Conversations with Roger Naylor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Naylor.

Hi Roger, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been an Arizona travel writer and author for two decades. I wrote for Arizona Highways for several years. Since 2007, I’ve been a freelance travel writer for the Arizona Republic, which means I cover the entire state outside the Valley of the Sun. I also write for the official Arizona Visitor Guide and many other guides around the state. My Arizona stories have also appeared in USA Today, The Guardian, Country Magazine, The Week, and dozens more. In 2018, I was inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame. I’m the narrator for the Verde Canyon Railroad. I’m also the author of several award-winning books, including Awesome Arizona: 200 Amazing Facts about the Grand Canyon State, Arizona’s Scenic Roads, and Hikes, Arizona State Parks, The Amazing Kolb Brothers of Grand Canyon, Arizona Kicks on Route 66, and Crazy for the Heat: Arizona Tales of Ghosts, Gumshoes, and Bigfoot. I spend my days rambling across this incredible state I love and writing about the wonders I find, big and small. I travel the backroads, visit the parks, hike the trails, and eat in the little mom-and-pop diners. It’s the best job in the world. I send out a monthly newsletter sharing links to my stories, details of where I’m giving presentations, and more of my discoveries. You can sign up on my website. Or you can follow me on Facebook, along with 27,000 other folks, and learn more about Arizona’s scenic beauty, rich history, and endless diversity.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a joyful road. In my experience as a travel writer, smooth roads are great, but sometimes, the most memorable journeys are on the rougher roads. I was very fortunate that I came along when magazines and newspapers were still viable outlets so I could land assignments. The biggest challenge for me was carving out the route to take. I wanted to do this, so I had to figure out how to make it work. I had to invent this job because it didn’t exist. It was necessary to create multiple revenue streams while building my brand as a knowledgeable and passionate Arizona writer. I’m self-taught as a writer, so I’ve developed a voice conveying my passion while pulling the reader into the story. I want to help folks see what a special place we live in and encourage them to get out and explore as much of it as possible.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
All of my work celebrates Arizona, articles, books, and photographs. I write 2-4 travel features each month for the Arizona Republic. I write articles for multiple visitor guides, tourism websites, and other outlets. Topics can be where to see Arizona’s best spring wildflowers, cool summer escapes, best fall colors, best burgers, memorable road trips, swimming holes, haunted hotels, Grand Canyon in winter, roadside attractions, Route 66 hidden gems, or anything else I can think of. Because I’m always covering such a wide range of topics, I make regular media appearances to discuss some on television, radio, and podcasts. I’m a frequent guest on several shows, including Good Morning Arizona, Arizona Horizon, KJZZ’s The Show, and Tucson Morning Blend.

Of all my works, I’m most proud of my books. The books allow me to delve deeper into Arizona areas or history chapters. If you own just a few of my books, it gives you a comprehensive look at the state. Throughout the year, I give presentations at bookstores, libraries, museums, parks, and other facilities, discussing my books with a slide show of photographs and answering questions. You can keep track of all my appearances on my website. I’ve also started offering Arizona greeting cards for my photos. Of course, cards and signed copies of all my books can be purchased through my website.

What sets me apart from others in my field is that this is a love affair for me, not just a job. I fell in love with Arizona when I arrived as a wide-eyed college student. I knew right away this was where I was meant to be. So, after one year, I dropped out of NAU and started rambling around my new home. And that’s what I’ve done my entire adult life. I hiked, camped, took road trips, ate in diners, and did all the same things I do now. Except now, someone pays me to have so much fun, which is pretty cool.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Dreams are worth pursuing. Good things can happen if you have a passion and are willing to work hard. Here are my three rules of happiness. Live in a place that you love. Work at a job you love. And share it with someone you love. That’s the trifecta for pure heart-wringing joy. I’ve been so fortunate. The first two items on the list were made possible thanks to the love and support of my beautiful wife, Michele. I could never have had such a wonderful career without her by my side.

Pricing:

• Awesome Arizona – $16.95
• Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes – $21.95
• Arizona State Parks – $21.95
• Crazy for the Heat – $11.95
• Greeting Cards – $8

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rogernaylor.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ
• Twitter: @AZRogerNaylor

Image Credits
Photos by Roger Naylor