and how to navigate the route.

“Take a Detour” is an 800-word article covering a different destination each issue either in Australia or in the Virgin Australia flight network. In third person, the article covers what readers can see and do in the area plus recommendations for where to stay, shop, and eat. The sidebar “Details” accompanies the article which gives more information on any businesses mentioned such as the address, phone number, and website. Examples for this section include “Booked Up,” covering the annual writing festival in Byron Bay and where to eat, shop, stay when visiting, “Water Colours,” about the lesser-known islands in Venice and what to see, do, and eat while there, and “The Powder Room,” about Wanaka, New Zealand, and the winter sports activities you can do there.

“Source File” profiles an interesting person, often one working in the luxury or fashion industries. There’s a 100-word third-person introduction, covering what they do, followed by a 400-word article. This is written in a first-person as-told-to style and could cover their favorite places to visit worldwide, more in the industry they work in, or anecdotes from their childhood and any future plans. Examples include “Eve of the Beholder,” profiling Paola Russo, founder of boutique Just One Eye, “Driven to Discover,” about Pierre Lagrange, owner of fashion brand Huntsman, and “Forecasting Time,” profiling Hamilton Powell, founder of Crown & Caliber.