How can you turn your creative passion into a thriving freelance business and still give back?

In this episode host Ashley Cisneros Mejia sits down with long-time friend and expert consultant Mara Shorr to explore the intersection of journalism, business, and advocacy. Mara shares tactical tips for freelancers ready to expand their business, including how to hire your first virtual assistant or contractor and why documenting systems is key to scaling.

But it’s not all business—Mara opens up about her inspiring advocacy work as a foster mom, guardian ad litem, and foster dog caretaker. Learn how her journalism roots shaped her success and discover actionable strategies to grow your freelance career while staying true to your values.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to create systems to streamline your freelance business.
• The first steps to take when hiring your first team member or virtual assistant.
• Why documenting your processes can make or break your business growth.
• How to use writing and communication skills to create impactful client content.
• Insights into incorporating your professional skills into meaningful advocacy work.

ABOUT MARA SHORR
Mara Shorr is an expert consultant and international speaker with nearly 15 years of experience helping businesses in the aesthetic and healthcare industries achieve operational and financial success. A passionate advocate for people and animals, Mara combines her background in journalism, communications, and systems management with her dedication to fostering, mentoring, and driving meaningful change. Follow Mara on Instagram at @MaraShorr and @MaraAdvocates.

TOOLS MARA MENTIONS

ChatGPT

Loom

Calendly

Canva

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Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

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How can staying true to your story unlock your biggest creative breakthrough?

In this episode Ashley Cisneros Mejia chats with award-winning author and illustrator Jerry Craft, creator of New Kid—the first graphic novel to ever win the prestigious Newbery Medal. Jerry opens up about his inspiring journey from a reluctant reader to a New York Times bestselling author, sharing how his personal experiences of feeling like an outsider became the foundation for a story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Tune in to hear Jerry's candid insights on the power of perseverance, navigating countless rejections, and staying true to your creative vision even when the odds are stacked against you. Whether you're a freelance writer seeking to get published or a creative professional in search of inspiration, this episode offers invaluable wisdom on storytelling, tenacity, and building a successful career as a writer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The challenges Jerry overcame before breaking through with a traditional publisher.
• How to transform personal experiences into universal stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
• The importance of perseverance and resilience in pursuing a creative career, even after facing repeated rejection.
• Why staying true to your vision and avoiding limiting labels can be key to long-term creative success.

ABOUT JERRY CRAFT

Jerry Craft is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City and now travels the world telling kids and their families about the importance of reading. Buy the books at: https://jerrycraft.com/

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Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
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LinkedIn
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Website

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How can Medium’s unique platform help you reach new audiences and maximize your freelance potential?

In this episode we sit down with Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, to explore how the platform is impacting the world of writing.

With over 1 million paid subscribers and recent profitability, Medium is becoming a powerful space where writers can thrive without the hustle and connect with new audiences.

Tune in to hear Tony’s take on how to maximize earnings through Medium’s partner program and the unique opportunities it presents to freelance writers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Medium’s new focus on authenticity is helping writers stand out in a crowded digital market

• What profitability at Medium means for writers using the platform
• Key changes in Medium’s Partner Program and how they affect writer compensation
• Strategies for freelance writers to maximize their success and earnings on Medium
• Why community and connection with readers are more important than views or clicks
• How Medium’s distribution engine gives writers an edge

ABOUT TONY STUBBLEBINE

Tony Stubblebine is the CEO of Medium. Previously, he was the owner of some of Medium’s largest publications, including Better Humans, and is the co-founder and former CEO of Coach.me. He lives in New York.

Read Tony’s writing.

ABOUT MEDIUM

Medium is an online publishing platform where writers from all backgrounds can share their stories, insights, and ideas with a global audience. Known for its clean design and user-friendly interface, Medium offers a space for thoughtful, high-quality writing on a wide range of topics. With a unique focus on authenticity, Medium connects readers to content that prioritizes depth and meaning over clickbait, while offering writers the opportunity to get paid for their work through its membership model.

Learn about Medium’s Partner Program.

Full show notes here.

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Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
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LinkedIn
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What lessons can a two-decade freelancer in science and health communication offer to the next generation of freelancers?

In this episode we chat with Priya Joi, a distinguished science journalist and global health communications expert, about changes in the freelance marketplace worldwide.

Explore Priya's insights on adapting to changes like automation and AI in publishing, and discover her strategies for maintaining relevance and creativity by diversifying skills and exploring new media.

We also discuss some of the deeply personal aspects of her work, from her memoir M(other)land'—which explores themes of motherhood, race, and identity—to her transformative experiences reporting from places like Algeria and Cuba, which shaped her views on healthcare and social structures. Listen now!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to navigate the challenges and opportunities of freelancing in science journalism
• Strategies for adapting to technological changes, including the impact of AI on content creation
• Insights into balancing professional pursuits with personal responsibilities, such as caregiving
• And more!

About Priya Joi
Priya Joi is a well-respected science journalist with a career spanning 20 years and has worked for organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Lancet and New Scientist. She reported on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic and has reported from the field on malaria, HIV, and TB. She has freelanced for The Guardian, BBC and Médecins Sans Frontières, and has chaired and spoken at science conferences. Joi has worked to shine a light on issues of race, sexism and discrimination her entire career.

Connect with Priya on LinkedIn and visit her website.

Full episode show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
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Website

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Hey freelancer, have you ever considered teaching at a university?

Our guest, Jenna Spinelle, is a freelance writer, podcaster, and instructor at Penn State University. She shares her inspiring journey from freelancer to professor and reveals how YOU can leverage your freelance skills to teach the next generation. Learn how to identify your unique teaching niche, approach universities with confidence, and craft a winning pitch that will land you in the classroom.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and will show you how your freelance experience can be your greatest asset in the world of academia.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify transferable skills from your freelance work that are valuable in the classroom
• Practical steps to take to approach a university about teaching a course
• What to expect when teaching a pre-existing course vs. developing a new one
• Tips for classroom management and establishing student trust
• The earning potential of adjunct faculty positions

About Jenna Spinelle

Jenna Spinelle is a writer and podcaster who tells stories that inspire hope and change in trying times. She hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast and the narrative series When the People Decide, both productions of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State. She teaches courses on news writing, podcasting, and the creator economy at Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Her writing has appeared in outlets including Time magazine, Inside Higher Ed and Current, a trade publication covering public media.

Visit Jenna’s website.

Click here for full show notes.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
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Website

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How do you find and fill a freelance writing content vacuum in your industry?

Join us as we sit down with Bryony Angell, a narrative non-fiction writer who has carved out a unique niche in the world of birding.

Bryony shares her journey from observing a lack of content for young women birders to becoming a leading voice in bird conservation through her freelance writing.

During our chat we explore how Bryony balances her rich freelance career with being a mom and working a full-time job.

If you've ever wondered how to turn a passion into a profitable side hustle or how to spot opportunities in niche markets, this episode is filled with insights on leveraging your personal interests into a fulfilling freelance career.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify a unique niche and turn it into a successful side hustle.
• Strategies for balancing freelance writing with full-time employment and parenting.
• The importance of building and nurturing community connections within your niche.
• Tips for spotting opportunities and filling content vacuums in niche markets.

About Bryony Angell

Bryony Angell is a narrative non-fiction writer and speaker, deeply rooted in the Pacific Coast's beautiful Skagit Valley, Washington. With a focus on the economy and culture of the world birding scene, she enhances wild bird conservation through her engaging storytelling. Bryony contributes to both regional and national publications, tackling diverse topics such as birding by boat in Western Washington, field sketching, and profiling international women birding guides. Her content, which occasionally graces her website, ranges from practical advice to reflective pieces on birding as mindful meditation.

Visit Bryony's website.

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
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Website

BUY ME A COFFEE

Can you run a successful freelance business while working in a corporate 9-5 job?

Yes, IF you can master time management and set clear expectations!

Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast featuring the multi-talented Donna Raphael. As a musician, technologist, and creative force, Donna shares her secrets to successfully balancing demanding full-time work with thriving freelance side hustles.

This interview will leave you energized to take your freelance work to the next level through Donna's example of dedication, discipline and delighting clients. Listen now!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Strategies for managing both a full-time job and freelance clients through effective time management and prioritization
• Tips for treating your freelance work like an organized business from the start with tools, processes, and structure
• Best practices for understanding client needs, expectations and pain points from the very beginning
• And more!

About Donna Raphael

Donna O. Raphael is a multifaceted professional whose expertise spans music production, project management, digital marketing, and web development. She has earned degrees in Recording Arts, Computer Science and Project Management.

Donna's career is distinguished by her adeptness in navigating complex project landscapes in both her full-time roles and freelance endeavors. She works full-time as a product manager and offers music composition services as a freelancer.

Click here to visit Donna's website.

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
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Facebook
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Website

BUY ME A COFFEE

Are you a freelance writer struggling during economic uncertainty?

Tune in to this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast where host Ashley Cisneros shares actionable strategies for finding freelance writing work fast when you need money quickly.

Ashley draws on her experience freelancing during the Great Recession to offer tips on rebuilding relationships with past clients, networking with other writers, and using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups to drum up new opportunities.

You'll learn how to create customized pitching templates, organize job leads, and approach marketing agencies directly.

This episode is a must for any freelancer seeking work in a challenging job market.

Time Stamps

05:18 Tips for approaching current clients to discuss future opportunities

07:08 Strategies for reconnecting with previous clients

12:41 Importance of networking with other writers and creative professionals

15:21 Finding freelance writing jobs through platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, newsletters

19:13 Using LinkedIn to showcase work and find opportunities, pitching marketing agencies

25:44 Tracking outreach efforts with a spreadsheet

32:46 Organizing emails and staying on top of job leads

34:23 Creating customized pitching templates for different niches

37:00 Scheduling time for business development activities

About Ashley Cisneros Mejia and Talk Freelance To Me

Talk Freelance to Me™ is a multimedia company that helps women writers monetize their gifts to live life on their own terms. Led by 20-year freelance writer, journalist, and entrepreneur Ashley Cisneros Mejia, the company achieves this through the Talk Freelance To Me™ Podcast featuring interviews with freelance writers and freelance creatives, online programs like the Freelance Success S.Y.S.T.E.M.™ Course, and other digital products.

Full show notes here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talk Freelance To Me - Where Self-Employed Women Writers, Freelancers, and Solopreneurs Meet to Master the 1099 Contractor Lifestyle

FREE GIFT JUST FOR YOU
We released our “Niches Get Riches” Brainstorming Worksheet – and it’s absolutely free! This worksheet will help you identify the most profitable niches for your freelance writing business.
Download yours!

BIG MONEY FREELANCE WRITING GUIDE
This 27-page directory contains over 100 places to find high-paying freelance writing gigs. Buy yours here!

1:1 BUSINESS COACHING
Click here!

LET'S BE SOCIAL!
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
Website

BUY ME A COFFEE