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Author Karen Smythe details her writing journey, from academia to novel writing. Her style evolved post-retirement, influenced by intense reading and workshops. Key themes include intergenerational relationships, especially mothers and daughters. She loves Gallant, Munro, Woolf, and international fiction. Her flexible writing process involves both in-the-moment editing and allowing narrative structures to emerge organically, often eschewing traditional outlines for creative f

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

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.

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,

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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