I wrote a thing... well, lots of things.
The media space is a 🔥 mess, so I'm working on some solo projects.
I write a lot. I mean, it’s my job… but between busy weekends + local travel, going on the most epic trip ever to Morocco, dealing with some family health stuff (😞), and trying to navigate this buck-wild media landscape, I don’t feel as productive as I have the last 2 years of full-time freelance.
Why? Well, it’s part cyclical, part complacency, and part craziness (across the media landscape).
Several editors of mine over the last month — at big publications — let me know they’ll need to cut back on assignments and rates as their media overlords demand chopping freelance budgets. It’s a shame given many of them are (probably) raking in cash with all these damn affiliate link stories. The problem is everyone’s doing those kinda stories (as you know) and it’s causing some serious turmoil, competition, and a general lack of readership (IMO) as consumers can’t trust who’s the true authority on what anymore.
But despite the media landscape being as volatile as ever, I continue to stay busy with a mix of contract marketing/social media work, contributed stories, and travel. I’m especially excited about some stories I have coming out soon in print magazines (shoutout Trails Mag and Mountain Gazette) this year. As my wife always tells me: Small is beautiful. And what’s more beautiful than seeing your byline and words next to stunning photography — in print?! I’ve also LOVED collaborating with photography freelance friends (shoutout Ryan Calacsan) on these urban-based outdoor stories (his photos, my words).
👆 I can’t wait to share them with you.
And, with slightly fewer assignments than usual, it’s freed up a little brain space and time for some self-care and personal projects… like…
Chicago Adventure Guidebook ☀️
One of my most recent personal endeavors has been writing, designing, and printing The Chicago Adventure Guidebook — a no-frills guide to adventure in and around the city. The zine-like guidebook complies the best hike, bike, camp, and paddle spots around Chicago — and curated urban adventures across the city.
I actually hand-wrote this book in March 2020 but now have a fully digital version of the book designed. I’ve also printed the damn thing. (Can I get a“Yee-Haw!” 🤠)
It’s been such a fun little project. I’m not totally sure what I’m going to do with it, how I’m going to market/sell it, or what else it might inspire me to do (*cough, cough* lead group hikes, rides, campouts, paddles *cough, cough*) — but I’m sure proud of this little guidebook I made.
I hope it helps others do what I love to do: urban adventure.
More to come… and give a shout if you want me to save you a copy.
My Recent Stories ✍️
Women’s Health: Meet The Professional Hockey Player On A Mission To Redefine The Term ‘Hockey Mom’
CNN Underscored: How to organize outdoor gear, according to people with amazing gear closets
Backpacker: 5 Dream Hiking Trips You Can Take For Cheap This Summer
Treeline Review: The Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist
Block Club Chicago: Will Hike For Beer: New Book Pairs Local Trails With Breweries To Get Chicagoans Outside
Call for Pitches 🗣
Looking for gear/product reccos and sources for:
(CNN Underscored) Best bike bags & panniers
(CNN Underscored) Best sleeping bags — car camping + beginner backpacking
(CNN Underscored) Best camping tents — car camping + beginner backpacking
(REI Co-op Journal) Experts in buying/wearing gender-neutral outdoor gear
Interesting people + athlete + ambassador stories — I want to do more brand storytelling around people (over products). Do you know any amazing folks with interesting/timely/fun stories? LMK!
Latest Adventures 🚀
Future Travels ✈️
June — I’m backpacking in Asheville with Blue Ridge Hiking Company for a PRIDE backpacking trip 🏳️🌈 . I was also invited to speak at the PRSA Travel & Tourism Conference in Greenville, SC. My aunt’s joining to explore with me after. Any reccos?
July — For any outdoor PR folks, I’ll be at OMA. Send me an email to book an appointment early! I’d love to chat in person 👍
August — I’ll be flying out to the Washington coast on assignment for Backpacker Magazine to cover the new Snow Peak Campfield campground. It looks like it’s a truly stunning place — inspired by Japanese camping culture that reimagines the traditional campground with thoughtfully designed spaces to slow down, connect, and simply “be.”
September — As of now not traveling a ton in September, but I’ll be hosting the second ever Mappy Hour Chicago campout in Wisconsin (!!!) and gearing up to go to the Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula, MT (Oct 14-16). Come join me!
What I’m Diggin’ 🎶
The latest Wild Ideas Worth Living podcast featuring my friends Renee + Tim:
This latest ✨ gay pop ✨ bop:
The Staves Tiny Desk Concert (always love a Tiny Desk):
Thanks for reading ✌️
Your pal, Erica ✨