On Creative Writing

Sheelagh Caygill•www.oncreativewriting.com

On Creative Writing is a monthly podcast show exploring all things creative writing, including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, scripts, and essays. Hosts Emma Woodhouse and Sheelagh Caygill will interview knowledgeable and experienced guests about the craft 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. Creative writers Emma and Sheelagh met during their MA in Contemporary Creative Writing at Northeastern University London. Discover more at Oncreativewriting.com.

Last refreshed: July 9th, 2025 at 8:13 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

How authors can promote their books in a competitive landscape

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 dif...

Jul 06, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Author learns so much from editing. His key tip? Plan and outline

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...

Jun 25, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Transform your creative writing by finding your 'Why'

Canadian author Anthony Bidulka delivers an engaging and info-packed audio essay in this episode of On Creative Writing. He delves into his writing career in mystery and suspense novels and the creative process behind his new novel, Home Fires Burn - the latest installment in the Merry Bell series. Anthony gives lots of actionable tips as he discusses the challenges and rewards of crafting a compelling series. He explores how he maintains suspense and continuity while allowing his characters to ...

Jun 17, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Writing to explore identity, family, and mental health: Hollay Ghadery on her memoir Fuse

Content trigger warning: This episode touches on topics including self-harm, alcoholism, drug use, and eating disorders. We understand that these topics may be distressing for some listeners. So please take care while listening, or you may decide not to listen. In this episode of the On Creative Writing podcast , Sheelagh Caygill talks with acclaimed Iranian-Canadian multigenre writer Hollay Ghadery about the themes and inspirations behind her powerful memoir, Fuse . Fuse was published in 2021 b...

Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 3

How does a writer get an agent or publishing contract? Persist, learn, adapt

On Creative Writing co-founders Emma Woodhouse and Sheelagh Caygill discuss Emma's experiences writing historical fiction, seeking an agent and acquiring a publisher in the UK. She also discusses her own imprint, Havisham and Webb. If you're a writer asking "How do you get a publishing contract?" this podcast provides a candid look at the dedication, commitment, and self-belief needed to bring books to life. Emma's debut novel, The Prendergast Watch , historical fiction set in Victorian London, ...

Jun 02, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Welcome to the On Creative Writing podcast

On Creative Writing: Building Community, Exploring Trends, and Supporting Writers Creative writers Emma Woodhouse and Sheelagh Caygill bring you the On Creative Writing podcast . On Creative Writing is here to talk about all things creative writing. This includes fiction in all forms, from poetry, prose, flash fiction, through to novels, novellas, screenplays, scripts, and creative nonfiction. In this debut episode, Emma and Sheelagh dive into the world of book cover design—a topic that resonate...

May 27, 2025•19 min

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