"Try and work smarter, not harder."
This week on Second Chapter, read how Erin Carlson created her Second Chapter with Nora Ephron and the romantic comedy.
Like most Millennials (and maybe Gen X and Z?), I fell down the Nobody Wants This rabbit hole a couple weeks ago. I watched it once, watched it twice, discussed it on various group texts, and tried to read and listen to all I could about it. One Substack I read was
’s GChat interview (how fun of a concept, btw!) with .From that interview, I really loved Erin’s insights into the romance genre as a whole. When I looked her up further, I realised of course she has this level of insight! She’s a culture and entertainment journalist by day, but she’s also written three books about pop culture, one solely focused on how Nora Ephron saved the romantic comedy. And, she runs a Substack called “You’ve Got Mail” (perhaps the best romantic comedy film to exist), one that I’ve been enjoying immensely over the past several weeks.
I’m thrilled to have Erin on Second Chapter this week. Read on below to find out why she’s never fully identified as a ‘writer’, how she improves her writing, and how non-fiction writers have it harder than fiction writers.
Let’s start in the past. Tell us about your pre-author career journey. What did you do and how did you get into it?
I was, and still am, a culture and entertainment journalist. Before writing my books, I worked at The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. I covered my beat as seriously as a political reporter covers the presidential election! (But entertainment reporters have way more fun.) My career in journalism definitely prepared me for book research, which involves doing a ton of celeb interviews.
What was the spark that lit your drive to becoming a published author?
I never, ever thought that I'd write a book! Then I read Fifth Avenue, 5. A.M., Sam Wasson's fabulous book about the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's, and was inspired to write I’ll Have What She’s Having, the story of how Nora Ephron made her iconic rom-com trilogy.
Juggling anything with a day job is hard work, especially something as in-depth as writing a book. Can you tell us how you did it?
I worked full-time as a magazine editor while writing my second book, Queen Meryl, about the life and work of Meryl Streep, and let me tell you: It was HARD. Not for the faint of heart. Maybe even harder for nonfiction authors, because we have to figure out how to weave together a compelling narrative while also making sure the facts are correct! I have no advice other than to try and work smarter, not harder. Set a reasonable word count goal and try to write every day. If you write 500 words a day for six months, you'll have a first draft!
Did your first career help in your writing at all?
A thousand percent. When I started out as a cub news reporter, I learned how to write really fast on deadline, because if I didn't, I would get fired. For better or worse, I work with that same mentality years later. I often picture my first editor hovering over my shoulder, asking, "What's the ETA?" Also, working in journalism taught me, a lover of words, that my words weren't precious. To this day, I'm always open to editors' suggestions for my "copy." I'm always tweaking things. I write fast and edit slowly.
Did you have any preconceived notions / myths about becoming a writer? How did you overcome those?
Absolutely none. I have never fully identified as a "writer," whatever that means! I am a creative person who loves to tell stories and get my ideas out there in the world.
Did you employ any tips and tricks to help you write? If so, what were they?
When I'm on deadline, I eliminate any and all distractions. And that includes hiding my phone in another room and imposing limits on how much time I spend scrolling social media. I can't focus when I'm on Instagram! It's the ultimate tool for procrastination.
A huge element of writing and the path to publishing comes from a cultivated community. What is your writing community like and how did you find it?
Despite what I previously said, Instagram is ALSO a fantastic way to connect with fellow writers who've become friends. I have found a wonderful community via social media — as well as on Substack! — and love connecting with kindred spirits in those ways. I will say that when you're building relationships with other writers in your space, try to devote your energy to the people who reciprocate by supporting your work and sharing it with others. Focus on the people who don't see the world as a zero-sum game but as a place to grow, learn and build community. I don't care about being cool, I care about being kind.
Your three books (I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE'S HAVING, QUEEN MERYL, and NO CRYING IN BASEBALL) are published by Hachette Books. Could you tell us about your path to publishing?
I took my friend and mentor Jennifer Armstrong's fantastic class on writing a nonfiction book proposal, and after six weeks, I had a pretty good one for I'll Have What She's Having! When I felt that the proposal was ready, I sent it via email to two prospective agents who I thought would be interested and I was right — they were and I signed with one within two days! My agent then submitted the proposal to various traditional publishers and I flew to New York to meet with editors. I had a great feeling about Hachette Books, so I signed a deal with them! The imprint was an amazing home for my books and sadly shuttered earlier this year. The book publishing industry is going through a lot at the moment. My fingers are crossed for its future.
What would you recommend to others who are considering traditional publishing?
If that's what you want to do, don't give up! It only takes ONE editor to believe in your book, but most important, please believe in yourself. Pay no attention to what's trendy in the market. Keep writing, keep going and keep finding ways to grow a readership, whether that's through a newsletter or TikTok or whatever floats your boat.
To be able to pivot any career, there’s usually a supporting financial element tied to it. Did you have any financial support that helped you on your journey? Could you share what that looked like?
I always fall back on my work as a freelance journalist and editor. Many authors have figured out how to support themselves writing books full-time, but for me, that's not sustainable. For authors without generational wealth: It's totally fine and normal and smart to have a day job, and most of us do!
There’s also a blackhole when it comes to how much authors make, enabling a myth that once you’re a published author you can write full-time as the only source of income. But it's not always that simple or linear! Could you tell us a bit more about how this is working for you financially?
I can speak only as a published nonfiction author, but I earn an advance that is paid out in three to four installments over a two-year period. It can take more than a year in between advance payments — so, yes, don't quit your day job!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Spend as much time reading as you do writing. I get so much inspiration from reading other voices and in other genres. My writing improves when I read something new and entertaining and thought-provoking.
What did you learn about yourself during this process?
That it's never too late to grow as an author and improve my craft! Each book is a new beginning. I always feel like I'm starting at square one.
Are there other Second Chapter authors that inspired you? If yes, who are they?
). . Hilary Mantel. And as critics, Wesley Morris and Roger Ebert have had profound influences on me.What’s been one read in 2024 that you haven't been able to stop thinking about?
I was very moved by Sloane Crosley's Grief Is For People and how she wrote about the death of her close friend and mentor. Sloane's tone of wry detachment gives way to unexpected emotion — in some ways, I could see this memoir being turned into the kind of film that Alexander Payne makes. In the meantime, I can't wait to read more from Sloane.
Thanks so much, Erin! You can follow her on Substack (
) and Instagram. She’s written I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE'S HAVING, QUEEN MERYL, and NO CRYING IN BASEBALL. Personally, I can’t wait to dive into them!As always, thanks for reading! You can find Second Chapter also on Instagram.
I love putting this weekly newsletter together, highlighting how authors moved into their Second Chapter, hopefully inspiring aspiring authors along the way.
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Thank you, Cori — this is great to see!