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Award-winning travel writer Gwen Pratesi takes us on a remarkable journey of transformation from corporate professional to culinary explorer in this candid conversation about finding your calling through life's unexpected detours.

When her husband was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in 2009, Gwen found inspiration in a Mediterranean cruise that sparked a food blog—launching at the dawn of digital content creation alongside pioneers like Pioneer Woman and Steamy Kitchen. What began as a flexible way to work while supporting her husband through treatments evolved organically into culinary tours, chef interviews, and eventually a James Beard Foundation Award nomination that surprised even Gwen herself.

Now contributing to U.S. News & World Report, Frommer's, Garden & Gun, and numerous travel publications, Gwen reveals the authentic process behind travel journalism. She speaks candidly about preferring solo trips to find unique angles, navigating the challenges of travel mishaps in Vietnam and why Alaska remains her favorite destination despite temperatures reaching 40 below. For aspiring writers, her insights on crafting compelling narratives from personal experiences offer invaluable guidance.

PR professionals will appreciate Pratesi's straightforward advice about journalist relationships: research writers' beats before pitching, allow adequate response time and be transparent about coverage expectations from the start. Her practical wisdom extends to enjoying the journey itself, whether interviewing culinary legend Jacques Pépin or discovering unique treasures in local shops while traveling.

Connect with Gwen via email at [email protected]. 

Check out her website and articles at PratesiLiving.com.

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