Editor: Is this your first experience teaching online? How did you come to join
OnlineLearning.net?
Peat O'Neil: Actually, this is the third online course for me. I joined OnlineLearning.net early in 1998 through UCLA Extension. It happened like this: I saw a brochure of UCLA Extension's online writing courses and thought that would be something for me to do, since I've taught "on the ground" (in the classroom) for years at various colleges in the Washington, D.C. area. During the fall of 1997, I wrote UCLA Extension and asked them to consider me for "Travel Writing" and "Nature Writing." Initially, they turned me down, but a couple of months later, they asked me to start off teaching "Nature Writing."
I guess the course was a success because students have returned to take the "Travel Writing" course.
Ed: What is your professional background - have you always been a journalist?
PO: Well, my academic credentials aren't in journalism. My undergraduate work focused on English literature and my graduate degree is in Law. As you may have guessed, I'm a pretty versatile person. Over the years I've worked as a seamstress (making sails and storage bags for sailboat racers), helped organize a sport art exhibition for the Olympics in Montreal, prepared witnesses for international trade law litigation, promoted a business game for Sony and lots more. Of course, I've always been a writer and started
freelancing back in the mid 1970's.
Ed: You're on the News Staff of The Washington Post - what kinds of stories are you covering these days?
PO: Since 1986, I've been on staff at The Washington Post. Over the years, I've worked on the Post Magazine, Health Section and Style Section. At the moment, I review classical and world music performances, write the occasional personal essay for our "Noted With" column, or contribute to the arts section of WashingtonPost.com. I also put together a weekly column on volunteering and non-profit news for The Post. I still freelance for many publications and I just sent Writer's Digest Books the revisions for the
upcoming paperback edition of my book: Travel Writing: A Guide to Research, Writing and Selling.
Ed: You're teaching "Travel Journalism" during the Fall Quarter - is there anything about teaching this particular course that you feel lends itself especially well to the online environment and, if so, how?
PO: Well, I haven't given up my pen and paper, but I like the freedom of online communication. And the online learning environment is perfect for people with eclectic interests, a yen for creativity and little time for driving to a classroom. You can participate in a dynamic creative learning environment anywhere there's a wired computer! Students who are on the road traveling (for business or pleasure) can participate too!
Ed: Who are your students? In other words, what is the profile of the typical student who takes your online course?
PO: Students in the online environment range from busy young professionals who want to know more about writing and preparing their manuscripts for publication to retirees who have a lifetime of stories to tell and really, anyone who wants to develop their creative side. Generally, the classes appeal to people who write occasionally and want to achieve publication. More experienced writers will find the online classroom a useful place to receive detailed feedback on their work.
Ed: You will be teaching another writing course during the Winter Quarter -
"Advanced Feature Article" - what kinds of topics will you cover in this course and who might benefit from taking it?
PO: Certainly anyone who has participated in a creative non-fiction course, or a journalism course (in a classroom or online) will enjoy the Advanced Feature Article course. Like many writing teachers, I believe that the writing workshop is a place where students can experiment with voice and style, and perhaps explore new subjects. The primary benefit is to receive useful critiques from teacher and class participants. In class, we will analyze work by established writers and critique each other. There's also discussion of story idea development, markets, interview techniques, finding experts.
Ed: Writers often want to know, in writing for newspapers and magazines, how do
you determine when to submit a query letter versus a completed manuscript
to an editor?
PO: The rule of thumb is you always query magazines because of their longer lead time. Newspapers will consider completed manuscripts with a cover letter. Most newspapers have staff writers handle the daily news coverage and turn to freelancers for features, essays and op-ed pieces.
Ed: How do you feel the dynamic of teaching online might play into your own work process and habits? Are you a "morning person" or a "night owl"?
PO: I've worked with computers since the 1970's, back when that meant coding decks of punch-cards to input data. While I'm certainly no expert (hah!), I do feel comfortable most of the time. To develop my skills, currently, I'm studying HTML in an online course through Montgomery College, here in Maryland. The most productive computer time for me happens on rainy days and at night. Mornings, I like to read or play outdoors.
Ed: Outside of working as a writer, what are the kinds of things you like to do with your free time?
PO: I go to sea. Sort of. I have a couple of sea kayaks that I put to use in the coastal waters of the Mid-Atlantic and South, sometimes with a friend. This past weekend, I bicycled up South Mountain--which is North of here--slowly, but I did it, then gathered apples to cook up a batch of applesauce. During the winter I read, work on my next book and travel. Growing herbs and vegetables and making fruit preserves are other activities I enjoy.
Ed: Thank you for your time! Are you having any last minute butterflies about teaching online?
PO: Not butterflies! I just hope my hands hold up with all the typing!
Fortunately, I learned to type when I was 10 years old and once was clocked at 103 wpm on an IBM Selectric, but that was back when I was young and spry. (Tee hee!)
