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On Creative Writing podcast show
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The On Creative Writing Podcast Show is now live, and more episodes will be dropping in the coming weeks.
Go to the Podcast page to listen, or find the show on your favourite podcast listing app.
On Writing


Carolyne Van Der Meer on crafting a poetic voice and exploring life's profound themes
Carolyne Van Der Meer, an Ontario-born Montreal poet, discusses her evolving style, now favoring unpunctuated, economical verse. Her work consistently explores themes of illness (Hodgkin's Disease) and motherhood/quiet feminism. She credits mentors and constant self-discovery for her growth, and shares how serendipity led to her first publisher. Her advice to writers: "keep reading, keep exploring," and "just be you," emphasizing authenticity. She prefers writing by hand, the
2 days ago4 min read


Harry Man: The poet who holds 'Every opinion'
Writer Harry Man discusses his newest collection, Popular Song, his eclectic reading and why as a poet he is shaped by life experiences and holds 'every opinion', like Pessoa's heteronyms. He explores themes of politices, surveillance capitalism via hashtags, and the natural world. Harry shares his diverse reading habits, from eco-memoirs to Roman military history, and advises writers to take walks and read widely for inspiration.
Jul 85 min read


Author Kim Fahner: How grief gives her a deep understanding of her characters' feelings
In this author interview, Kim Fahner explores how how grief gives her a deep understanding of her characters' feelings, her views on the impact of AI on writers and the environment, and her love of Canadian authors. Kim's most recent books include her sixth book of poetry, The Pollination Field, and her debut novel, The Donoghue Girl. She was the fourth Poet Laureate for the City of Greater Sudbury (2016-18) and is Chair of The Writers’ Union of Canada. Kim lives in Sudbury,
Jun 295 min read


Rob Winger: Embrace curiosity, ditch jerks, and read with attention to be a better writer
Writer Rob Winger attributes his writing style to his working-class Ontario roots, embracing a direct, unpretentious voice. He believes the library is the best creative writing teacher, emphasizing extensive reading over formal evolution. Winger is consistently drawn to poetry's clarity and advises writers to read attentively, embrace curiosity, and avoid self-seriousness. He views AI as a late-stage capitalism tool that may be interation of selfish garbage capitalists often
Jun 297 min read


Gen AI a tremendous threat not just to writers, but to entire planet - author Aaron Kreuter
Ontario-based writer Aaron Kreuter reflects on how identity, history, and experience—from suburban Jewish roots to political awakening—influence his work. He shares thoughts on process, evolution, inspiration, and the tension between creativity and technology, especially the dangers of generative AI. His approach blends structure and spontaneity, always rooted in obsession with language and story.
Jun 264 min read


Art is more than recombining elements: Why Nitin Nohria's essay on copyrighting gen AI outputs is flawed
Nitin Nohria's essay in MIT Technology Review 'AI copyright anxiety will hold back creativity' argues copyright law should not hold AI to a different standard than human artists and that gen AI’s recombination of existing material is the same as creative processes of renowned artists. Flaws in the essay are that creative processes of renowned artists are different from A, and it mischaracterizes AI’s capabilities, and it neglects factors distinguishing human art from AI-gener
Jun 228 min read


Finding mentors, exploring joy, facing agony: A map of the writing life
Linda Trinh is a Vietnamese Canadian author of nonfiction and fiction for adults and children. Seeking Spirit: A Vietnamese (non) Buddhist Memoir is her first book for adults. Her creative nonfiction has appeared in literary magazines such as The Fiddlehead, Room, and Prairie Fire. Linda shares her writing journey, the importance of mentorship, and why finding the write style of writing is essential for new writers.
Jun 193 min read


Navigating the evolving world of creative writing: Insights from Anthony Bidulka
In a recent episode of the On Creative Writing podcast, listeners were treated to a deep dive into the craft and business of writing with award-winning mystery and suspense author Anthony Bidulka.
Anthony took a seat behind the mic to host this audio essay and shared his eveolution as a writer, along with lessons leraned from two decades in the publishing industry.
Jun 194 min read


From Kistahpinânihk to Cambridge: Metis author rooted in legacy and resistance
John Brady McDonald is a Nehiyawak-Metis writer, historian, playwright, and activist born from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He is the author of several books, and has had his written works published and presented around the globe. His book Carrying It Forward: Essays from Kistahpinânihk was published in 2022 by Wolsak and Wynn. His writing is shaped his experience as an urban Indigenous youth growing up in poverty, being a Residential School survivor, and an addict.
Jun 193 min read


Short stories in lifestyle magazines started author's writing success
Alan Williams' latest novel is Mystery in the Snowy Mountains, is published by Holand Press and is available on Amazon, along with his short story collection, The Rain, The Park and Other Things. In this interview he talks about his writing, how he's had success with short stories in women's magazines, the happy ending themes he's drawn to, and why being a pantser works for him.
Jun 154 min read


Past rejection: Hard-earned advice on getting published includes persistence and proofing
Emma Marns' first novel The Walk was published in 2023. In this interview with On Creative Writing Emma shares thoughts on generative AI, favourite authors, and books, and offers hard-earned advice on getting published. Emma has a BA in English Literature from UEA, an MPhil in Irish Writing from Trinity College Dublin and is starting a PhD in Creative Writing at The University of Essex this year. She is a freelance journalist and has had words featured in The Independent and
Jun 123 min read


Fusing identity and healing: Author explores memoir writing, chaos, pain, writing process, and more
Content trigger warning: This episode touches on topics including self-harm, alcoholism, drug use, and eating disorders. Sheelagh Caygill talks with acclaimed Iranian-Canadian multigenre writer Hollay Ghadery about the themes and inspirations behind her powerful memoir, Fuse. The conversation opens with Hollay discussing being a mixed-race woman and navigating the complexities of identity, family, belonging, and cultural heritage.
Jun 55 min read
News


Exclusive! get our free creative writing advice guide tomorrow - Subscriber benefit
We know you're serious about your creative writing craft, which is why this isn't your average collection of fleeting tips. We asked 16 talented authors and writers to share their most valuable insights, and we've compiled over 2,500 words of actionable advice you won't find just anywhere. Forget the bland soundbites; this guide dives deep into the real nitty-gritty of the writing life.
May 14


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Are you a writer looking for inspiration, guidance, and a supportive community? Then you've come to the right place! On Creative Writing is your go-to resource for everything you need to hone your craft and navigate the writer's life. We're excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new newsletter!
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Apr 23


Powerful Canadian spring poetry releases
In her debut collection titled Elergy for Opportunity, Natalie Lim asks: How do we go on living and loving in a time of overlapping crises? Anchored by elegies for NASA’s Opportunity rover and a series of love poems, this collection explores the tension and beauty of a world marked by grief through meditations on Dungeons & Dragons, Taylor Swift’s cultural impact, the all-engulfing anxiety of the climate crisis and more.
Mar 8


The Prendergast Watch - how and why Emma Woodhouse wrote her first novel
Author Emma Woodhouse shares the intriguing and engaging story behind her writing of The Prendergast Watch, a Victorian mystery.
Mar 7


Debunking the study that AI generates better poetry than poetry written by humans
An October 2024 University of Pittsburgh report erroneously reports that AI can generate better poetry than poems by humans.
Dec 19, 2024
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