In this episode of On Creative Writing, guest host and poet Kim Mannix converses with award-winning Chinese-Canadian poet Natalie Lim to discuss Natalie's highly anticipated debut poetry collection, Elegy for Opportunity.

Natalie shares the origins of her collection’s title, which draws inspiration from the Mars rover Opportunity, a solar-powered explorer that operated on Mars from 2004 until 2018, and its poignant final transmission.

Natalie explains how the rover’s journey and eventual silence became a powerful metaphor for exploring themes of grief, longing, and the search for meaning in times of crisis, both personal and collective.

The two poets delve into the creative process behind Elegy for Opportunity, which reveals how Natalie crafted the book’s structure to mirror the emotional arc of loss and recovery. Natalie describes her decision to use an accessible style in her poetry, aiming to invite readers into intimate moments of vulnerability and reflection.

She describes how she balances deeply personal narratives—such as her experiences with family, identity, and cultural heritage—with broader, cosmic questions about humanity’s place in the universe.

Kim and Natalie explore the challenges and rewards of writing about vulnerability, especially as a young poet navigating questions of identity and belonging.

Natalie shares insights into her writing routine, the importance of community and mentorship in her development as a poet, and the literary influences that have shaped her voice. She cites poets such as Ocean Vuong, Tracy K. Smith, and Ada Limón as inspirations, noting how their work encouraged her to embrace honesty and emotional risk in her own writing.

The conversation also touches on the intersection of science and art, as Natalie reflects on how the story of the Mars rover allowed her to weave together motifs of technology, exploration, and human emotion. She looks at the process of researching Opportunity’s mission and how scientific language and imagery found their way into her poems, creating a unique blend of the personal and the cosmic.

Listeners will hear Natalie's thoughts on the evolving landscape of contemporary poetry, including the importance of accessibility and representation.

Natalie offers advice for emerging writers on finding their authentic voice and building resilience in the face of rejection and self-doubt. She also shares a glimpse into her future creative projects, expressing excitement about experimenting with new forms and themes in her next body of work.

Natalie brings to life her collection's central motifs of loss, hope, and the enduring human desire to connect across distances—whether between people or between planets.

Kim and Natalie's conversation closes with Natalie reading from Elegy for Opportunity. In her reading of the poem 'Elegy for Opportunity III', Natalie brings to life the collection’s central motifs of loss, hope, and the enduring human desire to connect across distances—whether between planets or between people. Her reading exemplifies the collection’s ability to hold space for both sorrow and possibility, leaving listeners with a sense of comfort and inspiration.

Many thanks to Kim Mannix for interviewing Natalie!

Read Natalie Lim's Q&A interview with On Creative Writing.

Natalie Lim's website.

Kim Mannix's website.

The Writer's Spark Coaching Competition

Today's guest is Fiona Fenwick, a coach and mentor who coaches creative writers, too. Fiona is part of On Creative Writing's new competition: The Writer's Spark Coaching Competition, which delivers one prize including two-hours coaching from Fiona, and more! Check it out at the link above! Closing date: Nov. 4, 2025.

----

On Creative Writing's Sheelagh Caygill welcomes Fiona Fenwick, a New Zealand-based coach, who includes creative writers amongst her clients. Fiona is an author and mentor and in this episode gives insights into navigating and overcoming the most common challenges creative writers face.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting as a writer, this episode gives practical advice, real-world examples, and encouraging strategies to help you move forward with confidence.

Listeners are treated to a simulated coaching session at the start of the episode, where Fiona demonstrates her approach to helping writers clarify their goals, identify obstacles, and develop personalized action plans. This segment offers a behind-the-scenes look at the coaching process and highlights the value of having a mentor or coach to provide guidance and encouragement.

Sheelagh and Fiona dive into the universal struggles that writers encounter, such as writer’s block, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Fiona draws on her experience coaching writers from all backgrounds to explain why these obstacles arise and how they can be addressed. She emphasizes that these challenges are not signs of failure, but rather natural parts of the creative process. Fiona shares actionable techniques for breaking through writer’s block, including setting realistic goals, establishing a regular writing routine, and using prompts to spark creativity.

They touch on perfectionism, a hurdle that often prevents writers from finishing their work or sharing it with others. Fiona discusses the importance of giving yourself permission to write imperfectly, especially in early drafts, and how embracing the messy parts of creative writing can lead to greater authenticity and growth. She offers tips on silencing the inner critic and reframing negative self-talk, so writers can focus on progress rather than perfection.

Fiona provides reassurance that even the most successful writers experience moments of uncertainty. She shares strategies for building self-confidence, such as celebrating small wins, seeking constructive feedback, and connecting with a supportive writing community. For introverted writers, Fiona offers tailored advice on how to find motivation and accountability without feeling overwhelmed by social expectations.

A key topic discussed is the importance of understanding one’s purpose in writing. Fiona explains how clarifying your “why” can serve as a powerful motivator and guide your creative decisions. She encourages writers to reflect on what they hope to achieve with their work, whether it’s to inform, entertain, inspire, or make a difference in the world.

The episode also discusses Fiona’s book, Stand Out and Step Up, a reputation tool kit for life.

This episode delivers plenty of actionable advice on how to be authentic, build a support network, and maintain accountability throughout the writing process. Fiona’s compassionate and practical approach empowers writers to embrace their unique voices, persist through challenges, and celebrate their progress along the way.

Find Fiona's website: www.fionafenwick.com.

Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn.

Fiona's interview with Oncreativewriting.com.

This episode of On Creative Writing is for lovers of poetry everywhere! Beautifully talented poet Kim Fahner reads two poems from her new collection of poetry, The Pollination Field. The poems Kim has selected are "Man, Sleeping on the Living Room Floor" and "Attic Colony".

Kim is a poet, novelist, playwright, and teacher based in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. She is chair of the Writers Union of Canada, and was the poet laureate for the City of Greater Sudbury from 2016 to 2018.

The Pollination Field was published this summer by Turnstone Press. This new collection is a poetic foray into the literal and metaphorical world of bees, but it also includes an exploration of other pollinators such as bats, beetles, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and even humans.

In these poems, Kim continues with her poetic observation and documentation of how the human world impacts the environment. Kim also incorporates myth and feminism in her consideration of how women evolve over time. Read more about Kim, her writing, and the pollination field in the show notes.

Read Kim Fahner's Q&A interview with Oncreativewriting.com, and find Kim at Kimfahner.com.

Aaron Kreuter, author of the new novel Lake Burntshore, discusses his writing with Emma Woodhouse. He delves into the origins of his passion for storytelling and the path that led him to write his novel. Aaron opens up about the inspirations that shaped Lake Burntshore, a coming-of-age story set against the evocative backdrop of a Jewish summer camp. He discusses how his own experiences and observations of camp life informed the novel’s vivid setting and authentic characters, bringing to life the joys, challenges, and complexities of adolescence within a tight-knit community.

Aaron writes about weighty themes such as identity, colonialism, and the political tensions surrounding Zionism and Indigenous land rights. He reflects on the responsibility and opportunities fiction offers to address real-world issues, sharing how he approached these sensitive topics with nuance and empathy. He talks about the delicate balance between weaving political and historical realities into a compelling narrative while ensuring that the story remains grounded in personal experience and emotional truth.

Listeners gain insight into Aaron’s creative process, from the initial spark of an idea to the discipline required to bring a manuscript to completion. Aaron emphasizes the importance of community for writers, recounting how feedback from peers, mentors, and writing groups shaped his work and helped him navigate moments of self-doubt. He discusses the challenges of editing and revising, offering practical advice for writers facing the daunting task of refining their drafts. Aaron also shares his experiences with the publishing process, highlighting both the obstacles and the rewards of bringing a debut novel into the world.

Emma and Aaron celebrate the power of fiction to foster empathy, spark conversation, and illuminate the complexities of our world. They discuss how storytelling can serve as a bridge between cultures and perspectives, inviting readers to question assumptions and engage with difficult questions. Aaron’s experiences are a testament to the resilience and creativity required to pursue a writing career, and his reflections offer encouragement and inspiration to aspiring authors.

Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or simply curious about the intersection of literature and social issues, this episode offers an engaging look at the art and craft of contemporary fiction.

Links:

Aaron Kreuter.

Aaron's interveiw with On Creative Writing.

On Creative Writing host Sheelagh Caygill talks with writer and academic James Cairns to explore the themes in his new and compelling collection of essays, In Crisis on Crisis. This book blends deeply personal memoir—particularly his account of living with and recovering from addiction—with rigorous academic analysis. James talks about how writing this fusion of personal narrative and scholarly inquiry allowed him to experience deep emotional growth and rich intellectual engagement. The result is a nuanced examination of the crises that define our contemporary moment.

James discusses his approach to unpacking the concept of “crisis,” reflecting on its historical evolution and the ideological battles that shape its meaning in public discourse. He explains how the term is often contested terrain, used by different groups to advance competing political agendas, and how this struggle over language can obscure the real, lived experiences of those most affected by crisis. The discussion moves between the personal and the political, as James draws connections between his own years of addiction and recovery and the broader societal crises we face today—ecological collapse, political polarization, and the erosion of trust in institutions.

James examines the ways in which individual upheaval can mirror and illuminate collective struggles. He shares the challenges and rewards of writing vulnerably about his own life. The author reflects on the risks involved in exposing personal pain and the transformative potential of using one’s own story as a lens for understanding larger social dynamics. In effect, by writing In Crisis, On Crisis, James underscores the power and importance of storytelling in breaking down stigma and fostering empathy.

Parts of In Crisis, On Crisis examining the limitations of liberal democracy in responding to ongoing crises. James writes about the tendency of mainstream politics to treat crises as isolated, temporary disruptions rather than symptoms of deeper systemic problems. He argues for the need to rethink our political and economic structures in order to address the root causes of crisis, rather than merely managing its symptoms. The episode also looks at the role of hope, resilience, and collective action in navigating uncertain times, and the importance of cultivating spaces for honest dialogue and critical reflection.

The word crisis doesn't only apply to James' socio-political explorations in this book. Crisis is something deeply personal. In the book's last essay, titled "Blackout", James turns the spotlight on himself to explore his crises of addiction. Blackout reveals how James' study of Walter Benjamin’s “Theses on the Philosophy of History” led him to reinterpret his alcoholic blackouts and stop drinking. James and Sheelagh discuss his writing of this essay and James explains how Blackout, more than any other essay, really engages his personal history of alcoholism and through the lens of crisis

Listeners are invited to consider how personal and societal crises intersect and inform one another, and how storytelling—both personal and academic—can serve as a powerful tool for making sense of our world. James’s insights offer both intellectual depth and emotional resonance, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully with the crises shaping our lives and to find meaning and possibility even in the midst of upheaval.

Whether you’re interested in memoir, political theory, or the art of essay writing, this episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to live—and write—through crisis.

Find James online:

James Cairns

Instagram

In Crisis, On Crisis

Q and A with author and academic James Cairns.

If you like the podcast and interviews with writers at OnCreativeWriting.com, perhaps consider making a tiny donation at Ko-fi. Even $3 can help us keep the website and podcast alive!

Audio essay from poet and novelist Kim Fahner

On Creative Writing is extremely fortunate to publish an informative and engaging audio essay from acclaimed poet, playwright, novelist, and teacher Kim Fahner.

Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Kim's first novel The Donoghue Girl was published in 2024 by Latidute 46 Publishing. In this episode, she gives listeners an close look at her evolution from a poet focused on the precision and lyricism of verse to a writer who now embraces hybrid literary forms. Kim explores how this transition has enriched her creative practice and expanded her understanding of storytelling.Studying the craft of writing and reading a lot are essential to her growth as a writer.

Poet Laureate for the City of Greater Sudbury from 2016-18, Kim delves into her latest collection of poetry, The Pollination Field, published by Turnstone Press and available from Aug. 8, 2025. It is already in many good bookstores, and the ebook will be available Aug. 15, 2025.

The Pollination Field has already received attention for its innovative use of bees—particularly the queen bee—as metaphors. Kim explains how bees serve as symbols of transformation, female leadership, and the intricate web of ecological interconnectedness that binds all living things. Through her poetry, Kim invites readers to consider the parallels between the structure of a beehive and the dynamics of human communities, highlighting the importance of co-operation, adaptability, and resilience.

Eco-poetry and the urgent realities of the climate crisis

Kim considers the broader context of eco-poetry and the urgent realities of the climate crisis. She touches on the responsibility of writers and artists to engage with environmental themes, and how poetry can serve as both a form of activism and a means of fostering empathy for the natural world. She shares her views on the role of art in raising awareness about ecological issues, and how her work is informed by a deep connection to the environment.

Visual art plays a role Kim’s creative process. She often schedules visits to art galleries while on holiday in different cities and countries, and viewing paintings, photographs, and sculptures are significant influences. For example, in her work with ekphrasis, when images from the Australian wildfires of January 2020 populated social media feeds, they led her to create a suite of poems about Australia's Burning Times.

Kim encourages listeners to remain open to transformation, to trust in their own creative instincts, and to find inspiration in the cycles of growth and renewal that surround us.

This episode is a rich exploration of creativity, environmental consciousness, and the unending growth of artistic self-discovery. Whether you are a writer, an artist, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful reflection on the creative process, Kim's audio essay offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Author Kim Fahner

Kim has published two chapbooks, You Must Imagine the Cold Here (Scrivener, 1997) and Fault Lines and Shatter Cones (Emergency Flash Mob Press, 2023), as well as five full books of poetry, including: braille on water (Penumbra Press, 2001), The Narcoleptic Madonna (Penumbra Press, 2012), Some Other Sky (Black Moss Press, 2017), These Wings (Pedlar Press, 2019), and Emptying the Ocean (Frontenac House, 2022). Kim is the First Vice-Chair of The Writers' Union of Canada (2023-25), a full member of the League of Canadian Poets, and a supporting member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada.

Hello! If you are enjoying the podcast and our interviews at OnCreativeWriting.com please consider making a tiny donation towards website hosting fees us at Ko-fi.

On Creative Writing host Sheelagh Caygill speaks with author and AI expert Paul Dettmann to explore how much of a threat generative AI is to creative writers. Paul brings a wealth of experience, tracing his journey from early AI research to his current projects at the intersection of technology and storytelling. They unpack the complexities, opportunities, and challenges that gen AI presents to creative writers.

Paul shares his personal background, detailing how his fascination with both literature and technology led him to investigate the potential of AI in creative fields. His early days saw him working on a neural network project with the BBC. Since then, there have been many advancements in generative AI.

A central theme of the conversation is the concern many writers have about AI-generated content. Paul acknowledges these anxieties, noting that the rapid development of gen AI tools has sparked fears about originality, job security, and the dilution of authentic voices. However, he offers a reassuring perspective: rather than viewing AI as a threat, writers should consider harnessing it as a tool for research and ideation. Paul notes that AI can be good at generating ideas, suggesting plot twists, or providing background information, but it lacks the nuanced understanding, emotional depth, and lived experience that human writers bring to their work.

Paul and Sheelagh dig into the role of media in shaping public perceptions of AI. They examine how sensational headlines and dystopian narratives can amplify a writers' fears, often overlooking the practical limitations of current AI systems. Paul points out that while AI can mimic certain aspects of human writing, it is still far from replicating the complexity and authenticity of genuine artistic expression.

Paul underscores the enduring value of human creativity. He argues that authentic, human-created art will always hold a vital place in human cultures, even as digital tools become more sophisticated. The unique perspectives, emotions, and cultural contexts that writers infuse into their work cannot be replicated by algorithms. Instead, AI should be seen as an assistant—one that can enhance productivity and spark inspiration, but never fully replace the creative spark that defines great writing.

Paul delivers a nuanced understanding of AI’s role in the creative process. He encourages writers to experiment with AI as a collaborative partner, while at the same time setting their own rules for how to use it. For example, Paul does not use AI to write any of his books, but instead he may use it to test out ideas, brainstorm, or research. Ultimately, Paul suggests that writers need to embrace adaptability, critical thinking, and a be open new tools, all while staying true to the core principles of authentic storytelling.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Paul Dettmann’s journey from AI research to creative writing
• Writers’ concerns about AI-generated content and originality
• AI as a tool for research, brainstorming, and overcoming creative blocks
• The limitations of AI in replicating human creativity and emotion
• Media narratives and public perceptions of AI in the arts
• The enduring significance of human-created art in a digital age

Takeaways:

• AI is best used as a supportive tool, not a replacement for human creativity.
• Authentic storytelling and emotional depth remain the domain of human writers.
• Embracing AI can enhance the creative process, but the heart of art remains human.

Links:

PaulDettmann.uk

Bill Gates article: 

https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/bill-gates-coding-will-remain-a-human-profession-centuries-later

Paul's interview with fashion expert Nafisa Tosh on AI in fashion: 

https://www.smarttalk.show/p/ai-in-fashion.

British author Emma Marns shares how she came to write her novel The Walk in this audio essay. The Walk is about two girls who are sent to Bessborough, in Cork, Ireland. Bessborough is one of the many Irish Roman Catholic Mother and Baby homes which operated in Ireland from the mid-1900s until the 1990s.

Emma recounts how while studying for an M.Phil at Trinity College, Dublin, she read an article titled The Girls of Bessborough, by Deirdre Finnerty, which featured interviews with women who had been in Bessbrough. The mother and baby homes are very much recent history and were a systemic approach to dealing with unmarried mothers in Catholic Ireland. Unmarried pregnant women became outcasts and were sent away to institutions run by the Roman Catholic church. They were usually kept there while pregnant and in some cases for years after giving birth. The children, meanwhile, would be forcibly taken from their mothers and adopted. Measures were put in place to ensure the mothers and children were kept apart for the rest of their lives. Emma describes the practice as brutal, abhorrent, and harrowing.

After reading The Girls of Bessborough, Emma went to visit her elderly landlady to find out more about the Mother and Baby homes. The old lady told Emma a story of a friend who in her 40s discovered she'd been adopted; her birth mother had been young, unmarried, and had been taken care of in a domestic home as opposed to a mother and baby home. Says Emma, "The two stories just merged in my mind instantly at her kitchen table, and I felt compelled to sit down and write this book, The Walk. "

Emma stresses that writers of historical fiction based on truth - especially when it's about a collective trauma - must determine their goal: to entertain readers, or inform about the past. She says she would never feel good about selling a book for money if it was not serving the people who went through the traumas. She made sure her research was thorough and accurate, and to that end spent months poring over archival documents, government reports, and personal memoirs. She listened carefully to survivors and consulted with historians so that every detail in The Walk was grounded in truth.

Emma was careful to balance authenticity with protecting the dignity of those who shared their stories. She also faced ethical considerations around fictionalizing real events, and notes that writers must navigate a line between creative license and historical responsibility.

Like all good works, The Walk took many, many edits. Emma finished it during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when hundreds of people were writing books and the publishing industry was saturated with fresh manuscripts, so it took a while to find a publisher.

Emma found innovative ways to connect with readers, such as virtual book clubs, online readings, and interactive Q&A sessions. She also got a slot on a local radio station, Phoenix 98 FM, and these days goes into schools, community events, and workshops to discuss writing and her book.

Accessibility is an important theme in Emma’s approach to publicising and promoting her book. She produced an ebook and audiobook versions of The Walk, recognizing that not all readers have equal access to print materials. She helped getThe Walk in libraries and community centers, particularly in areas with limited resources - she views her novel as partly education and believes education should be free, always.

It is almost impossible for writers to make a substantial living from writing novels (or other books). For Emma, the rewards of writing The Walk have been immense and greater than monetary value. She's received much positive feedback on the book.

If you have questions about writing historical fiction or The Walk, Emma would love to hear from you! She's here: EmmaMarns.com, Instagram, LinkedIn, Goodreads, or Facebook.

If you'd like to feel really good about yourself, consider supporting OnCreativeWriting.com at our Ko-fi page. Thanks!

Hollay Ghadery, founder of River Street Writing, gives a lesson in book publicity for seasoned and new authors of all genres in this conversation with Sheelagh Caygill.

River Street Writing is an Ontario-based brand, publicity, and author support services business with more than two decades of experience. Hollay, senior publicist with the team, says book publicity is essential and delivers plenty of actionable tips on how to build relationships and get your book noticed.

Hollay clarifies the differences between publicity, promotion, and marketing—terms that are often used interchangeably but refer to different aspects of getting your book into readers’ hands. Publicity is about generating awareness and buzz through unpaid channels such as media coverage, interviews, and events. Promotion typically involves more direct efforts to drive sales, such as book signings, giveaways, and special events. Marketing encompasses the broader strategy of positioning your book in the marketplace, including everything from cover design and pricing to advertising campaigns and social media presence.

A key theme in this episode is the importance of building and nurturing community—not just with readers, but also with fellow writers, booksellers, librarians, and local media outlets. Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and community blogs. These smaller, regional platforms are often more accessible and happy to spotlight local talent compared to national outlets.

Attend literary events such as book launches, participate in open mics, and join writing groups, both online and in person. These help authors hone their craft and create opportunities for organic networking and mutual support.

Hollay stresses that supporting other writers—by attending their events, sharing their work on social media, or simply offering words of encouragement—can lead to reciprocal relationships that benefit everyone involved.

Authors should explore a variety of channels, from traditional media to podcasts, bookstagrammers, and literary influencers. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities can arise from even the smallest outreach efforts.

The value of authenticity and genuine connection cannot be overstated. People see through transactional networking, so be real and build relationships based on shared interests and mutual respect.

Book publicitity and promotion can be tough for introverted writers or those who feel uncomfortable taking the spotlight Hollay reassures listeners that self-advocacy is not about bragging, but about sharing your passion and inviting others to be part of your journey.

Not every pitch will be successful, and not every event will draw a crowd, but resilience, persistence, and a willingness to learn are important for long-term success.

Collaboration is vital for a thriving literary ecosystem. Hollay highlights examples of authors who have teamed up for joint events and cross-promotions, demonstrating how collective efforts can amplify individual voices and create a sense of belonging.

Be supportive and and share resources. This way, authors can enhance their own visibility and contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic literary landscape.

- Understand the distinctions between publicity, promotion, and marketing to develop a well-rounded outreach strategy. Key takeaways:

- Build and nurture relationships within your local literary community, including media, booksellers, and fellow writers.

- Diversify publicity efforts by exploring multiple channels and being open to new opportunities.

- Be proactive in seeking out publicity, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your work.

- Foster genuine connections and support others in the literary world, recognizing that collaboration benefits everyone.

- Embrace resilience and persistence, learning from setbacks and celebrating small victories along the way.

Find Hollay at RiverStreetWriting.com and HollayGhadery.ca.

In this engaging episode of the On Creative Writing podcast, author and editor Allister Thompson takes the mic in our Authors-Behind-The-Mic series.

From North Bay, Ontario, Allister has edited for more than 30 years or so. Decades ago, his first attempt at writing a novel years ago was a negative experience. But when he pulled a dusty manuscript from a draw, he discovered it wasn't half bad, and decided it was time to try again. He asked himself what he'd learned from all those years of editing, and as it turned out, the answer was a lot! Allister is now the proud author of the debut YA sci fi novel Birch and Jay, published by Latitude 46 Publishing. This is a compelling story weaving together themes of friendship, adventure, and the urgent realities of climate change.

Allister delves into the process of outlining and planning a novel, emphasizing how staying organized not only makes writing more efficient but also helps maintain the joy and creativity that drew him to storytelling in the first place. Allister shares practical strategies for managing large projects, from developing detailed outlines to setting realistic writing goals, and discusses how these methods helped him overcome common obstacles such as writer’s block and self-doubt.

The discussion also explores the role of setting in speculative fiction, particularly when addressing environmental themes. Allister explains how he conducted research to create a believable world that reflects both the beauty and fragility of our natural environment. He talks about the importance of grounding speculative elements in real-world science and current events, making the story both accessible and thought-provoking for young readers. Allister examines how fiction can inspire awareness and action around climate issues, and why it’s vital for writers to engage with topics that matter to them personally.

Allister offers encouragement and actionable advice for aspiring writers, whether you're just starting out or looking to get published. He discusses the value of persistence, the benefits of seeking feedback from trusted peers, and the importance of balancing creative freedom with disciplined work habits. The conversation touches on the emotional ups and downs of the writing process, with Allister candidly sharing his own experiences of doubt and breakthrough moments.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the craft of writing, the significance of environmental storytelling, and the practical steps that can turn an idea into a finished manuscript. Whether you’re interested in the mechanics of novel-writing, the challenges of addressing big themes like climate change, or simply looking for inspiration to start your own creative project, this episode offers a wealth of insights and motivation.

Connect with Allister:

AllisterThompson.com

Instagram

Bluesky

Facebook

Birch and Jay at Latitude 46 Publishing

OnCreativeWriting.com