Nothing is more natural for me than to immerse myself in strange and new places. Once I am on location everything just happens effortlessly. Like a dog circling a blanket, waiting for just the right mood before settling in. The planning and concept phase can take years. “Getting on the road is the big challenge.I have never studied writing and rather than the usual approach to getting published via magazine and newspaper work, I just sat down and wrote a book with the help of a very good editor who brought out the best in me as a person and as a writer.”

My professional career started with the publication of my first book - Stranger in the Forest - which is an account of living with groups of nomadic hunters and gatherers in the Borneo rainforest. It’s all about engaging the listener and making your story their story.

“The oral tradition of recording personal history is the very best way to frame a story.

If you don’t master the basics of storytelling and writing in the beginning you will suffer by making the same mistakes over and over again.” If you want to get good fast, learn slowly.

“The craft of writing is similar to dancing.

Here are some outtakes from our interview: Hansen’s articles have appeared in the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, and Natural History Magazine.

Next month at the Writers page I chat with Eric Hansen, author of travel books such as Stranger in the Forest, Motoring with Mohammed, and The Bird Man and the Lap Dancer.

Motoring with Mohammed by Eric Hansen