Have you ever wondered who double and triple checks our magazine for grammar, punctuation, consistent tone, spelling, and style rules (yes, even this paragraph right here)? As part of our ongoing “meet the team” series, we’re excited to introduce you to Tara Shiver, the copy editor (and fact-checker extraordinaire) behind every page. Enjoy!
Introduce yourself!
Hi! I’m Tara Shiver, copy editor with Cherokee Media Group. I served as co-editor of Cary Magazine about a decade ago before moving out of state. I’m a military spouse, so I’ve moved around a few times over the years. I’m currently living in Pennsylvania with my husband, Justin, and our herd of cats and chickens.
What’s something I would never guess about you?
I used to be a competitive archer.
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
My grandmother took me on a trip to Europe when I was in middle school. The Alps were breathtaking, and I am looking forward to going back as an adult.
What’s your favorite issue of Cary Magazine so far?
I am terrible at choosing favorites for anything, so that’s next to impossible for me. I will always have a soft spot for the first issue Emily and I put out as editors, July/August 2011. I was young and had a lot of self-doubt, and that issue was tangible proof that I was on the right track.
If you could time travel, where (and when) would you go?
I’d leapfrog my way into the future until we’ve confirmed extraterrestrial life. The universe is unfathomably huge and bizarre, and I am fascinated by the endless possibilities of what’s out there.
Favorite movie?
The Princess Bride. It’s endlessly quotable, and it has everything I need in a movie: romance, sword fights, and rodents of unusual size.
Honorable mention: Elf. It’s my “welcome to the holidays” movie that I watch every year.
Favorite part about your job?
I love the diversity of content I get to work with, both with Cherokee Media Group and my other clients. One day I’m reading about teenagers in Cary doing world-changing things, and the next I’m editing a lecture on medieval art or a news segment on cat body language. Working from home and getting to make my own schedule is pretty great, too.
Series you’d recommend?
Easy. Each episode is standalone. It’s great at conveying the awkward realness of modern life and love. It isn’t a zone-out-and-binge show. It’s created some great conversations in my friend group.
What job would you be terrible at?
Long-haul trucker. I HATE driving long distances. And I regularly get lost even with GPS.
Describe the perfect day!
Two of the most fulfilling things to me are manual labor and time with animals. I used to volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation facility. I once spent the morning building a squirrel enclosure, then attached artificial turf to rafters in a vulture enclosure, and then I got to snuggle a possum named Biscuit. That was a great day.
