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A creative writing podcast and author interviews for writers and book lovers
On Creative Writing is a monthly podcast show, and a publisher of interviews with authors and writers. Our interviews cover all genres and aspects of writing, offering unique insights into the lives and work of writers, their approach to their work, and their guidance for newer or less experienced writers. We also publish features, resources, and news. Read our latest interviews and features below!

How to listen: Listen via our Podcast page to listen, or search for On Creative Writing on your favourite podcast listing app.
On Writing


Aga Maksimowska: A writer moving on from old selves and rejecting categorization
This interview explores Aga Maksimowska’s evolution since her debut novel, GIANT. Discussing her upcoming book, BECALMING, she shares how personal history, her youth in Communist Poland, and reading inspiring literature shape her style. Describing herself as a "plantser" who needs to know her ending, she reflects on publishing hurdles and artistic growth. This profile captures a writer moving on from old selves, shedding past creative labels to embrace a broader thematic futu
Sheelagh Caygill
Jun 274 min read


SuperCanucks co-editor Matthew Del Papa: Don't wait to begin if you want to write
Matthew Del Papa, co-eiditor of SuperCanucks, an anthology exploring superheroes in Canada’s overlowoked smaller townsh, shares how his experience with a disability shapes his focus on community on community and collaborative projects. He offers advice on creative writing, telling would-be writers "Don't wait to begin if you want to write." He details his daily workman-like routine and his views on the negative impact of generative AI on creative fields
Sheelagh Caygill
Jun 215 min read


Writer Eric Fisher on writing about mental wellness and authentic storytelling
Certified counsellor and writer Eric Fisher discusses how clinical mental health work and a nomadic life shape his writing style, why he shifts from screenplays to books as a "plotter," and how to move past writer’s block. He discusses writing about mental wellness, shares advice on accepting creative critique, and warns against the threat generative AI poses to authentic voice, human creativity, and reader trust in the mental wellness and self-help genres.
Sheelagh Caygill
Jun 214 min read


Alex Boyd on modeling Orwell's clear, accessible style in writing
In this interview, author Alex Boyd discusses his new essay collection, Take This for the Pain. Inspired by George Orwell’s clear, accessible style, Boyd reflects on his diverse reading habits—championing the value of poetry and story collections over longer forms. He offers candid advice for emerging writers, urging them to avoid social media early on to protect their focus. Boyd also addresses the risks of generative AI relying on lazy generalizations rather than deep readi
Sheelagh Caygill
Jun 184 min read


Author Maude Barlow: On turning complicated issues into bestselling stories
Bestselling author and activist Maude Barlow is author of Earth for Sale: The Fight to Stop The Last Plunder of the Planet. From the near-deletion of her first manuscript to publishing 21 books, Maude reveals how she tackles complex environmental and social justice issues by grounding them in accessible, human storytelling. Offering invaluable advice for aspiring writers, she discusses overcoming perfectionism and the power of trusting the editing process.
Sheelagh Caygill
Jun 103 min read


How creative writers can take action against the use of AI in publishing
This guide lists creative writing organizations in many English speaking countries taking a strict stance against the use of artificial intelligence by publishers. Find out the regional and national organzations creative writers can join and support. These groups actively lobbying for creator rights, implementing protective model contract clauses, and defending original human storytelling worldwide. Learn exactly how you can join these guilds to protect your creativity and li
Sheelagh Caygill
May 2610 min read


Writing can be solitary, so get involved with other writers
Writer Beth Mims on the craft of writing. She shares how a rural childhood, faith, and teaching shaped her style, and how she overcame harsh college critique to publish her book, Wrapped in Grace. Mims discusses her spontaneous editing process. She also explains why connecting with other authors is vital to overcoming isolation. Ideal for writers seeking inspiration on perseverance and community. Writing can be solitary, so get involved with other writers
Sheelagh Caygill
May 254 min read


Alison McBain's writing shaped by roots, travel, and studies
In this author interview Alison McBain shares writing shaped by roots, travel, and studies. She discusses how her diverse life experiences shape her style, her expansive reading habits, and how she balances pantsing short fiction with plotting novels. McBain also offers candid advice for aspiring writers drowning in industry noise and highlights her defiant "Author Versus AI" project, where she aims to write 52 books in a single year with zero AI tools.
Sheelagh Caygill
May 254 min read


Exploring poetic craft with Jaime Forsythe
This interview explores Jaime Forsythe’s poetic craft and professional journey. She discusses how reading widely and engaging in workshops have shaped her writing style, and shares how mentorship from Stuart Ross led to her first published collection. Forsythe addresses contemporary writing challenges, expressing skepticism toward generative AI due to ethical and environmental concerns, and highlights her passion for editing, noting that rewriting is the most rewarding part o
Sheelagh Caygill
May 252 min read
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