Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle

Estelle Erasmus walks you through the exhilarating and sometimes overwhelming experience of going viral as a writer. With multiple viral articles under her belt (featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, HuffPost, and more), Estelle shares hard-earned wisdom on how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster, manage the spotlight, and make the most of sudden visibility.

Whether your piece is trending online, being picked up internationally, or even discussed on national TV, this episode gives you the tools to handle the moment with grace, clarity, and strategy.

In this episode:

• What going viral really means in the publishing and media world [1:18]

• Estelle's personal experiences with viral essays and the unexpected outcomes [2:02]

• How to prepare for the emotional and logistical aftermath of virality [3:37]

• Why setting boundaries (auto-responders, media filters, social media limits) is essential [6:09]

• Strategies for turning viral momentum into long-term career opportunities (book deals, speaking gigs, newsletter growth, more) [11:45]

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/NUCd5P-Zdk0

Article Referenced: When to Reply on Social Media...And When To Not (Wired)

https://www.wired.com/story/when-to-reply-on-social-media-and-when-to-not/

📬 Newsletter + FREE Pitching Guide Find out more about this episode and get Estelle's free pitching guide when you sign up for her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

🎤 TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond Estelle blends personal storytelling with actionable strategies for standing out—starting with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine. 📺 Watch, comment, and share

About Estelle:

Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct professor at NYU, her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine. She's served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

• 📘 Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book | Audiobook

• 📰 Subscribe on Substack: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story" and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

• 🎧 More episodes: Freelance Writing Direct Podcast

• Read Estelle's latest article How to Use the Internet to Become Your Own Private Investigator (Next Avenue/PBS)

📝 One spot left in Estelle's September/October 6-week Zoom fiction class. Email: [email protected] for info.

• Instagram: @EstelleSErasmus

• TikTok: @EstelleSErasmus

• Twitter: @EstelleSErasmus

• BlueSky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this solo episode, Estelle Erasmus recaps her experience at the 2025 U.S. Book Show, where over 800 publishing professionals gathered at the New York Academy of Medicine. Drawing on her 30+ years in the industry, Estelle brings her insider lens to the conversations shaping the future of writing.

She shares intel from panels with top executives like Jonathan Karp (CEO of Simon & Schuster) and David Shelley (CEO of Hachette Book Group), along with her own sharp insights about what's shifting in the publishing landscape—from AI disruption to author platform evolution.

In this episode:

• Why publishing with the Big Five isn't as easy as it used to be—and how they are supporting indie presses in an unlikely area [1:54]

• Why human instinct and editorial intuition still matter— even in an algorithm-driven industry [9:07]

• Why mentorship, networking, and in-person collaboration matter more than ever for young professionals [10:27]

• Smart ways authors can grow their platform beyond social media: (think: newsletters, blogs, and thought leadership) [14:32]

Watch on YouTube

Connect with Estelle:

Related Episodes

#141 Estelle's Edge On How AI is Disrupting Content Marketing

https://estelleserasmus.com/141-solo-episode-estelles-edge-on-how-ai-is-disrupting-content-marketing/

#119 Estelle's Edge on Steering Through the Publishing Gauntlet

https://estelleserasmus.com/119-solo-episode-estelles-edge-on-steering-through-the-publishing-gauntlet/

#90 Estelle's Edge on the U.S. Book Show 2024

https://estelleserasmus.com/90-bonus-episode-estelles-edge-on-the-u-s-book-show-2024/

📬 Newsletter + FREE Pitching Guide Find out more about this episode and get Estelle's free pitching guide when you sign up for her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

🎤 TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond Estelle blends personal storytelling with actionable strategies for standing out—starting with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine. 📺 Watch, comment, and share

And check out episode #145 Where I talk about how to shape a TEDx Talk, in the first of several episodes related to my Talk

About Estelle:

Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct professor at NYU, her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine. She's served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

• 📘 Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book | Audiobook

• 📰 Subscribe on Substack: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story" and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

• 🎧 More episodes: Freelance Writing Direct Podcast

• Read Estelle's latest article How to Use the Internet to Become Your Own Private Investigator (Next Avenue/PBS)

📝 Two spots left in Estelle's September/October 6-week Zoom fiction class. Email: [email protected] for info.

• Instagram: @EstelleSErasmus

• TikTok: @EstelleSErasmus

• Twitter: @EstelleSErasmus

• BlueSky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Have you spent your writing career telling other people's stories—and now you're ready to tell your own? In this live coaching session, Estelle Erasmus works with award-winning freelance writer Pamela M. McBride to explore how seasoned journalists and content writers can make the shift into personal essay writing—without losing sight of strategy, clarity, or publishing goals.

Pamela M. McBride is an award-winning freelance writer with hundreds of published articles on career management, leadership development, Diversity & Inclusion, military life, health and wellness, culture, and lifestyle topics. She is a contributing author to Sisters from AARP and her work has appeared in Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Military Families Magazine, and Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps Times. Pamela co-authored The Mocha Manual to Military Life: A Savvy Guide for Wives, Girlfriends and Female Service Members and Work It Girl: The Black Woman's Guide to Professional Success. She is an honoree at the 2025 Black Authors Festival, and serves on the Armed Services Arts Partnership Alumni Board.

In this episode:

• How to strategically submit personal essays while preserving memoir material [4:15]

• Why most essays need a strong throughline—and how to find yours [8:56]

• How to build a submission system and stay current with editors [9:46]

• Tips for pitching personal essays with compelling titles and angles [23:49]

• Building a pitching system that works [21:46]

• The real expectations around editor feedback and revision today [32:44]

• The benefits of writing micro memoirs like Tiny Love Stories [34:35]

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7hP5giZSe2M

Connect with Pamela

Website: http://PamelaMcBrideOnline.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelammcbride

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelamcbride1/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pamelamcbride1

Order Her Book: https://www.amazon.com/Mocha-Manual-Military-Life-Girlfriends/dp/0061690481/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-2oztME1qMuqxU9lpJ4Zmw.yY_DLMRAGMPGLAxNr9YJ6Rpk7xYSh8gKit5Cg-EKXLs&qid=1750043754&sr=8-1

Connect with Estelle:

Related Episodes

#123 Christie Tate

https://estelleserasmus.com/123-writing-about-trauma-using-timelines-throughlines-and-imagery-with-christie-tate/

Joanna Rakoff

#87 https://estelleserasmus.com/87-writing-memoir-that-reads-like-a-novel-and-captivates-on-every-page-featuring-joanna-rakoff/

#116 Abigail Thomas

https://estelleserasmus.com/116-conversations-with-abby-ruminations-on-writing-featuring-abigail-thomas/ and

#83 https://estelleserasmus.com/83-writing-your-way-into-an-engaging-and-enthralling-story-featuring-abigail-thomas/

Solo Episode #141 on AI https://estelleserasmus.com/141-solo-episode-estelles-edge-on-how-ai-is-disrupting-content-marketing/

Pitching to Editors

https://estelleserasmus.com/72-pitching-to-editors-examples-and-advice/

Other Coaching Episodes

#115 Crafting Notable Narratives

https://estelleserasmus.com/115-coaching-episode-estelles-edge-on-crafting-notable-narratives/

#84 Getting Your Writing Noticed

https://estelleserasmus.com/84-estelles-edge-live-coaching-to-get-your-writing-noticed/

📬 Newsletter + FREE Pitching Guide Find out more about this episode and get Estelle's free pitching guide when you sign up for her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

🎤 TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond Estelle blends personal storytelling with actionable strategies for standing out—starting with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine. 📺 Watch, comment, and share

About Estelle:

Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct professor at NYU, her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine. She's served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

• 📘 Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book | Audiobook

• 📰 Subscribe on Substack: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story" and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

• 🎧 More episodes: Freelance Writing Direct Podcast

• Read Estelle's latest article How to Use the Internet to Become Your Own Private Investigator (Next Avenue/PBS)

📝 Two spots left in Estelle's September/October 6-week Zoom fiction class. Email: [email protected] for info.

Here is the link to Mapping Your Memoir: How to Find the Heart and Shape of Your Story, the webinar I am leading for Writer's Digest on October 9th.

https://writersdigestuniversity.mykajabi.com/mapping-your-memoir

• Instagram: @EstelleSErasmus

• TikTok: @EstelleSErasmus

• Twitter: @EstelleSErasmus

• BlueSky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Estelle Erasmus welcomes podcaster and consultant Adam Schaeuble, host of Podcasting Business School. Adam shares his top strategies for using your podcast as the foundation of a six-figure online business—starting with essentials like your show name, description, and artwork.

Together, they break down how to attract the right listeners and convert them into clients. Adam reveals his three-part formula for naming your show, explains why most podcasters miss the mark on SEO, and shares how to boost discoverability—without a full rebrand.

In this episode:

• Why podcast titles and artwork are your most powerful SEO tools [1:47]

• How to extend your podcast name to improve search rankings [2:21]

• The importance of using "Google questions" in your description [10:26]

• Why solo episodes are key to expert positioning and conversions [12:15]

• How coaching-style episodes build trust and credibility [12:47]

• Tools to streamline your workflow (like StreamYard and VIDYO.ai) [26:35]

• The mindset you need for long-term podcast success [27:14]

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_d2Tcj5DGSo

Connect with Adam:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastingbusinessschool/

Website: https://www.podcastingbusiness.school/

Connect with Estelle:

Related Episodes

(Solo episode) #141 Estelle's Edge on How AI is Disrupting Content Marketing https://estelleserasmus.com/141-solo-episode-estelles-edge-on-how-ai-is-disrupting-content-marketing/

(Coaching episode) #144 Elevate Your Voice, Expand Your Reach https://estelleserasmus.com/144-coaching-episode-elevate-your-voice-expand-your-reach/

Also, check out

🎥 Podcasting Made Easy – Estelle's talk for AWP's Career Corner YouTube series

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq6i5SMqYfo

📬 Newsletter + FREE Pitching Guide Find out more about this episode and get Estelle's free pitching guide when you sign up for her newsletter: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

🎤 TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond Estelle blends personal storytelling with actionable strategies for standing out—starting with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine. 📺 Watch, comment, and share

About Estelle:

Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct professor at NYU, her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine. She's served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

• 📘 Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book | Audiobook

• 📰 Subscribe on Substack: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story" and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

• 🎧 More episodes: Freelance Writing Direct Podcast

📝 Two spots left in Estelle's September/October 6-week Zoom fiction class. Email: [email protected] for info.

• Instagram: @EstelleSErasmus

• TikTok: @EstelleSErasmus

• Twitter: @EstelleSErasmus

• BlueSky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Estelle Erasmus welcomes back acclaimed author and creator and host of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast, Bianca Marais, to chat about her latest novel, A Most Puzzling Murder—an innovative, genre-blending mystery packed with magic, reader-driven puzzles, royal intrigue, and multiple points of view.

Bianca shares how she crafted this original story: a locked-room murder mystery set in a magical royal family, told through over a dozen POVs, choose-your-own-adventure chapters, and interactive puzzles that invite readers to email for clues and bonus content. Estelle and Bianca dive into everything from the writing process to the strategic use of point-of-view shifts, how to keep villains compelling, and what writers can learn from puzzles.

Together, Estelle and Bianca explore how to use curiosity to hook readers, build momentum with multiple POVs, and write villains who are flawed yet irresistible. Whether you're a fan of mysteries, a writer fascinated by craft, or just curious about what makes interactive fiction tick, this episode is a masterclass in creativity and reader engagement.

In this episode:

• How Bianca designed an interactive novel that readers can play and puzzle through [3:29]

• The role of puzzles, alternate endings, and bonus chapters in fiction [5:10]

• Craft tips on managing multi-POV narratives and character arcs [9:08]

• Keeping the pacing of a story and how to do it well [15:44]

• Building a strong foundation for a story [17:18]

• The five minute rule [18:51]

• Why flawed, relatable villains make the best antagonists [25:27]

• How Bianca balances creativity with market trends—and still writes from the heart [33:41]

Whether you're a mystery fan, an aspiring novelist, or just curious about how interactive fiction works, this episode is a masterclass in creativity, craft, and reader engagement.

Watch on YouTube:

Bianca Marais cohosts the popular podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which is aimed at helping emerging writers get published. She teaches creative writing through the podcast and was named a winner of the Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies. She lives in Toronto, where she loves playing escape-room games and writing about strong female protagonists.

Connect with Bianca

Website

www.biancamarais.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/

Episode #63 Witchy Writing with Author/Podcast Host of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca on Freelance Writing Direct

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freelance-writing-direct-with-estelle-conversations/id1647429472?i=1000637769772

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wTEu0HbXPM

Episode Where Bianca and CeCe talk about Bianca writing her book https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shit-no-one-tells-you-about-writing/id1530250126?i=1000711255212

Don't forget to check out my episode on The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Talking All about How to Get Your Writing Noticed, Pitching, Publishing and More.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shit-no-one-tells-you-about-writing/id1530250126?i=1000639885880

If you haven't yet—watch my TEDx Talk:

How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond

In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, I blend personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies I've developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.

📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

About Estelle: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she's written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

Explore More:

Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book: https://rb.gy/0dpdcs

Audiobook version: https://tinyurl.com/yskfj2zv

Subscribe on Substack for craft tips, pitch advice, and podcast extras: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com

Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story—And a Bonus for Paid Subscribers." and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

Listen to more episodes of Freelance Writing Direct: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

Follow Estelle:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Estelle Erasmus sits down with literary agent Maria Whelan of Inkwell Management, recently recognized by Poets & Writers as one of today's top literary advocates. In this candid conversation, Maria shares what's capturing her attention in the publishing world right now—from standout nonfiction proposals to magical realism, horror with heart, and even Loch Ness Monster romance.

She discusses her "career agent" philosophy, how hybrid paths like Substack are reshaping publishing, and the query mistakes she sees over and over. If you're looking for agent insight—or want to better understand how to pitch a project that stands out—this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode:

• What most writers overlook in nonfiction proposals

• How to query memoir, fiction, and children's books effectively

• Why passion and originality matter more than chasing trends

• How the publishing landscape has shifted post-pandemic

• The role of writing groups and community in an author's success

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p64Mlq0nQhE

About Maria

Maria graduated from University College Dublin then obtained her Masters in Modern Literature from the University of Edinburgh. Before joining InkWell, she worked as a Foreign Rights Assistant at Janklow & Nesbit and worked at Akashic Books. Maria enjoys a blend of literary and commercial fiction, as well as speculative fiction, horror, and magical realism. She is particularly fond of novels that straddle the cultural divide. She is looking for books in the fiction and nonfiction space that speak to the current cultural moment or examine overlooked facets of society. Some of her authors include Luke Dumas, Joselyn Takacs, Katrina Kittle, Audrey Burges, Dima Alzayat, Luna McNamara, and Vinod Busjeet.

Connect with Maria

X: @mariarwhelan

IG: mariawhelann

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-whelan-56733472/

Submit to Inkwell: https://inkwellmanagement.com/submissions

If you haven't yet—watch Estelle's TEDx Talk:

How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond

In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, Estelle blends personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies she's developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.

📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

About Estelle: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she's written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

Explore More:

Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book: https://rb.gy/0dpdcs

Audiobook version: https://tinyurl.com/yskfj2zv

Subscribe on Substack for craft tips, pitch advice, and podcast extras: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com

Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story—And a Bonus for Paid Subscribers." and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

Listen to more episodes of Freelance Writing Direct: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

Follow Estelle:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In the first of several short, bite-sized solo episodes on TEDx Talks, Estelle Erasmus shares the exact strategy behind her own talk—how she discovered the right idea, built a strong structure, and delivered a message that resonated with thousands. Whether you're applying to give a talk or refining one you've already booked, this episode offers practical tools to help your TEDx Talk connect, teach, and stick.

In this episode:

• What TEDx organizers look for (and what to avoid) [2:21]

• Why your talk needs an idea—not just a personal story [3:58]

• Tips for blending story, research, and message [6:43]

• The three teaching tenets Estelle builds her talk around [7:27]

• Why circling back to your opening creates resonance [7:34]

If you haven't yet—watch my TEDx Talk:

How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond

In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, I blend personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies I've developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.

📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

About Estelle: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she's written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

Explore More:

Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book: https://rb.gy/0dpdcs

Audiobook version: https://tinyurl.com/yskfj2zv

Subscribe on Substack for craft tips, pitch advice, and podcast extras: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com

Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story—And a Bonus for Paid Subscribers." and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

Listen to more episodes of Freelance Writing Direct: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

Follow Estelle:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this bite-sized solo episode, Estelle Erasmus shares her insider strategies for turning real-life moments into essays that stand out—and sell. From capturing grief or joy to finding the magic in the mundane, Estelle shows you how to shape your story, sharpen your angle, and give your writing the attention it deserves.

In this episode:

• How to combine unexpected ideas to find a fresh angle [2:43]

• Tips for capturing story-worthy moments without keeping a journal [4:49]

• The power of sensory language and scene-building [7:28]

• Why Estelle teaches both craft and publication strategy [7:48]

• How to pitch a coaching episode or get more from her Substack [8:37]

If you haven't yet—watch my TEDx Talk:

How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond

In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, I blend personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies I've developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.

📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

About Estelle: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she's written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

Explore More:

Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book: https://rb.gy/0dpdcs

Audiobook version: https://tinyurl.com/yskfj2zv

Subscribe on Substack for craft tips, pitch advice, and podcast extras: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com

Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story—And a Bonus for Paid Subscribers." and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

Listen to more episodes of Freelance Writing Direct: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

Follow Estelle:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Student Spotlight

Barbra Cosentino, one of Estelle's students, began working on this personal essay in Estelle's class. It later evolved into this beautiful, published piece that reflects the kind of storytelling we explore in this episode.

Read it here: "My Mother, Floating in the Atlantic Ocean"—Next Avenue

https://www.nextavenue.org/my-mother-floating-in-the-atlantic-ocean/

Estelle Erasmus chats with award-winning journalist Lanier Isom in a powerful coaching session about balancing voice, platform, and purpose across a writing life. They explore how to manage time, stay organized across genres, and breathe new meaning into a stalled book project—all while staying true to your voice.

In this episode:

• The challenges of writing across genres—and how to stay organized [4:13]

• Time-blocking strategies that actually work [5:18]

• How to track your writing progress and momentum [7:57]

• Why voice matters more than ever in building a platform [11:51]

• Ways to shape reported stories into personal, memorable pieces [16:02]

• How to reframe a book project through the lens of support and meaning [22:24]

• What to consider before sharing personal work on Substack [25:00]

Want to be featured in a future coaching episode? Email Estelle at [email protected] with "Coaching Episode" in the subject line.

Lanier mentioned she listened to Episode #77: "Writing Personal Stories with HuffPost Personal's Noah Michelson"before our conversation.

If you're interested in that conversation, you can watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uxPjSoptD8

or listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freelance-writing-direct-with-estelle-conversations/id1647429472?i=1000649151668

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tn_RMFnmGh4

About Lanier

A former educator, publicist and editor, Lanier Isom is an author and journalist living in her hometown, Birmingham, Alabama. She wrote, Grace and Grit, the life story of Alabama native and fair pay advocate, Lilly Ledbetter. The film LILLY, based on the book, was released by Blue Harbor Entertainment in select theaters this May. Isom's articles, editorials, and essays have been featured in Al Jazeera, LA Times, Huffington Post, Salvation South and The Bitter Southerner. She's a frequent contributor to Inside Climate News and al.com. She's also the recipient of the Alabama Library Association Nonfiction Award and a 2023 Fellowship from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. This year, Alabama Media Professionals awarded her first place for her longform article on McIntosh, Alabama, a small town being poisoned by two chemical plants. She recently finished a memoir, which examines the personal and collective cost for a generation of silenced women confronting a southern school's buried truths. You can find her on Substack, Instagram and Facebook @lanierisom.

Connect with Lanier

Substack

https://lanierisom.substack.com

Instagram

https://instagram.com/lanierisom

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/lanier.isom/

X: https://x.com/lanierisom

If you haven't yet—watch my TEDx Talk:

How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond

In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, I blend personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies I've developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.

📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

About Estelle: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she's written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

Explore More:

Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the book: https://rb.gy/0dpdcs

Audiobook version: https://tinyurl.com/yskfj2zv

Subscribe on Substack for craft tips, pitch advice, and podcast extras: https://estelleserasmus.substack.com

Latest posts: "Stop Counting Your Words. Start Shaping Your Story—And a Bonus for Paid Subscribers." and "How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen"

Listen to more episodes of Freelance Writing Direct: https://estelleserasmus.com/podcast

Follow Estelle:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@EstelleSErasmus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Editor and author Michele Filgate returns with a powerful follow-up to her bestselling anthology What My Mother and I Don't Talk About—this time turning the lens on fatherhood.

In this episode, Estelle Erasmus chats with Michele about the personal and professional transformations that shaped What My Father and I Don't Talk About, how TikTok gave her earlier book a second life, and what it really takes to build a lasting literary career.

In this episode:

• What changed between publishing her first and second anthology [2:26]

• The unexpected TikTok virality that reignited interest in her debut [4:20]

• How grief, marriage, and motherhood shaped her latest work [10:12]

• What it takes to edit a balanced, emotionally resonant collection [12:24]

• Advice for writers looking to create and publish anthologies [13:44]

• Why literary citizenship is crucial to a sustainable writing career [18:01]

• Michelle's next chapter: turning inward to publish her own book [23:31]

Watch on YouTube

Michele Filgate is the editor of What My Mother and I Don't Talk About and What My Father and I Don't Talk About. Her writing has appeared in Longreads, Poets & Writers, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The Paris Review Daily, Tin House, Gulf Coast, Oprah Daily, and many other publications. She received her MFA in Fiction from NYU, where she was the recipient of the Stein Fellowship. She teaches creative writing at The New School.

Connect with Michele:

Website

Get her book

Episodes Mentioned

Kelly McMasters Episode #41

Joanna Rakoff: Episode #87

If you haven't yet—watch my TEDx Talk:

How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond

In this bold, funny, and widely shared talk, I blend personal storytelling with the real-world writing strategies I've developed as a longtime magazine editor, NYU professor, and writing coach. It all starts with a chaotic moment involving Thomas the Tank Engine—and builds into a powerful message about how to stand out in a crowded, noisy world, no matter the medium.

📺 Watch, comment, and share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpcWmjpzSIQ

About Estelle: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers), and host of Freelance Writing Direct—2025 Podcast of the Year (Education), American Writing Awards. A Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and adjunct instructor at NYU, she's written for over 150 outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, PBS/Next Avenue, The Independent, and AARP: The Magazine, and has served as editor-in-chief of five national magazines.

✨ Explore More: 📚 Writing That Gets Noticed – Buy the Book | Listen to the Audiobook📬 Subscribe on Substack – Craft tips, pitch advice & exclusive podcast extras. Latest post How to Get Published in Cosmopolitan or Seventeen🎧 Freelance Writing Direct – Interviews, insights & behind-the-scenes publishing tips

Follow Estelle: 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 🐦 Twitter | 🌐 BlueSky