Tourism of literary writing: the Brazilian author as an international tourist in the Amores Expressos collection.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter proposes a new look at the interface of tourism and literature, inverting the traditional hierarchy between these two terms: in the 'tourism of literary writing', the trip pre-dates the work, contrary to what happens with 'literary tourism', in which the existence of an author and a literary work is assumed to antedate the travel. The chapter examines the 'experience triggers' that are considered to be the most important acts for the emergence of the tourism of literary writing. Such triggers take place from five decisions that must be made: (i) the model for financing the trip; (ii) the decision about which cities to visit; (iii) the selection of the participating authors; (iv) time spent by the travellers in the inspiring destinations; and (v) the definition of the mission/compensation demanded from the authors-travellers. To exemplify these triggers, the multimedia project Amores Expressos is analysed. The type of touristic activity promoted by the organizers of this project served not only to allow Brazilian authors to 'mine experiences' for a future work they would write, but also enabled the construction of new lucrative products for the financing companies.