Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Dunne.
Hi Sophie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started writing professionally in 2019 as a freelance writer for an LA-based website while I was living in Dubai as an Emirates cabin crew member. Juggling both roles was certainly a challenge — as I was flying several days a week and writing on my rest days — but I knew a writing career was in my future and needed to get my start somewhere so I somehow made it work! Interestingly, my current role as a travel writer at Islands feels like coming full circle, allowing me to report on destinations and attractions I’ve actually experienced firsthand.
In 2020, after four years flying around the world with Emirates, I hung up my iconic red hat and headed west to Los Angeles. I landed a few freelance writing gigs, and as my skills developed, I decided to apply to WebMD as a freelance editor. That role really set me up for success and strengthened my skills as both a writer and editor, especially as I turned complicated medical jargon into digestible content for the everyday reader.
From there, I took a position as an editor at an SEO marketing agency, again developing my skills as an editor and learning something new: SEO! You cannot be a writer and editor in a digital world without basic SEO knowledge and I was eager to gain as much experience as possible. I must have been doing something right there because I was promoted to Senior Editor and then Managing Editor.
After two years, I had given all I had to marketing and wanted to immerse myself in content that excited me, such as lifestyle, traveling, history, book recommendations, shopping deals, home and garden, science — things that I as a reader want to read. In 2022, I applied to an editor role at Static Media, a company that owns a myriad of diverse websites, and began editing at their women’s lifestyle brand, The List. Three years later, I edit across all websites and write at their travel brand, Islands, primarily focusing on California hotspots, hidden gems, historical communities, and even the best underrated retirement locations in the state.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been easy. While writing and editing came naturally to me, navigating the logistics of freelancing proved more challenging. Securing enough projects to make a stable living was often stressful, and without the benefit of paid time off, I found myself working twice as hard before I could step away for a holiday.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a writer and editor at Static Media, where I specialize in women’s lifestyle and travel content. Much of my work highlights California — from spotlighting the state’s most scenic hiking trails, national and state parks, and historic Los Angeles businesses, to reporting on local California news, vibrant neighborhoods worth exploring for prospective homebuyers, and overlooked retirement communities across the state. Moreover, I also covered “Soberchella” for Billboard magazine, reporting on Coachella 2025’s expansion of non-alcoholic beverages at the iconic California festival. I was particularly proud of this piece as I interviewed sober festival attendees on the lack of 0.0% drinking options at music events and gained a statistical insight into the growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives in the festival industry.
What sets my work apart is the perspective I bring as both a travel reporter and a global citizen. Originally from Ireland, I’ve visited 71 countries and built a life abroad since 2016 — first in Dubai and now in Los Angeles. Living as an expat has given me an insider’s understanding of cultural adaptation, while my Irish roots keep me grounded in storytelling and curiosity. This background allows me to approach travel and culture with a distinct voice. My experience as a former cabin crew member also gives me a unique edge as a travel writer by allowing me to share insider tips, travel hacks, airplane dos and don’t, and a global perspective that readers can trust.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Travel writing taught me that every place — big or small — has a story worth telling. If you’re starting out, don’t wait for the perfect assignment. Start writing about the world around you, even if it’s just your own neighborhood. Moreover, my journey shows there’s no single path to becoming a writer. Whether you’re writing between shifts, on rest days, or during long commutes, those early words matter. Keep going — your voice is what makes the story unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sophiemdunne.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiemdunne
Image Credits
Sophie Dunne
