CANVAS REBEL talks to LISA NIVER about writing

Thank you to Canvas Rebel for interviewing me.

Today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Niver. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below. Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Mary Tyler Moore said, “Take risks, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” My book, Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, launches on Sept 19, 2023. It is about my 50 challenges before I turned 50 after my divorce as I worked to reinvent myself.

Writing a memoir and launching a podcast both come with challenges and uncertainties. I have faced a myriad of obstacles. I have grown both personally and professionally.

Each setback has fueled my determination to improve. I have come to understand that there are no mistakes just opportunities for learning and a chance to practice bravery and push the boundaries of my comfort zone. Through storytelling, I have forged meaningful connections with individuals around the world. My podcast is now reaching people in 33 countries on six continents. My episode with Deepak Chopra was nominated for an award.

As I continue this journey, I am fueled by an unquenchable passion for growth and a desire to make a positive impact. With my book and each podcast episode, I strive to deliver valuable content, inspire others, and spark meaningful conversations. With Mary Tyler Moore’s words resonating in my heart, I continue to take risks, and embrace the journey with courage and enthusiasm.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an award-winning travel expert who has explored 102 countries on six continents. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Find my articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as my site WeSaidGoTravel.

On my award nominated global podcast, Make Your Own Map, I have interviewed Deepak Chopra, the Irish Ambassador to the USA, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist have been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For my print and digital stories as well as my television segments, I have been awarded three Southern California Journalism Awards and two National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist twenty-two times.

I was named a #3 travel influencer for 2023, and talk travel on broadcast television at KTLA TV Los Angeles, my YouTube channel with nearly 2 million views, and in my memoir, Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy, the company I worked for Renaissance Cruises faced a devastating blow as the travel industry plummeted, leading to bankruptcy within a week. It was a time of immense uncertainty. I chose to embark on a new chapter after traveling full time for seven years.

Leaving behind the world of travel, I returned to teaching. I channeled my energy into making a positive impact in the lives of students, instilling knowledge, and fostering a love of physics and chemistry for my 8th grade students at Culver City middle school. They loved my stories from around the world which inspired me to keep writing.

I also taught science at Brawerman Elementary School and Curtis School, where I went to 5th and 6th grade! Over the years, I started to travel more and made another transition to journalism. I am excited for this adventure as an author with my book in bookstores! I hope to see many of your readers at my upcoming events.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

To grow in my writing career, I went to conferences and workshops, which has been an absolute game-changer in my journey.

I started to attend workshops with David Hochman at UPOD Academy. I have also worked with him one on one which was immensely helpful in my book process. The Facebook group he runs has really helped me with finding the right editors and selling stories.

A friend recommended that I join the Los Angeles Press Club and I have made so many connections and gone to incredible events.

Taking classes has been like a launching pad for my knowledge and skills. Each course I took has empowered me with valuable insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of my field.

By actively engaging in networking activities, attending industry events, and connecting with professionals in my field, I’ve built an amazing web of contacts. These connections have opened doors to my book being published in September! I highly recommend getting involved in these groups which have really made a difference for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lisaniver.com/braveish/ and https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaniver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.niver/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaellenniver/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaniver
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaNiver
• PODCAST: Make Your Own Map: https://lisaniver.com/makeyourownmap/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wesaidgotravel/_saved/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisaniver
• MORE: https://bit.ly/m/lisaniver

THANK YOU TO CANVAS REBEL for interviewing me!