Speaker and Session Preview: Estelle Erasmus

At this year’s conference we’re holding a freelancer’s panel during one of our breakout sessions. And we’re so delighted Estelle Erasmus will be joining us for this discussion. She’s also involved with the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), which is a fantastic resource for professional freelancers. She no doubt has lots of wisdom to share. While we await our August event, we asked Estelle a few questions about her involvement at HippoCamp 2018!

HM: Tell us a little about your involvement in HippoCamp this year. What are you most excited to share during your panel?

EE: I’m looking forward to speaking on this panel, moderated by Donna Talarico.

Why do you love true stories?

I love the immediacy and passion of sharing true stories. Readers really feel the emotions of the writer, much like a song conveys emotion.

What made you decide to participate in HippoCamp this year as a speaker?

I’ve always heard such glowing reviews of the conference, and have long admired the caliber of speakers the conference leadership puts together.

Attendees can learn more about you on our speaker’s page, of course, but there’s more to you than that bio! Share a fun fact with us, something we may be surprised to know.

I studied opera as a young girl.

Aside from preparing for HippoCamp 2018 (of course!), what are you working on? Any recent or upcoming projects/publications you can share? 

I host/curate the podcast for the American Society of Journalists and Authors, called ASJA Direct: Inside Intel on Getting Published and Paid Well which is a member’s benefit, and available for non members. Recent guests include Sari Botton, essays editor of Longreads, Kyle Pope, editor/publisher of the Columbia Journalism Review and Beth Dreher, the features director for Woman’s Day (print).

Since you’ll also be attending the conference, what are you most looking forward to learning or doing when you’re not wearing your “speaker hat?”

Attending the fantastic sessions.

We love introducing Lancaster to attendees. If this will be your first time here, what are you looking forward to?

I am bringing my husband and nine-year-old daughter, and they will be exploring the area as well. I know that Hershey Park is nearby so that might be on the agenda, as well as Dutch Wonderland.

Who is your muse?

I have been delving into my family history recently to derive inspiration for my writing, but becoming a mother in midlife has transformed my writing, so I guess my daughter is my muse.

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Estelle, we’re looking forward to Sunday’s freelance panel and learning from you!

And, reader, register to reserve your place today.