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: Writing about parenting and personal life experiences [4:14] The power of relatability [8:48] Writing profile pieces for Literary Mama [13:40] ASJA and the impact of conferences [15:45] Actionable editing tips [16:54] Holly is an award-winning writer and an editor at Literary Mama, a board member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), and a mom to three kids and a dog. As a freelance writer, her passion lies in parenting and interfaith family relationships, although she also writes about a broad range of other topics. Her essays and articles appear in Parents, The New York Daily News, The Independent, Newsday, Literary Mama, Kveller, Huffington Post, Your Teen Magazine, Psycom, and more. She speaks at events and conferences. She is working on a book about her interfaith family. Connect with Holly: Website: www.hollyrizzutopalker.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrizzutopal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollyRizzutoPal/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/hollyrizzutopal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyrizzutopalker/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hollyrizzutopal Holly's article for the NY Daily News: My Six Year Old Has Calmed Me During Quarantine Holly's Profile of Estelle Erasmus on Literary Mama: It's Not Selfish, It's Self-Full: A Conversation with Estelle Erasmus Connect with Estelle: Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her writing 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 ongoing theme of motherhood in her writing [2:20] What effect podcasting has had on Andrea's storytelling [4:04] Writing strong woman protagonists [5:51] Advice for writing through the lens of different characters and incorporating multiple POVs in your story [10:51] How to keep from repeating a story in a tight timeline [13:10] Tips on making sure not to bore the reader [14:27] Andrea's writing practice [15:27] Andrea Dunlop is the author of five books including WE CAME HERE TO FORGET (Atria/ Simon & Schuster; 2019), and a true crime account forthcoming from St. Martin's in 2024. She is the host and creator of Nobody Should Believe Me, a true crime podcast from Larj Media (October 2022) that explores Munchausen by Proxy from the intimate lens of a family member. In addition to her work as an author and podcaster, she is a member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children's Munchausen by Proxy Committee and is the co-creator of Munchausen Support, an online resource and 501 c 3 that supports survivors, families, and professionals dealing with MBP. She lives in Seattle with her husband and two children. Connect with Andrea: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreadunlop/ Website: https://www.andreadunlop.net Women Are The Fiercest Creatures: A Novel: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Are-Fiercest-Creatures-Novel/dp/1958506001 Nobody Should Believe Me Podcast: https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for her latest classes) Her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Her substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

In this episode: Allison's personal story and her inspiration for her book [2:35] How Allison took her real life struggles and wrote about it unapologetically [4:06] Allison's advice for writing about a protagonist, antagonist and hero [12:17] Advice on writing about someone to protect their privacy [18:30 Allison's writing tips [23:18] How and where to submit your book for writing awards [26:05] Allison Hong Merrill is a loveaholic, a Taiwanese immigrant, and the author of Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops, A Memoir. Her work appears in the New York Times. She is an editor at Dialogue Journal and a keynote speaker, instructor, and panelist at various writer's conferences nationwide and in Asia. She also appears on TV, radio, and podcasts; in magazines, newspapers, and journals. She's available for interviews, teaching, and speaking engagements nationwide. Poets and Writers: https://www.pw.org Winning Writers: https://winningwriters.com Book Award Pro: https://bookawardpro.com Connect with Allison: Website + Sign up for her monthly email: www.AllisonHongMerrill.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/allisonhongmerrill Instagram:www.instagram.com/allison.hong.merrill Get Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops: A Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Ninety-Nine-Fire-Hoops-Allison-Merrill/dp/1647421896?asin=1647421896&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1 Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for her latest classes) Her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Her substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

In this episode: Mistakes that Dr. Borba made when getting into writing and publishing, and what she learned so you don't have to [3:31] The best process for writing a book proposal [4:06] Dr. Borba's writing process for 24 books [6:30] How to write tight, while keeping your voice [11:39, 14:54] Discovering your own writing style [13:36] Ways to make your writing sing [14:05] Advice on using and finding credible research for your writing. [23:08] Dr. Michele Borba is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author and parenting and child expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children's resilience, social-emotional intelligence and character and reduce peer cruelty. She is the award-winning author of 25 books translated into 21 languages, including her new book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine as well as Nobody Likes Me, No More Misbehavin', Don't Give Me That Attitude!, Building Moral Intelligence, Parents Do Make a Difference, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, End Peer Cruelty, Build Empathy, and UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. Dr. Borba is an NBC contributor who has appeared 150 times on the TODAY show and countless other shows, including three Dateline specials, Dr. Phil, The View, NBC Nightly News, The Doctors, Dr. Oz, Anderson Cooper, three NBC Education Nation specials, Fox and CNN. Her work is featured in TIME, The Washington Post, Newsweek, People, The Boston Globe, U.S. News & World Report, The New York Times, Reader's Digest and The Globe and Mail. She's a media spokesperson for major corporations, including 3M, Office Depot, Fisher-Price, Unilever, Mattel, General Mills, Mastercard, All, Galderma, V-Tech, Cetaphil, Splenda, Hershey, KidStrong, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson. She also served as a consultant to McDonald's, Disney, Apple TV's series, 'Get Rolling with Otis' and Learning Curve's "Caring Corner Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse." She lives in Palm Springs with her husband and has three grown sons. Connect with Dr. Michele Borba: Website: MicheleBorba.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/micheleborba Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmicheleborba/ Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html Her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Her substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Art Swift has been teaching at AU since 2015 and is a Senior Adjunct Professorial Lecturer. He is Chief Communications Officer for the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking in the Government of the District of Columbia. Previously he was the Managing Director of Corporate Communications at Agility, a global logistics company. He has also been the Chief of Content and Executive Editor at Gallup. Prior to Gallup he was a producer and reporter at ABC News and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Swift also guest lectures at America House Kyiv, where he trains young Ukrainian leaders. Swift holds degrees in American History and Journalism from Columbia University. In this episode: The importance of data to tell stories Art's experience of working with journalists who need data Tips on how journalists can make sure that the data they are using is accurate How journalists should be doing their due diligence before using data Why Art started his podcast and why he decided to cover deep dive topics Tips on interviewing Connect with Art: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-swift-418500103/ The Nexus Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nexus-with-art-swift/id1455981196 Twitter: https://twitter.com/artswift1 The article mentioned where Estelle interviews Art: Friends, Fleetwood Mac, and the Viral Comfort of Nostalgia/WIRED by Estelle Erasmus https://www.wired.com/story/fleetwood-mac-dreams-friends-nostalgia/ Estelle's episode on The Nexus https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nexus-with-art-swift/id1455981196?i=1000502540062 Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for her latest classes) Estelle's Pitching webinar for Writer's Digest on July 20th. Sign up here. https://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/courses/article-and-essay-pitch-clinic-real-time-pitching-advice Her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Her substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/teaching-speaking/ Email Estelle: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for Sponsorship opportunities.

Harris Faulkner is a multiple Emmy award-winning anchor. Faulkner currently anchors two daily daytime programs – The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11AM-12PM/ET) and serves as the co-anchor of Outnumbered (weekdays, 12-1PM/ET). Following Faulkner's breaking news coverage in 2020 and serving as the only Black woman to anchor two back-to-back cable news programs, Faulkner was named to WORTH Magazine's "Groundbreakers" list which honors 50 influential women worldwide for breaking barriers in their industries. In May 2021, Faulkner was honored by Variety's New York Women's Impact Report. In November 2022, Faulkner published FOX News Books' fifth title "Faith Still Moves Mountains: Miraculous Stories of the Healing Power of Prayer." Notably, the book debuted at number one on the New York Times' Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous bestseller list. Faulkner also is the author of "9 Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat's Guide to Life and Success." In her book, Faulkner shares the lessons she learned growing up in a military family while paying homage to the military ideals that shaped her and showing how everyone can benefit from bringing the wisdom of military service into their lives. Outside of her work as a journalist, Faulkner is a motivational speaker, writer, and philanthropist. In this episode: How Harris told the stories of others through the power of prayer The power of prayer to change lives Learning from others and how that can influence your writing Tips on keeping the reader in mind while writing Harris's tips on being a master interviewer Connect with Harris: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisfaulkner/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/HARRISFAULKNER Harris Faulkner's Bio (Long version): https://www.foxnews.com/person/f/harris-faulkner Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for her latest classes) Recipient 2023 NYU SPS Teaching Excellence Award Her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Her substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/teaching-speaking/ Email Estelle: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for Sponsorship opportunities.

Laura Carney is a writer and copy editor in New York. She's been published by the Washington Post, the Associated Press, The Hill, Runner's World, People magazine, Guideposts, Good Housekeeping, The Fix, Upworthy, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper and other places, and her book My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free is being published by Post Hill Press in June 2023. Her work as a copy editor has been primarily in magazines, for 20 years, including Good Housekeeping, People, Guideposts, Vanity Fair, and GQ. In this episode: The genesis of Laura's book about fulfilling her father's bucket list The art of detailing an emotional journey in a book Finding the spiritual throughline in a story Building a publicity machine Giving yourself grace during the writing process Laura's actionable tips for new authors Connect with Laura: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfatherslist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lac30 Website: http://www.bylauracarney.com Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for my latest classes) Recipient 2023 NYU SPS Teaching Excellence Award Sign up for my newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Sign up for my substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/teaching-speaking/ Email Estelle: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for Sponsorship opportunities.

Kelly McMasters is a professor, mother, and former bookshop owner living in New York. Along with The Leaving Season: A Memoir in Essays, she is the author of Welcome to Shirley: A Memoir of an Atomic Town, an Orion Book Award finalist and inspiration for the documentary "The Atomic States of America," which premiered at Sundance. She is co-editor with Margot Kahn of This is the Place: Women Writing about Home and the national bestseller Wanting: Women Writing About Desire. She teaches at Hofstra University. In this episode: Advice for writing a literary memoir How Kelly structured her book: a memoir in essays. Kelly's reason for loving the essay form, and how she uses it to tell a compelling story The art of making a choice on what to show in the work Braiding different themes into your book How writers can build a supportive network with other writers. Connect with Kelly: Website: kellymcmasters.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_mc_masters/ Order The Leaving Season: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393541053 Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for my latest classes) Recipient 2023 NYU SPS Teaching Excellence Award Sign up for my newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Sign up for my substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/teaching-speaking/ Email Estelle: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for Sponsorship opportunities.

Cheryl Strayed is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film. Her bestselling collection of Dear Sugar columns, Tiny Beautiful Things, was adapted for a Hulu television show and as a play that continues to be staged in theaters nationwide. Strayed's other books are the critically acclaimed novel, Torch, and the bestselling collection Brave Enough, which brings together more than one hundred of her inspiring quotes. Her books have sold more than 5 million copies around the world and have been translated into forty languages. Her award-winning essays and short stories have been published in The Best American Essays, the New York Times, the Washington Post Magazine, Vogue, and elsewhere. Strayed has also made two hit podcasts, Dear Sugars, which she co-hosted with Steve Almond, and Sugar Calling. She lives in Portland, Oregon. In this episode: How Cheryl started writing the Dear Sugar column Writing anonymously vs not anonymously Covering the truth when writing When a book turns into a series Her philosophy on life and literature Cheryl's writing craft tips Connect with Cheryl: Website: https://www.cherylstrayed.com Substack: https://cherylstrayed.substack.com Connect with Estelle: 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 https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for my latest classes) Recipient 2023 NYU SPS Teaching Excellence Award Sign up for my newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Sign up for my substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/teaching-speaking/ Email Estelle: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for Sponsorship opportunities.

Jane L. Rosen is an author, screenwriter, and Huffington Post contributor. She lives in New York City and Fire Island with her husband and three daughters. She is the author of Nine Women, One Dress, Eliza Starts a Rumor, A Shoe Story and On Fire Island. In this episode: Writing to heal Creating characters based on personal life experiences Writing a book about grief and infusing humor into the story Finding a way to write during a busy life Jane's background as a screenwriter Connect with Jane: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelrosen/ Get On Fire Island: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593546105?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_EPVQ6B5Q9RPGGNCG2WNY Connect with Estelle: Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: Available for pre-order. https://lnkd.in/eyxFTpcA Adjunct Instructor, NYU https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html (Sign up for my latest classes) Recipient 2023 NYU SPS Teaching Excellence Award Sign up for my newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com Sign up for my substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@estelleserasmus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus/ Estelle's Classes: https://estelleserasmus.com/teaching-speaking/ Email Estelle: freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for Sponsorship opportunities.