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On Creative Writing

On Creative Writing

Written by: Sheelagh Caygill
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 On Creative Writing is a monthly podcast show exploring all things creative writing, including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, scripts, and essays. Host Sheelagh Caygill will interview knowledgeable and experienced guests about the craft of writing, all genres of writing,the impact of AI on creative writing and publishing, book marketing, publicists, all types of publishing, agents, websites and online platforms, and much more. Sheelagh is completing an MA in Contemporary Creative Writing at Northeastern University London. Discover more at Oncreativewriting.com.Sheelagh Caygill Art
Episodes
  • Ken Wilson explores kinship and connection in Walking the Bypass

    Ken Wilson explores kinship and connection in Walking the Bypass
    Jan 9 2026
    In his audio essay for On Creative Writing, Ken Wilson, author of Walking the Bypass: Notes on Place from the Side of the Road, explores the transformative power of walking as both a reflective and creative practice. Ken shares how his regular walks along Regina’s controversial bypass—a space often dismissed as a “non-place”—became a catalyst for personal insight, creative inspiration, and a deeper connection to the land. Through his experiences, Ken demonstrates how attentive walking can turn overlooked or utilitarian spaces into meaningful places, rich with stories and significance.A professor of creative writing at the University of Regina, Ken gives some history and context of the Regina bypass, discussing its impact on the landscape, local communities, and the ways people relate to their environment. He reflects on the concept of “non-places,” a term used to describe spaces like highways, airports, and shopping malls that are designed for transit rather than dwelling. By walking these spaces with intention and presence, Ken challenges the idea that any place is truly devoid of meaning. Instead, he suggests that meaning emerges through our relationships with the land, our memories, and the stories we bring to these spaces.Part of the audio essay centers on Indigenous concepts of kinship and the sacredness of all places. Ken discusses how Indigenous worldviews emphasize interconnectedness—not just among people, but with animals, plants, water, and the land itself. He contrasts this with settler colonial histories that often treat land as property or a resource to be exploited, leading to a sense of disconnection and alienation. By weaving these perspectives together, Ken encourages listeners to reconsider their own relationships with the places they inhabit and move through, no matter how mundane or overlooked they may seem.In this narrative, Ken considers how walking can become a meditative and creative act. He talks about the ways in which walking helps him process thoughts, generate ideas for writing, and cultivate a sense of presence. For Ken, walking is not just a means of getting from one place to another, but a way of being in the world—an opportunity to slow down, observe, and engage more deeply with the environment.Ken asks us to recognize the histories embedded in the land, the stories that shape our understanding of space, and the responsibilities we have as inhabitants and stewards. He advocates for a more thoughtful, responsible relationship with the environments we often overlook, reminding us that every place—no matter how ordinary—holds the potential for connection, meaning, and transformation.Whether you’re a writer, a walker, or someone interested in place-based thinking, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for cultivating a deeper sense of belonging and responsibility to the world around you. Links to books, authors, and subjects mentioned in this audio essay:The Plains Cree word is wâhkôhtowin. The macrons on the vowels are important; some words in Cree mean something different when the long vowels aren't marked. "Ruderal" is the word for disturbance used in Bettina Stoetzer's 2018 article, "Ruderal Ecologies: Rethinking Nature, Migration." Her new book, City: Ecologies of Migration, Race, and Urban Nature in Berlin, was published in 2022 by Duke University Press Books.Author Louise Halfe, who Ken once walked with.Chief Loud Voice's words come from Alexander Morris's account of the treaty negotiations (Project Gutenberg).Philosophers' Walks, by Bruce Baugh.A Philosophy of Walking, by By Frédéric Gros. Wanderlust: A History of Walking, by Rebecca Solnit.Métis artist Bob Boyer.Trevor Herriott, prairie writer, naturalist, and activist. The Regina Bypass.
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    13 mins
  • Insights and actionable tips on navigating book publicity from an author's perspective

    Insights and actionable tips on navigating book publicity from an author's perspective
    Dec 18 2025
    Host Sheelagh Caygill sits down with James Cairns, an author and professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, to discuss publicizing his essay collection, In Crisis, On Crisis: Essays in Troubled Times, published by Wolsak and Wynn.Until this book was released, James' books were mostly academic texts, and so this was the first time James was closely involved in a busy publicity campaign, co-ordinated by River Street Writing. They examine River Street's strategies that helped James successfully promote In Crisis, On Crisis, offering actionable advice for authors at any stage of their careers. James emphasizes the importance of having a clear publicity plan, tailored to the book’s themes and intended audience. He highlights how working with a professional publicist amplified his book's reach, and also notes that authors themselves play a crucial role in the process.James' simple observations about podcast interviews are really helpful! He says audiences really just want to like a guest and learn about a topic, so be personable and engaging from the start. If podcast interviews feel intimidating at first, feel free to ask a podcast host what they might ask, or if they can send example questions. He also invested time in coming up with about ten questions coming up with questions he imagined a host or interviewer might ask about his book, and then he drafted the answers to those potential questions. This, he says, gave him confidence and with experience he knew when to cut in or could figure out where a conversation may go.Local engagement emerges as a key theme, with James recounting how connecting with independent bookstores, libraries, and community organizations has been instrumental in building grassroots support for his book. He encourages authors to participate in local readings, festivals, and book events, noting that these events not only boost visibility but also foster meaningful connections with readers. James also discusses the value of writing essays and op-eds related to the book’s subject matter, which can attract new audiences and establish the author as a thought leader in their field.Social media is another powerful tool in the modern author’s publicity toolkit. James shares his approach to using platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to engage with readers, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of his writing process, and promote upcoming events. He advises writers to be authentic and consistent in their online presence, and to interact with followers in a genuine way.James explains why he doesn't have an author website, instead relying on his page on the university website, while Sheelagh presents the pros of an author website. Throughout the episode, James offers practical, real-world advice for writers navigating the complexities of book promotion. From collaborating with publicists and media professionals to building relationships within the literary community, his insights provide a roadmap for authors seeking to maximize their book’s impact. Whether you’re preparing to launch your debut or looking to reinvigorate your publicity efforts, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help your book find its audience.Mentioned in the interview:In The Field, by Sadiqa de Meijer, published by Palimpsest Press.James' Q&A with On Creative Writing.James' podcast episode exploring the writing of In Crisis, On Crisis: Essays In Troubled Times.James Cairns on Instagram.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The best Poetry Contest for aspiring poets in 2025!

    The best Poetry Contest for aspiring poets in 2025!
    Nov 30 2025

    Guest host Kim Mannix, author of the new poetry collection Confirm Humanity, is excited to tell you all that the On Creative Writing Poetry Contest is officially OPEN!

    The Poetry Contest is giving $300 Canadian for the first prize, and $100 Canadian for the runner-up!

    Here’s what you need to know:

    ● Who can enter? Anyone, anywhere in the world.

    ● What are we looking for? Original poems in English. Any subject, any style.

    ● The fine print: Your poem must be unpublished and no longer than 50 lines.

    ● Entry fee: Just $5 Canadian per poem, and you can enter as many times as you like.

    Now, a few words about the judges and the sponsors. Your poem will be judged by a stellar panel: poet and professor Rob Winger, Kim Mannix, a poet and author of a new collection called Confirm Humanity, and On Creative Writing’s Sheelagh Caygill.

    Not least, a big thank you to poetry contest sponsors, Wolsak and Wynn publishers and River Street Writing author and book publicity firm, for making this poetry contest possible.

    The entry deadline will be here soon! Mark your calendar, set a reminder, tattoo it on your arm—just don't miss it!

    The deadline is Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. Mountain Time.

    Stop waiting for inspiration and start submitting! We can't wait to read your entry.

    If you’re a lover of poetry, we have another contest you’ll want to know about. This contest is for a hard copy of award-winning poet Kim Fahner’s new collection, The Pollination Field. This beautiful book has been provided by the publisher, Turnstone Press. The contest for Kim’s book closes on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11 a.m Mountain time.

    Enter both contests at Oncreativewriting.com.

    Thanks, and good luck everyone!
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    2 mins
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