Top international travel writers have joined with Channel 4's IDEASFACTORY Scotland to launch a new interactive CD ROM as part of WRITE AWAY, a project which aims to produce the next Bill Bryson or Michael Palin from the Highlands and Islands.

The CD ROM includes Tony Hawks, writer of the Sunday Times top ten bestseller 'Round Ireland with a Fridge'; Sean Langan whose documentary series 'Travels of a Gringo' was aired on Channel 4 this year; and award winning photo-journalist Nick Danziger. The interactive CD Rom gives an insider's view of the travel industry, with the writers providing practical advice, top tips and exercises on writing for print, on film and on the Internet.

The CD Rom also includes information on how to apply to win the journey of a lifetime. WRITE AWAY is inviting prospective writers to submit a short 500-word article on a personal journey or adventure they've made, along with an idea for a journey they would most like to take and write about. Sixteen entrants will then be selected to take part in a series of masterclasses led by some of the country's most successful travel writers, publishers and broadcasters from print and the media.

Four finalists will go on to professional writing industry placements with a chance to turn their dream journey into reality and see their writing translated into print or film.

Lucy Conway, Highlands & Islands Co-ordinator for IDEASFACTORY Scotland said: "This CD ROM has such an array of quality writing talent. It is an innovative and exciting way of giving young people real and knowledgeable guidance to pursue their dreams of travel writing. What we need now is for those who are interested to register for delivery of the CD ROM free of charge. Post-out will begin on the 22nd of November and entries for the project are to be submitted by the 6th of December. Registration should take place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

"To get involved, all people have to do is visit our website  www.channel4.com/ideasfactoryscotland and register through the email address given in the WRITE AWAY section. The CD ROM with all the entry information will be sent out. For those with an ambition for a writing career, or those just looking for an enjoyable writing based experience, WRITE AWAY is a great start which, for some, will end with the chance to write for leading publications and media outlets."

WRITE AWAY is being produced for IDEASFACTORY Scotland by dogtooth media who said: "The launch of the CD ROM is the exciting next step in the WRITE AWAY project. We hope that the featured contributions from top travel writing professionals will really inspire new writers in the Highlands and Islands, to get involved in the project. IDEASFACTORY: WRITE AWAY truly presents an excellent career opportunity for anyone interested in this field of creative writing."