Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle: Conversations with authors, journalists, agents, novelists, memoirists, niche writers, publishers, writing teachers, assigning editors and media experts.

In this episode: How Jennifer started her YA writing journey [2:52] Going on submission during the pandemic, and eventually getting a 2 book deal [6:15] The exercise of narrowing down characters [13:20] The art of writing time pressure into your story [20:00] Jen's advice for excavating specific emotions for your characters [32:31]   Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist who has written for Today, New York Times, Oprah Daily, Real Simple, and Bust. Jennifer has a MFA and BFA in dramatic writing from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She is a proud volunteer for WriteGirl, a creative writing and mentoring organization. She lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, twins, two pugs, and a cat named Gremlin.  Contact Jennifer Twitter: https://twitter.com/jchenwriter  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jchenwriter/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jchenwriter  Substack newsletter: https://jenniferchen.substack.com  Website: https://jchenwriter.com Connect with Estelle: Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast):  https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode: The elements of a good author/publisher relationship [20:12] The kinds of books New World Library publishes [12:04] What proposal submissions need to include [30:05] How authors can road test their book ideas [17:07] Insights on how authors should be building their platforms [14:15] Trends that Georgia has seen in the publishing industry and her thoughts on AI [30:49] What makes New World Library stand out from other publishers [18:30] Estelle's experience with New World Library [20:19]   Georgia A. Hughes is editorial director at New World Library, where she acquires and edits nonfiction books in the areas of spirituality, personal growth, sustainable business, relationships, health and well-being, animals, and women's issues. New World Library, publisher of the bestselling The Power of Now and other award-winning books, strives to publish books that help readers change their lives and the world, and aims for diversity and inclusion. Prior to joining New World Library, Georgia worked as a bookseller, at HarperCollins, and as a freelance editor. Recent acquisitions include Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus, Say It Out Loud by Vasavi Kumar,  Hagitude by Sharon Blackie, The Eloquence of Silence by Thomas Moore, Bones & Honey by Danielle Dulsky, and Growing Big Dreams by Robert Moss.   Connect with New World Library: Website: www.newworldlibrary.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewWorldLibrary Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/newworldlibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewWorldLibrary?ref=br_tf YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/NewWorldLibrary Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/newworldlibrary/   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast  Writing That Gets Noticed Wins a Zibby Award for the "Best Book for The Writer" https://estelleserasmus.com/writing-that-gets-noticed-wins-a-zibby-award/

In this episode: Liz's inspiration for writing her book [5:05] How Liz got her book published and the process she went through [6:45] The importance of a social media presence and creating a brand when writing [7:31] Advice for picking a book cover [11:43] The importance of active verbs [19:10] How Liz structured her book and used alliteration [18:15] Choosing what stories to put in your book, and what not to include [26:40]   Liz Elting, Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, is an entrepreneur, business leader, bestselling author, linguaphile, philanthropist, feminist, and mother. After living, studying, and working in five countries across the globe, Liz founded TransPerfect out of an NYU dorm room in 1992 and served as Co-CEO until 2018. TransPerfect is the world's largest language solutions company, with over $1.1 billion in revenue and offices in more than 100 cities worldwide. Liz received the 2019 Charles Waldo Haskins Award for business and public service from NYU's Stern School of Business, the American Heart Association's 2020 Health Equity Leadership Award, the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs' 2021 Vertex Award for changing the face and direction of women's high-growth entrepreneurship, the American Heart Association's 2022 Woman Changing the World Award, Trinity College's 2022 Kathleen O'Connor Boelhouwer '85 Alumni Initiative Award, and the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation's 2023 Angel of Hope Award. Liz has been recognized as a NOW Woman of Power & Influence, American Express' and Entrepreneur magazine's Woman of the Year, and one of Forbes' Richest Self-Made Women every year since the list's inception. Elting is the bestselling author of Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business.   Connect with Liz: Website: https://lizelting.com Liz's Foundation: https://www.elizabetheltingfoundation.org Get Liz's Book: Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizelting/ X: https://twitter.com/LizElting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Liz-Elting/pfbid0384nDaMaX8DzW1u3Zvnqn9N6HSzeWAq56AXHhEXWbVHgRKgBsztpNn6RzGHW72nVsl/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelting   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast): https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus

In this episode: What authors don't know about media [2:26] How to be media ready [3:33] Timing on preparing for media interviews [5:27] Advice for authors on getting comfortable on camera [5:45] Paula's accordion method for sharing information [10:20] Advice on speaking good sound bites to break through the noise [16:29] How to pitch media and where to find contacts [20:25] Lists and using them to stay productive [26:53]   Paula Rizzo is an Emmy Award-winning television producer, best-selling author of Listful Thinking & Listful Living, a media-training coach, speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, host of the live-stream show Inside Scoop, and creator of the popular online training Media-Ready Author.   She media trains fiction and nonfiction authors who are both traditionally and self-published. Harper Collins, Workman Publishing and Time Inchave all hired Paula to prepare their authors for book launches. She's also media trained executives from The New York Times, Dow Jones, Fortune 200 companies and privately-owned organizations. Paula served on the advisory board of Books for Kids, is a member of The Authors Guild and Women's Media Group, as well as a founding member of Chief in New York City. She's currently working on a novel and several children's books.    Connect with Paula: 10 Media Questions That Every Author Needs to Answer: http://paularizzo.com/10Q LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paularizzo1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listproducer/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ListProducer    Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this super short episode Estelle Erasmus shares a recap of her year with Freelance Writing Direct and her book, Writing That Gets Noticed, which just received a Zibby Award for the "Best Book For The Writer".   There is so much more to come, so be sure to keep following the podcast, and Estelle's website EstelleSErasmus.com and her substack at https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   The Articles/News Estelle Mentioned   Inc. Magazine: 17 Small Changes That Will Make Your Writing Irresistible, According to an NYU Writing Professor.https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/17-small-changes-that-will-make-your-writing-irresistible-according-to-an-nyu-writing-professor.html   Inc. Magazine: Here's How Smart People Use the Empathy Rule to Make Sure Their Emails Get Read https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/heres-how-smart-people-use-empathy-rule-to-make-sure-their-emails-get-read.html   Freedom with Writing: An Interview with Editor/Author Estelle Erasmus https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/interview-with-editor-author-estelle-erasmus/   Writing That Gets Noticed Wins a Zibby Award https://estelleserasmus.com/writing-that-gets-noticed-wins-a-zibby-award/   Writing That Gets Noticed is Now an Official NYU Journalism Course https://estelleserasmus.com/writing-that-gets-noticed-is-now-an-official-nyu-journalism-course/

In this episode: The genesis of this book [3:29] Why parents should be addressing tough topics with their children [6:20] Why yelling works sometimes [8:25] The danger in outside sources of information such as TikTok [15:14] Strategies she used to research the book [16:27] Writing in a reader-friendly style [20:02]   Known as the "Conversation Doc," Dr. Robyn Silverman is a child and teen development specialist and author of the [forthcoming] book, How to Talk to Kids About Anything, as well as the host of the popular podcast of the same name. She is a cofounder of the Powerful Words Character System, which gives educators the talking points they need to help children become kind, responsible citizens of the world. Dr. Robyn has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show and Nightline and has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, CNN.com, and many other publications. She lives with her husband, two kids and a fuzzy rescue dog who loves sunning himself on their front steps, even in the summer heat of North Carolina.    Connect with Dr. Robyn: Website: https://parenting.drrobynsilverman.com Podcast: https://drrobynsilverman.com/category/podcast/ Get her book: https://parenting.drrobynsilverman.com/book   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode: Writing from a neurodivergent perspective [3:29] Working as an advocate [5:48] Drawing real life into fiction writing [6:13] The benefit of using sensitivity readers [6:31] The importance of writing inclusive books [5:25] Tips on the process of publishing children books [12:36] An autistic mom of three autistic kids, Jen Malia is the author of The Infinity Rainbow Club series and Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism. She is Professor of English and Creative Writing Coordinator at Norfolk State University. She has written for or appeared on the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, Parents, Glamour,  Woman's Day, and others. She has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern California and is pursuing an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Originally from Pittsburgh, she currently lives with her husband and three kids in Virginia Beach.    Connect with Jen: Website: JenMalia.com Information about Jen's Books: https://jenmalia.com/books/the-infinity-rainbow-club-series/ Jen's Publisher's information: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/author/8504/Jen-Malia   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   The website designer Websy Daisy:  https://websydaisy.com/  

In this episode:   How Bianca writes about different genres [2:45] Writing a story from many POVs [4:47] Opening a novel in a compelling way when there are multiple characters [5:26] The way Bianca included research into her fantasy book [9:02] Exploring the science of magic [11:08] The backstory to The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast [18:45] Bianca's tips for interviewing and writing [28:11] Bianca Marais is the author of the bestselling The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, as well as the beloved Hum If You Don't Know the Words and If You Want to Make God Laugh, as well as the Audible Original, The Prynne Viper. She taught at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies where she was awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing in 2021. She's the co-host of the popular podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which is aimed at helping emerging writers become published. She now teaches creative writing through the podcast and in her personal capacity. She lives in Toronto with her husband and golden retriever, and she's furiously working away on finishing her next novel.   Connect with Bianca: Twitter: @BiancaM_author and @TSNOTYAW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ and https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biancamaraisauthor   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social  

In this episode: Writer's Digest's publication schedule [3:52] The niches that print and online cover [2:12] Writing and craft tips Amy has gleaned from novelists [8:40] The secret to a writer's persistence, when being faced with rejection [20:49] Amy's dream 2024 articles and pitches based on the Writer's Digest editorial calendar [23:52] Where to send submissions [26:27] Paid subscribers to Estelle's substack get to see even more from Amy Jones (https://estelleserasmus.substack.com)   Amy Jones is Editor-in-Chief of Writer's Digest and the former managing content director for Writer's Digest Books. She is the editor of the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market and the Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market. Prior to joining the WD team, she was the managing editor for North Light Books and IMPACT Books. She also spent time producing instructional videos for ArtistsNetworkTV. Like most WD staffers, Amy is a voracious reader and has a particular interest in literary fiction, historical fiction, page-turning mysteries, and steamy romance. She volunteers for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and at Ohio Alleycat Resource, her local no-kill cat shelter.    Connect with Amy Jones: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMJones_5 Instagram: https://Instagram.com/AmyMJones_5   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's latest piece for Writer's Digest  What To Do to Maximize Your Launch Week and Get Your Book Noticed https://www.writersdigest.com/getting-published/what-to-do-to-maximize-your-launch-week-and-get-your-book-noticed  

In this episode: What Mom Rage is and why this topic is relevant [2:06] Why Minna decided to write about this parenting topic [2:54] Writing about a controversial topic and feminist values [22:32] Tips for pitching and creating scenes that resonate with readers [20:12] To see additional clips, please visit https://estelleserasmus.substack.com    Minna Dubin (she/her) is the author of MOM RAGE: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood. Her writing has been featured in the New York Times, Oprah Daily, The Times Sunday Magazine, Salon, Lit Hub, Parents, Romper, and elsewhere. She is the recipient of an artist enrichment grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. As a leading feminist voice on mom rage, Minnahas appeared on MSNBC, Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, the BBC and NPR. She lives in Berkeley, CA with her husband, two kids, and no pets because enough is enough.    Connect with Minna: Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood: https://www.minnadubin.com/book Website: https://www.minnadubin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minnadubin/ X: https://twitter.com/minnadubin   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's piece on postpartum rage for Parents.com What Postpartum Rage Looked Like for One New Mom https://www.parents.com/baby/health/postpartum-depression/i-was-uncontrollably-angry-after-giving-birth/   Estelle's interview on CapeTalk for her article on postpartum rage. https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/487132/postpartum-rage-a-symptom-of-postpartum-depression-why-don-t-we-talk-about-it  

In this episode: How to locate and verify images to use with your writing [4:05] What exactly is a photo license? [5:00] Free sources for writers to find pictures [10:10] Keywords to help find the best photos for your creative writing pieces [11:12] Specs to consider, such as color, composition and file size [15:11] How colors can impact the way people feel about your writing [15:11] How Nicole got into this niche industry [18:09]   Nicole DiMella is a lifelong art student, working as a photographer, with photographers, and with photography her entire career. She believes pictures have the power to teach and is doing her small part to grow brains of all ages every day. With publishers such as Encyclopedia Britannica, National Geographic and Dorling Kindersley she consults on image research, copyright and permissions, and photo editing. She also works one-on-one with authors and other content creators to find and clear images for their projects.  Nicole was going to be a rock photographer but instead lives in New Jersey and drives a minivan.  Connect with Nicole: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ndimella/  Website: lemon-snap.com/    Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's Interview in Freedom with Writing: https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/interview-with-editor-author-estelle-erasmus/   Her Interviews  for Inc. Magazine 17 Small Changes That Will Make Your Writing Irresistible, According to An NYU Writing Professor: https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/17-small-changes-that-will-make-your-writing-irresistible-according-to-an-nyu-writing-professor.html   How Smart People Use the Empathy Rule to Make Sure Their Emails Get Read: https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/heres-how-smart-people-use-empathy-rule-to-make-sure-their-emails-get-read.html

In this episode: Teri's process for writing about herself in her book How a small every day moment can be universal through writing How Teri structured her book to encompass different topics The practice of elevating your readers with your writing Writing with humor. Why the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop registration is an appointment event Teri Rizvi is the founder and director of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop at the University of Dayton, where she serves as executive director of strategic communications.  She is the author of One Heart with Courage: Essays and Stories and the co-editor of Laugh Out Loud: 40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now ... Before We Forget and Sisters!, Bonded by Love and Laughter, both published in conjunction with the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Her essay "Living in the Moment" appeared in Fast Fierce Women (Woodhall Press, 2022). Her essays and feature stories have appeared in USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, The Guardian (London), University of Dayton Magazine and the Dayton Daily News, among other print and online media.   Connect with Teri Website: https://teririzvi.com Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop: https://go.udayton.edu/erma   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's interview with Zibby Owens on Freelance Writing Direct https://estelleserasmus.com/36-zibby-owens-is-upending-the-publishing-world/ Estelle's Interview in Freedom with Writing: https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/interview-with-editor-author-estelle-erasmus/   Her Interviews  for Inc. Magazine 17 Small Changes That Will Make Your Writing Irresistible, According to An NYU Writing Professor: https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/17-small-changes-that-will-make-your-writing-irresistible-according-to-an-nyu-writing-professor.html How Smart People Use the Empathy Rule to Make Sure Their Emails Get Read: https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/heres-how-smart-people-use-empathy-rule-to-make-sure-their-emails-get-read.html  

In this episode: How Audrey came up with the idea of her book Girls and Their Monsters: The Genain Quadruplets and the Making of Madness in America [5:23] Audrey's process of writing about real life people from history [9:32] Advice for simplifying complex topics so the readers can understand it easier [11:42] Integrating research into writing [13:43] Tips for identifying the untold parts of stories and finding the lessons in them [23:21] Integrating societal issues in your writing [25:44]   Audrey Clare Farley is a writer, editor, and scholar of twentieth-century American culture with special interests in science and religion. She earned a PhD in English literature at University of Maryland, College Park. She now teaches U.S. history at Mount St. Mary's University. She is the author, most recently, of Girls and Their Monsters: The Genain Quadruplets and the Making of Madness in America, which was reviewed in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Associated Press, and Times Literary Supplement. Her own essays have appeared in the Atlantic, New Republic, Washington Post, and many other outlets. She lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania.    Connect with Audrey: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AudreyCFarley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreycfarley/ Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/audrey-clare-farley/girls-and-their-monsters/9781538724477/?lens=grand-central-publishing Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's Interview in Freedom with Writing: https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/interview-with-editor-author-estelle-erasmus/   Her Interviews  for Inc. Magazine 17 Small Changes That Will Make Your Writing Irresistible, According to An NYU Writing ProfessorL https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/17-small-changes-that-will-make-your-writing-irresistible-according-to-an-nyu-writing-professor.html How Smart People Use the Empathy Rule to Make Sure Their Emails Get Read: https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/heres-how-smart-people-use-empathy-rule-to-make-sure-their-emails-get-read.html  

In this episode: The inspiration behind and evolution of Emily's book, Cost of Living [2:27] Emily's research process to get specific details for her essays [5:43] Writing about a broken system, and getting feedback from people with opposing views [10:05] How she details her personal medical experiences [13:17] The benefit of finding a supportive writing group [22:08] Her next book [25:15]   Emily Maloney is the author of COST OF LIVING (Holt), a USA Today Best Book of 2022. Her work has also appeared in Glamour, Virginia Quarterly Review, Best American Essays, and the American Journal of Nursing, among others. In addition to her work as an EMT and ER tech, she has worked as a dog groomer, pastry chef, general contractor, tile setter, and catalog model and has sold her ceramics at art fairs. Maloney has twice been awarded a MacDowell Fellowship. She lives in Evanston, Illinois. Her next book, BURN THIS HOUSE DOWN, is forthcoming in 2025.   Connect with Emily: Website: https://www.emilymaloney.net Substack: https://substack.com/@emilymaloney   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's Interviews for Inc. Magazine 17 Small Changes That Will Make Your Writing Irresistible, According to An NYU Writing Professor  https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/17-small-changes-that-will-make-your-writing-irresistible-according-to-an-nyu-writing-professor.html How Smart People Use the Empathy Rule to Make Sure Their Emails Get Read: https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/heres-how-smart-people-use-empathy-rule-to-make-sure-their-emails-get-read.html  

In this episode: Laura's expertise writing about food [2:43] Writing and interviewing in short sound bites [17:14] Working with editors [5:33] Tips for writing reader-friendly, inspirational stories [4:24] How to become the go-to expert in your industry or niche [11:46] Trendspotting to excel at writing and publishing [23:45] Laura Burak is a nationally recognized registered dietitian of over 20 years, a media spokesperson, published author, and freelance writer and recipe developer. Laura founded GetNaked® Nutrition with a mission to teach you how to ditch serial dieting and strip down to the simplicity of food and nutrition while also finding joy and pleasure from it, including lots of fun snacks and food finds.  Although the majority of her time has been spent working in hospital and private practice settings, Laura has been an adjunct professor at NYU, frequently contributes to media outlets and is the founder of the online community and course GetNaked Prep School. Her most recent publication is a health and recipe book entitled Slim Down with Smoothies. Laura sits on the medical expert board for Eat This, Not That and is an ambassador for The Nutritious Life Studio. Most significantly, Laura is a mom to two kids who love to challenge her encouragement of green foods and lives in the Long Island suburbs outside the city. Laura keeps it realer than real when it comes to the craziness of your busy life and strives to create a positive, comfortable environment to discuss what can sometimes feel like daunting and sensitive topics.      Connect with Laura: Instagram page: www.instagram.com/getnakednutrition Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lauraburaknutrition Website: https://www.lauraburaknutrition.com Get Naked Snack Bar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getnakedsnackbar Get Laura's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Slim-Down-Smoothies-21-Day-Weight/dp/1646117077 Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: Available wherever books are sold at https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's article on Maximizing Book Launch for Writer's Digest https://www.writersdigest.com/getting-published/what-to-do-to-maximize-your-launch-week-and-get-your-book-noticed   Estelle's interview with Sheryl Ziegler on Freelance Writing Direct: Getting the Sound Bite: A Media Expert Speaks about Interviews https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freelance-writing-direct/id1647429472?i=1000608731314  

In this episode: What the non-profit organization Pen Parentis offers parents who are writers [3:34] Milda's best tips for staying productive and finding accountability [7:35] Actionable tips for finding a writing routine that works best for you [12:14] Being a creative person in a relationship and creating priorities [15:20] Writing tips for creatives [28:00] M. M. De Voe is an internationally published creator of short fiction and poetry and holds numerous writing awards in a broad range of genres including poetry, literary fiction, horror/fantasy, and creative nonfiction. De Voe also runs Pen Parentis, a literary nonprofit she founded in 2013 to help writers stay on creative track while raising children. She is the author of Book & Baby, a fun-to-read guide showing parents how to find the time, money and energy to devote to creative writing. The book is organized from infancy to grown-and-flown and includes personal anecdotes from various established authors. In 2021, it won first prize at the NextGen Indie Book Awards.  Her debut story collection A FLASH OF DARKNESS just launched in 2023 and is available here. Reviewers have called her "a femme-Kafka."    Connect with Milda: Website: mmdevoe.com website also has links to BOOK & BABY for purchase. Substack: mmdevoe.substack.com  Medium: mmdevoe.medium.com X: Twitter.com/mmdevoe Facebook: Facebook.com/mmdevoe How to find Pen Parentis: Website: penparentis.org X: twitter.com/penparentis Instagram: instagram.com/penparentis Facebook: facebook.com/penparentis Photographer credit for Milda's headshot: Luba Grossman. Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: Available wherever books are sold at https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets- noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional- pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode: Kathleen's experience writing about publishing and public relations for her substack Publishing Confidential and why those newsletter issues have gone viral. [3:08] Why is the publishing industry broken? [3:45] Kathleen's view on book tours, and why they might not be the best options for selling books. [15:26] How to create a strategy for your book launch. [17:11] The 411 on signing books at bookstores. [13:16] Best practices for leveraging substack. [17:21] As the Founder and CEO of Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations, she is a well-respected voice in book publishing with in-depth experience in all aspects of the industry, including as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghostwriter. Her career encompasses 30 years of creating and directing impactful and strategic global media, marketing, and branding campaigns for politicians, A-List celebrities, athletes, and high-profile personalities. To date, she has worked on 50 New York Times bestsellers, and her clients have continuously appeared in top-tier national print, broadcast, and radio outlets such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Vogue, Elle, Financial Times, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Sirius XM. Her fast-growing Substack newsletter, Publishing Confidential, shares her wealth of inside knowledge that she hopes will help demystify the book industry. Married with two children, she resides in New Jersey.    Connect with Kathleen Schmidt: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathmschmidt/ Substack: https://substack.com/@kathleenschmidt Website: https://kmspr.com To watch the extended version of this interview, with Kathleen's recommendations on what to read, watch, buy and more to gain insight and information, become a paid subscriber to Estelle's substack: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com   Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: Available wherever books are sold at https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social   Estelle's article on Maximizing Book Launch for Writer's Digest https://www.writersdigest.com/getting-published/what-to-do-to-maximize-your-launch-week-and-get-your-book-noticed  

In this episode: How Kevin came up with the idea of writing Junior Miles and the Junkman [3:13] The transition of writing poetry to writing middle grade fiction [6:24] Writing compelling characters and taking them on a conflict-filled, dramatic journey [9:58] Tips for telling short stories in the literary journal Molecule in 50 words or less [13:27] Stealing fact from fiction [29:07] Revising and tightening up your writing [31:01] Kevin Carey is Coordinator of Creative Writing at Salem State University. Books include: The Beach People (2014), The One Fifteen to Penn Station (2012), Jesus Was a Homeboy (2016) which was an Honor book for the Paterson Literary Prize, & Set in Stone (2020). His poems have appeared on The Writers Almanac on National Public Radio three times and on The Academy of American Poets Poem a Day. Kevin is also a playwright and a filmmaker. He has co-directed & co-produced two documentaries about poets, All That Lies Between Us and Unburying Malcolm Miller. A crime novel, Murder in the Marsh, from Darkstroke Books, was released in October (2020). A new middle grade novel Junior Miles and the Junkman will be out in September of 2023 from Fitzroy Books / Regal House Publishing and a co-written poetry collection Olympus Heights (Lily Poetry Review) will hit in October of 2023. Kevincareywriter.com    Connect with Kevin: Email: kcareywriter@gmail.com Website: kevincareywriter.com X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/kcarey127 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevincareywriter/ Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: Available wherever books are sold at https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social  

In this episode: How Claire's viral article led to her writing her book [2:32] Why Claire decided to add a memoiristic approach to this book, rather than just a journalistic approach [8:22] The process and structure of Claire's book [12:32] Claire's opinion on 'cancel culture' and how she approaches writing about it [18:58] Adding a humanizing element to the book through memoir [29:13] The importance of writing with scene [34:29]   Claire Dederer is a bestselling memoirist, essayist, and critic. Her books include the national bestseller Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma and the critically acclaimed memoir Love and Trouble: A Midlife Reckoning, as well as Poser: My Life in Twenty-three Yoga Poses. Dederer is a longtime contributor to The New York Times. Her essays, criticism, and reviews have also appeared in The Paris Review, The Atlantic, The Nation, Vogue, and many other publications. She began her career as the chief film critic for Seattle Weekly. She is the recipient of a Hedgebrook residency and a Lannan Foundation residency.  Connect with Claire: Website: https://www.clairedederer.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairedederer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claire.dederer/ X: https://twitter.com/ClaireDederer Read Monsters: https://www.clairedederer.com/monsters Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: Available wherever books are sold at https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html   Her substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social  

In this episode: The benefit of starting your story with a hook [3:09] Going from interviewing experts to becoming an expert [7:36] Her pivot from journalist to author [10:53] Writing about family in your book and the challenge of sharing their voices [13:57] Navigating covering a fraught topic like money in your book [7:36] Bobbi's favorite tips for organizing her writing/writing time [21:19]   Bobbi Rebell, CFP® is the founder of Financial Wellness Strategies and the author of Launching Financial Grownups: Live Your Richest Life by Helping Your (Almost) Adult Kids Become Everyday Money Smart. She is a financial wellness advocate, the host of the Wellness for Financial Grownups podcast and the founder of GrownupGear.com. Bobbi was previously a global business news anchor and personal finance columnist at Reuters and held various journalist positions at top news outlets including CNBC, CNN and PBS.   Connect with Bobbi: Website: https://www.bobbirebell.com Business Website: https://financialwellnessstrategies.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbirebell1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbirebellkaufman/ Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her pitching guide). Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: Available wherever books are sold at https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/ Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html   Her substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus Blue Sky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social