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Holly B. Gutwillinger won the Writers’ Spark Coaching Contest with a project born from a poem about her dogs. After fifty years of searching for her passion, she overcame a loud "inner critic" to embrace creative writing. Her upcoming literary novel, set in Northern Ontario, follows two friends seeking love and rescue dogs whose lives change at a local dog park. Now an MFA student, Holly will receive mentorship from Fiona Fenwick and editing from Sheelagh Caygill to finish he

Author Julie M. Green discusses her memoir Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance. She explores how motherhood, autism, and radical acceptance shape the narrative, and how parenting an autistic child fueled a "seismic shift" in her work. She shares her love for lyrical prose, and her commitment to longhand drafting for emotional honesty. Julie also recounts her journey to publication, offering advice on overcoming the primal fear of f

In this interview, Canadian author Michael Mirolla is exploring the human condition in writing by examining the intersection of self-identity and society. He reflects on his formative years in Canada’s first MFA program and his "Holy Trinity" of influences: Kafka, Joyce, and Beckett. Mirolla emphasizes stripping away external labels to find what is essential, while expressing skepticism toward AI’s creative potential. Michael's latest book is How About This …?

For Canadian author Carter Vance, the key question animating his writing is: what shall we do and how shall we live? Exploring generational ennui, Vance draws inspiration from authors like Sally Rooney and Adelle Waldman. His process has evolved from a small poetry chapbook to a deliberate novel project, guided by the philosophy that a work is never truly "done." Instead, he views his published pieces as "released," transitioning from his own mind to the engagement of the wid

Poet, fiction, and nonfiction author rob mclennan shares how four decades of daily practice have strengthened his writing; he views it as a muscle that has become denser and more complex. He emphasizes reading widely, studying Canadian writing history, and engaging community. rob avoids plotting, sees failure as essential, and generative AI as theft. His process involves continuous editing, moving between digital and multiple printed drafts until he feels a piece of writing i

Author Lisa de Nikolits discusses how being an immigrant shapes her writing, highlighting the cultural friction between South African expressiveness ("overshare") and Canadian reserve ("colleagues"). She views this duality as a lens for exploring "the fundamental quirks of human nature." Her process is fueled by a mantra: "Write something BETTER today than you ever have before," embracing constant self-editing and facing the "incredible courage" required to complete a book.

Carole Giangrande, author and poet, explores her evolution from poetry to broadcast journalism and fiction. She explains reflects how her characters are subtly shaped by real-world politics and social upheaval. Carole admires writers like Virginia Woolf and Michael Ondaatje, and says her writing process involves balancing plotting with spontaneity. With candor, she urges writers to persist, embrace community, and stay open to life’s everyday pleasures.

Author Ken Wilson's path was set by stealing Orwell and formalized by The Camino Walk at 50, committing to the craft. His writing evolved from playwriting to creative nonfiction and poetry, now driven by a supportive community. Themes focus on "Dirty Nature Writing"—exploring environmental damage and human connection to the world through walking. This is the focus of his book Walking the Bypass. Ken's process remains that of a "pantser," allowing for surprising exploration.

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Artist Chris McCabe on psychogeography. Chris is a poet, novelist, and editor. He discusses his journey from Liverpool roots to London’s experimental poetry scene. His work spans genres and artforms, often shaped by psychogeography and the poetics of cities. In this interview, he discusses influences from cartoons to Pink Floyd, his wide-ranging reading, and his advice to treat writing as a sustaining garden space.

Brenda Hartwell, debut author of No Wrong Seasons, reflects on her journey from drama studies to writing character-driven fiction. She shares how theatre shaped her voice, how writing workshops built trust and community, and how themes of resilience, women’s issues, and social justice permeate her work. Rooted in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Hartwell writes with authenticity, empathy, and a deep love of story.

Catherine Walker's writing is shaped by feminism, history, and hope. Drawing on her decades as a nurse and activist, she explores women's resilience and self-actualization. Her interest in World War I reflects her belief that literature should examine "heroism, hope, and the search for humane behaviour." While remaining a hopeful optimist, Walker addresses global challenges like climate change and inequality in her narratives about strong women striving for freedom and meanin