We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Orient, The Traveling Editor, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks is an essential part of life. The hardest step of the process is whole-heartedly committing to a decision. I certainly took risks to get to where I am in my career: I left the world of neuroscience research to become a professional editor. I also started my blog, “The Traveling Editor”, to establish myself as a travel journalist. Ultimately, the answer will always be “no” if you don’t take a chance. When the universe asks you to jump, you reply with “how high?”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I caught the “travel bug” early on in life and developed a deep-seated passion for writing. However, I never imagined that I could pursue my hobby as a profession. In 2017, I committed to my lifelong dream and began writing articles for my blog and travel magazines. I also earned a certificate in copyediting. Over time, I successfully managed to blend the two industries together. The fact that the editing and journalism markets are saturated keeps me on my toes. Leveraging my specialties (science and travel) and sticking to what I know best helps me stand out. Ambition, tenacity, and a healthy dose of patience are key.

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The perfect itinerary for San Diego includes visiting the museums at Balboa Park, eating and imbibing at the restaurants/bars in North Park, relaxing on the beach in La Jolla, and enjoying a day in the mountain town of Julian. The best quality about San Diego is that there is something for everyone. I have lived here for nearly ten years, and I still have a bucket list of places to see and things to do. Spending a weekend at the Hotel del Coronado or going wine tasting in Mexico, anyone? I always look forward to being a tourist in America’s Finest City!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe my success to my family, friends, colleagues, and followers. I would not be where I am today without their support. These people encourage me to “be my own miracle” and to take full responsibility for my future. As a proud member of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), San Diego Press Club, San Diego Professional Editors Network (SD/PEN), and American Copy Editors Society (ACES), I am grateful to be mentored by the best in the business. If you are reading this interview, thank you!

Website: www.LizOrient.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizorient/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eporient/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizorient
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizorient/
Other: https://www.travmedia.com/lizorient https://muckrack.com/liz-orient/portfolio/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.