It has been a minute since we last chatted and a lot has happened since I published my book Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published.
I have been speaking a lot about publishing, and as in life, when you share, you also learn. I think it’s because I’ve been reading a lot more than I ever have before, probably because of all my preparation for my guests for Freelance Writing Direct (now also on YouTube).
I also did a pitching webinar for Writer’s Digest (and went over some of the pitches my paid subscribers submitted) when I had my last pitch call (thank you for submitting and for your emails). I will be doing another one soon.
I will also be speaking and doing book signings this weekend at the Writer’s Digest Conference. I hope some of you will be there. If you are come by and say hello.
Ok. I’m going to share some writing advice.
For Writing
*Pitching Estelle’s Edge: If you want to get an editor’s attention, find some buzzy words or terms that are in the cultural zeitgeist and add them to your pitch. Students of mine have used the terms Emotional Cushioning, Mommy Mentoring, Revenge Shopping and more to get pitches accepted by The New York Times, In Style, and NPR. I’m going to write more about that in another post, and also I cover more pitching tips in my book.
*Craft Estelle’s Edge: If you are writing a novel or a memoir, try to write the first words of it, even as a prologue, and if you can, it is best to start with the inciting incident (the point that the action of the story begins). I use as a guide The Ladies of the Secret Circus, by one of my favorite writers, Constance Sayers. In her prologue she writes:
Kerrigan Falls, Virginia
October 9, 1974
The Buick was both half on and half off the road. It’s shiny body blending seamlessly with the pitch-black night. He slammed on his brakes, nearly hitting the car’s back quarter panel. Jesus. Who the hell would have left a car here of all places.
Much more happens that is terrible, and magical, and takes you to the next part of the story which is set in the present. But, it’s a great starting point.
I’m keeping that in mind as I write my next projects, which are a novel and a memoir (I know I’m genre-fluid).
Freelance Writing Direct
I’m so excited about the guests on the podcast. Today, I have William Dameron, author of The Lie, and his new novel, The Way Life Should Be. William talks about literary tools like objective correlative and how he switched genres for his new novel. Check it out here. Other guests include Harris Faulkner, Cheryl Strayed, Ann Hood, Noah Michelson, Alan Henry, and so many more. I make sure to get actionable writing and craft and business tips from my many guests, and share some myself.
Writing Opportunity
If you write about travel, this is a great one.
Sebastian Modak has just been named travel editor for WSJ Off Duty (WSJ is short for The Wall Street Journal).
Here is what I saw on X/Twitter where I’m @EstelleSErasmus (actually I’m that handle everywhere).
Writers: come at me! Sebastian.modak@wsj.com, $1/word. ISO stories that will inform would-be-travelers while also offering that special something that can resonate w/those not actively planning trips.
Class: Writing About Midlife and Beyond Through Memoir, Essays and Articles
You have been asking me for Zoom classes and finally I have one that I’m excited teaching at NYU called Writing About Midlife and Beyond Through Memoir, Essays and Articles. We will cover so much in 8 weeks, all through Zoom, with lots of planned surprises and guests and editors Zooming in, too. Sign up now to claim your spot. I can’t wait for this one. Also, I received the 2023 NYU SPS Teaching Excellence Award, and I’m very honored and proud.
Instant Event
I’m speaking today in a lunch and learn session at ASJA. How To Get Your Writing Noticed
Estelle Erasmus, the author of Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published, and an NYU adjunct writing professor, will talk about how to get your writing noticed (especially in the age of editors ghosting writers), and what to do if you ever do go viral, based on her experience and that of her students. Here is the registration link: Join us on August 17, from 1 – 2 p.m. ET. Free for members; $20 for nonmembers.
Article: I learned so much from my book launch that I am writing a series of articles on it for Writer’s Digest. Here is my first article on What to Do to Maximize Your Launch Week And Get Your Book Noticed.
More soon. And if you bought my book (and love it as much as I loved writing it) please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads and ask your library to get it.