『Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle: Conversations with authors, journalists, agents, novelists, memoirists, niche writers, publishers, writing teachers, assigning editors and media experts.』のカバーアート

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

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

著者: Estelle Erasmus
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Welcome to the award-winning Freelance Writing Direct podcast—named the 2025 Podcast of the Year in the Education category by the American Writing Awards. Freelance Writing Direct is your go-to resource if you're a writer who wants to break through the noise and get published—whether in essays, memoir, books, or journalism. Hosted by Estelle Erasmus—an award-winning journalist, author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a “Best Book for Writers” by Poets & Writers), NYU writing professor, and seasoned editor-in-chief—the show blends craft, industry insight, and career strategy to help writers get noticed and published. Each week, Estelle shares short, sound bite-filled episodes packed with actionable tips and candid conversations with bestselling authors, top editors, and publishing insiders. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the writing world really works—plus smart, strategic advice to move your writing forward. From breaking into top publications and crafting irresistible pitches to navigating the path to book deals, Estelle pulls back the curtain on the writing life. She shares how the “sauce is made,” with writing prompts, publishing tips, and guidance from her 30+ years of experience across over 150 publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WIRED, AARP, and The Independent. Whether you're a creative writer, freelance writer, or aspiring author, you'll find community, mentorship, and momentum here. And as the show evolves, so will Estelle—listening to her guests, responding to her audience, and always staying one step ahead of the industry curve. If you've ever asked: How do I get started writing? What are assigning editors really looking for? How do I find an agent? What do publishers want? What writing tips can I use today to improve my craft? How do I get my pitches noticed? What do bestselling authors and writing teachers recommend? You're in the right place. It’s time to elevate your writing—with Freelance Writing Direct. Estelle can’t wait to read what you’ll be writing. Learn more at estelleserasmus.com, follow Estelle on Substack at estelleserasmus.substack.com, and connect with her on social media @EstelleSErasmus. About Estelle Erasmus: Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, 2025 TEDx Speaker, and the author of Writing That Gets Noticed (named a "Best Book for Writers" by Poets & Writers Magazine). She is a Contributing Editor for Writer's Digest and the host of the Freelance Writing Direct podcast, which was named the 2025 Podcast of the Year (education) from The American Writing Awards. Estelle is also an adjunct instructor for NYU’s School of Professional Studies/Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts. Her work has appeared in over 150 publications including The New York Times, Next Avenue/PBS, WIRED, The Independent, The Washington Post, and AARP: The Magazine. She has served as the editor-in-chief of five national publications. Find out more at estelleserasmus.com, follow her newsletter on Substack, and connect on social media @EstelleSErasmus.2022 マネジメント・リーダーシップ リーダーシップ 個人的成功 経済学 自己啓発
エピソード
  • #148 How to Hook Readers by Planting Curiosity Seeds in Interactive Novels with Bianca Marais
    2025/07/17
    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/...
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    43 分
  • #147 What Makes a Literary Agent Say Yes with Inkwell’s Maria Whelan
    2025/07/10

    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

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    37 分
  • #146 Solo Episode: Estelle’s Edge on Shaping a TEDx Talk That Gets Seen
    2025/07/03

    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

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    10 分

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