What’s your role and how long have you been at Innovative?
I’m the managing editor, which means I oversee the editorial department, do a lot of behind the scenes work on projects like reviewing every publication before it goes to press, and drop everything and give someone a pep talk when they need one. I’ve been at Innovative for almost 7 years, which means for some readers of this blog, I’ve probably been your publication’s editor at some point!
What’s your favorite memory from Innovative?
For one of our monthly editor meetings, we did a teambuilding activity where we made mood boards for each editor. Each editor curated something related to their personal hobby for every other editor. So, for example, a book recommendation, an article of vintage clothing, a character archetype, even a lawn ornament. It was a lot of fun sharing our interests with our teammates and also having ourselves reflected by others.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
I’m someone who will walk into a room and forget why I’m there. I always have too many tabs open, lots of projects in various stages and questions to answer and people to get back to. That means I have to create a lot of systems for myself to juggle it all.
When you’re not working, what can you be found doing?
I read constantly. If I don’t have a book in my hand, I probably have an audiobook on my earbuds. My favorite genres are literary fiction, contemporary romance and sci-fi/magical realism, basically anything that’s a heightened or distorted version of our world. I love creating things — I draw, paint, write, knit, and am learning to crochet. I play a LOT of cozy video games on my Nintendo Switch. But most of my time is spent running after my toddler and my schnauzer.
What movie, television or book character represents you the best?
Janet from The Good Place. Clarke Griffin from The 100. Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. And Morticia Addams.
What’s a song you currently have on repeat?
“Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa. She is my kid’s second favorite musical artist after Ms. Rachel.
What are some of your favorites (show, movie, book, musical artist, game, etc.)?
As everyone on the production team can attest (because I’ve talked so many of them into playing it), I’m really into the video game Stardew Valley, which is a charming and complex farming sim. I also love I Was A Teenage Exocolonist, an intricate and beautifully illustrated sci-fi interactive novel/RPG where choices matter. I just respect talent so much, and the teams behind these games are so talented.
Other current favorites: For books, Falling Under by Danielle Younge-Ullman and The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. For shows, Doctor Who is an all-time favorite and Fallout is a new one. For musical artist, the band She Wants Revenge. And for movie, I’m going to say Legally Blonde because it’s one movie I know I could watch on repeat and never get sick of, but I went through a big cinephile phase and there are too many favorites to name. I really know my tastes, so I rarely go see a movie and end up disliking it.
“As a manager, Liz is the type of person who can see where you best shine and help you grow as both an editor and a person. She genuinely cares about her team members’ happiness — she constantly checks in, plans fun activities or provides much-needed humor in our ‘Social’ channel. I credit a lot of my success at Innovative to her guidance and constant encouragement.”
Jessica Sears, Senior Writer and Content Coordinator, Innovative Publishing
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