Inside the Daily Routine of Freelancer Ashley Abramson: A Day in the Life of a Successful Creative

Ashley Abramson’s journey into freelance writing began with a simple cold email to Arianna Huffington in 2014. At the time, she was a stay-at-home mom and not a journalist, but Huffington accepted her pitch for a humorous article on new parenthood. This simple act sparked Abramson’s passion for writing about health and parenting.

Initially, she wrote personal essays for blogs like Scary Mommy. But once her son started preschool, Abramson turned her hobby into a profession, focusing on deeper stories that involved interviews and expert opinions. “I love demystifying complex information in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand,” she shared. Parents, especially those juggling the chaos of daily life, often need straightforward answers to their burning questions.

Now based in Milwaukee, Abramson has contributed to notable publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. We talked about her career, daily life, and advice for those looking to follow a similar path.

Abramson’s first paid story in health journalism came in 2018 for Refinery 29, where she explored the risks associated with the “crunchy mom” approach to parenting. “I struggled to find experts at first,” she admitted. “I asked my son’s pediatrician and a family friend who was a doctor.” Through a series of searches and connections, she began interviewing experts, discovering how journalism could allow her access to vital information while also impacting public health.

Today, she writes primarily about health services such as nutrition, children’s health, and women’s issues. “Every topic is fair game,” she stated, “and that diversity keeps me excited about what I do.”

Balancing her work and family life is critical for Abramson. “Flexibility is key,” she said, explaining that her schedule varies: some weeks are packed with 50+ hours of work, while others are much lighter during school breaks. Her routine often involves planning around her children’s appointments, allowing her to maximize her work time when the kids are at school.

Abramson prefers to work in chunks of three to four hours, as she finds longer sessions can drain her productivity. Interestingly, she thrives under pressure, often finding that she’s most efficient during the hectic hours when her kids return home from school.

Her home office setup is equally flexible, shared with her husband, a software developer. They alternate between a dedicated office and a workspace adjacent to the dining room, adapting as needed based on their tasks for the day. “I really value being able to switch things up,” she said.

Recently, she has delved into innovative topics like the usage of tabletop role-playing games for therapy in a feature for the American Psychological Association. “There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence around this,” she explained, highlighting the emerging space where mental health meets storytelling.

Building a community is also important for Abramson. As an extrovert, she enjoys connecting with experts and fellow journalists. She often reaches out to those who share similar interests, whether to discuss potential stories or simply to build relationships. Although she’s not based in a media hub like New York, she engages with local publications like Milwaukee Magazine and attends events to create connections.

For aspiring freelancers, Abramson offers practical advice: don’t hesitate to start as a generalist. “I began with basic personal essays and listicles,” she recounted. “Over time, I used those clips to branch out into more serious topics.” Staying aware of current events is crucial too, as it opens doors to new health-related angles on trends and disasters. Recently, significant events like the California wildfires have prompted meaningful discussions about the mental health impacts of natural disasters. “It’s all about spotting the connections and finding relevant stories,” she encouraged.

With the continuous evolution of freelance work and the media landscape, insights from experienced writers like Abramson serve as a valuable resource for those entering the field. Each story not only enriches the reader’s understanding but also contributes to public knowledge on important health issues.

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