I’m so excited to share the announcement that I have a podcast with my amazing friend and colleague (and former ASJA president) Sherry Beck Paprocki. It’s on Spotify, iTunes and all the good places. It’s called Freelance Writing Direct! (Yay)! You may remember that I once did a members-only podcast for ASJA called ASJA Direct.

When I thought of the idea of doing this podcast, I knew that Sherry was the partner I wanted, and I’m so happy she said YES!

During this short, sound-bite filled podcast we will cover everything the creative writer, freelance writer or author needs to know to move forward in their creativity and their career. 

We will share how the sauce is made, tips and tricks to give you a leg up in the marketplace, and lots of fun interviews with writers who are generous with their own advice. We’ll also offer advice from our combined 45+ years of experience in publishing as editors, writers, authors and speakers.

We’ll also evolve as you do, and break down pitches, share essays, and give you writing and career prompts. 

We already have 7 episodes up, with a lot more in the can. Episodes will release every Thursday and we are in the top 15% of new releases, which is so exciting!

Here is a taste from our first episode here.

And here is the episode introducing me and Sherry.

You can find us on Spotify and iTunes.

Other episodes:

Writing About Mental Health and Wellness While Taking Care of Yourself as a Writer Featuring Psychologist and Freelance Writer Dr. Juli Fraga.

From Book to Screen & In-Between: Optioning Your Writing with Jack El-Hai

So join us every week, and grow your freelance writing business. We can’t wait to read what you will be writing. And email us your questions and thoughts on future episodes at freelancewritingdirect (at) gmail (dot) com

A Few Spots Left in My Micro Memoir Class for NYU

Just a few spots left. Class begins October 24th. We will work together on 6 short pieces, which could be part of one of your larger works. Find more information here.

Writer’s Digest Personal Essay Contest Deadline Extended

There is still time to get your submissions in. The new deadline is October 17th! I wrote about it here and here are the prizes.

One Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• $2,500 in cash
• Their essay title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s May/June 2023 issue
• A paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, including a coveted Pitch Slam slot

The Second Place Winner will receive:

• $1,000 in cash
• Their essay title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s May/June 2023 issue

The Third Place Winner will receive:

• $500 in cash
• Their essay title published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s May/June 2023 issue

Fourth through Tenth Place Winners will receive:

• $100 in cash
• Their essay titles published in Writer’s Digest magazine’s May/June 2023 issue

Eleventh through Twenty-Fifth Place Winners will receive:

• A $50 gift certificate for writersdigestshop.com

Don’t wait, enter today!