Editor Leaving Post

NEWPORT BEACH — Martin J. Smith said he’s stepping down as editor of Orange Coast magazine by the end of the year to focus on his fiction writing.

Smith, 41, editor of the 23-year-old lifestyle publication since April 1994, will continue as the magazine’s editor-at-large. He is working on his third book, to follow the release last March of the suspense novel “Time Release” and another book due in June.

Publisher Ruth Ko said she hopes to name Smith’s successor within a few weeks.