Helping You Thrive Through Story
All of my work here - Storycraft, travel writing, and mindful travel - grows from the same root: attention to story, place, and culture. I believe that stories define how we understand the world. They shape empathy, connection and sometimes conflict. Stories: the narratives we tell and share about place, communities and histories not only influence how we see one another - but build bridges across differences.
Who I Am
I’m Laura McVeigh - a novelist, literary travel writer, essayist, and former CEO of PEN International, where I worked at the crossroads of literature, human rights, cultural diplomacy and freedom of expression.
Over two decades in international civil society, I’ve worked with writers, cultural organisations, NGOs and institutions across the world on issues of storytelling, cultural exchange and dialogue. Today I advise on narrative strategy and storytelling as tools for education, communication and peacebuilding.
A polyglot and lifelong traveller, my writing is published internationally in fiction, travel and essays, and translated into multiple languages.
What You’ll Find Here
This Substack brings together three strands of my work:
Storycraft - essays on literature, narrative and the power of storytelling - exploring how stories shape cultures, conflict and understanding.
Write Your Way Around the World - guidance, insights, and inspiration for writers interested in travel writing, publishing, and building a career from meaningful stories about place.
Green Travel - stories and reflections on exploring the world responsibly, sustainably, and with curiosity about landscapes and cultures.
Who This Is For
This space is for writers, travellers, thinkers, and readers interested in story, language, and place.
It’s for you if you:
are looking to build your own writing practice
want to discover thoughtful travel writing
are exploring how narrative shapes culture, identity and understanding in a complex world
Subscribe & Stay Connected
You’ll receive a new post each week - alternating between Storycraft, travel writing, and green travel. All three strands reflect the same goal: thoughtful engagement with story, culture, and the ways we connect across differences.
For more on my fiction, visit lauramcveigh.com
For travel writing, writing resources and guides, visit lauramcveightravel.com | travel-writing.com | greentravelguides.world
Thanks for coming on the journey!
Subscribe to StoryCraft, Write Your Way Around The World and The Green Travel Guide for weekly updates.
To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.
