On Creative Writing

On Creative Writing host Sheelagh Caygill welcomes essayist and poet Sadiqa de Meijer, based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Sadiqa provides a thoughtful meditation on what it means to belong, to create, and to live attentively in a fast-paced world, and also reads the poem 'Living Rooms of Qaf' from her new collection, Qaf's People.To prepare for this interview, Sheelagh read Sadiqa's writing and listened to quite a few podcasts interviews with Sadiqa, and thinks of this episode as, unofficially, part three of conversations Sadiqa had with Liisa Kovlova, host of Women Writing - listen here, and with Hollay Ghadery, host of New Books Network - listen here. Sadiqa was born in The Netherlands and moved to Canada with her parents when she began high school. In this interview, she reflects on her mixed Dutch-Kenyan heritage and how this duality profoundly shapes her perspective as a writer. Sheelagh and Sadiqa discuss the complexities of cultural identity and the nuances of the immigrant experience, exploring how these themes surface in Sadiqa’s essays and poetry.Sadiqa shares how her upbringing and family background have influenced her sense of belonging and the way she navigates questions of home and language. She describes the challenges and rewards of writing from a place of hybridity, where multiple cultural influences intersect and inform her voice. The discussion touches on the importance of honouring one’s roots while also embracing the fluidity of identity, especially in a multicultural society like Canada.A significant part of the episode is devoted to Sadiqa’s creative process. She emphasizes the vital role of feeling and intuition in her writing, explaining how she tunes into her emotional landscape to access deeper truths. Sadiqa offers practical advice for writers at various stages of their writing careers. She advocates for the practice of attentiveness—being fully present and observant in everyday life—as a wellspring for creative inspiration. She also highlights the value for writers of keeping a notebook and journaling, not just as a records of events, but as a tools for exploring thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences in greater depth.In addition to writing, Sadiqa says that drawing and other visual arts can enhance a writer’s powers of observation. She encourages writers to experiment with sketching as a way to slow down, notice details, and engage with the world in a more mindful way. This holistic approach to creativity, she suggests, can lead to richer, more authentic work.Sadiqa explores the intersection of art, identity, and mindful living. She discusses how writing can be a form of self-discovery and a means of forging connections across cultural boundaries. Her insights will give listeners a deeper appreciation for what's involved in essay writing, and particularly essays infused with poetry, as well as strategies for cultivating creativity and self-awareness. Discover Sadiqa de Meijer’s unique perspective on writing, identity, and the power of mindful observation. Links:Sadiqa's Q&A with Oncreativewriting.com.The long poem Sadiqa references: The Conference of the Brids.One of the essays Sadiqa reads from is, 'After Etty', is about Etty Hillesum, the Jewish-Dutch diarist who was imprissoned in Kamp Westerbork and then murdered at Auschwiz concentration camp on November 30, 1943.The essays titled 'Dwaallichtjes': Dwaallichtjes is the Dutch term for the eerie-looking lights hovering over bogs and swamps that are usually the result of swamp gas (e.g. methane) oxidizing in the dark. In Dutch folklore tales, dwaaslichtjes are described as the souls of unbaptized children, mischievous elves, or spirits of the dead attempting to lead unwary travelers into danger. Read more, or listen here. (English term: Will-o'the-wisp).The film Sadiqa mentions which influenced the poem 'Living Rooms of Qaf' from her new collection Qaf's People is Universal Language.

On Hollay Ghadery's The Unravelling of Ou, “Wildly original and captivating. A phenomenal examination of female shame, sexuality, queerness, motherhood, and intimacy, Hollay Ghadery writes with sensitivity and resonating beauty through an unconventional narrator: a sock puppet, Ecology Paul, who delivers the emotional coming-of-age tale of young Minoo with whimsy and emotional depth" - Lindsay Wong, author of Villain Hitting for Vicious Little Nobodies."I've not read a book like this or or similar to it. It is so different. It's deep, it's moving, and it explores so many important themes"  - Host Sheelagh Caygill in this episode.In this episode of the On Creative Writing podcast, host Sheelagh Caygill speaks with acclaimed Canadian author Hollay Ghadery about her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou (Palimpsest Press, 2026). Hollay tells listeners about the inspiration and creative work behind the book, which tells the story of Minoo, an Iranian woman forced into exile in Canada. Separated from her infant child and parents, Minoo finds herself navigating a new country, loneliness, grief, her sexuality, and the lingering trauma of her past. As she struggles to adapt, Minoo develops an unusual relationship with a sock puppet named Ecology Paul, who becomes a confidant and a lifeline as she attempts to piece together her fractured sense of self.Hollay discusses the novel’s central themes, which include shame, identity, queerness, exile, motherhood, attachments, and the pervasive influence of patriarchy. She touches on how her own experiences as a woman of Iranian descent living in Canada informed parts of the emotional landscape of the novel, and how she aimed to portray the psychological toll of displacement and cultural dislocation. The discussion also touches on the ways in which shame can shape and distort our sense of self, particularly for women and mothers who are often judged by impossible societal standards.Hollay offers listeners a look at her writing style, which is strongly influenced by her poetic style and blends lyrical prose with raw emotional honesty. She discusses her approach to character development, the importance of voice, and the challenges of writing about difficult subjects such as mental health, isolation, and the search for belonging. Hollay and Sheelagh explore the significance of Ecology Paul, the sock puppet, as both a symbol of Minoo’s resilience and a manifestation of her inner turmoil. Hollay explains how the puppet serves as a coping mechanism for Minoo, allowing her to externalize her fears and anxieties in a way that is both creative and heartbreaking.In addition to discussing The Unraveling of Ou, Hollay gives listeners previews of her upcoming projects: A forthcoming children’s book, Being With the Birds, which is slated for release with Guernica Editions in 2027, and a collection of travel essays set in Ontario, in which she explores the landscapes, communities, and hidden stories of the province through a personal lens. This episode offers listeners insights into Hollay's creative experiences and inspirations that shape her work, and the universal themes that resonate throughout her writing. Hollay is based in Ontario, Canada and is an author and book publicist with the company she founded, River Street Writing.Links:Mentioned in the episode: Old Women at Play, by Adele Wiseman.Read Hollay Ghadery's Q&A interview at On Creative Writing.Listen to Hollay Ghadery discuss her memoir, Fuse.Episode with guidance for writers on book publicity from Hollay Ghadery.Hollay's published works are:Fuse (2021, Guernica Editions)Rebellion Box (2023, Radiant Press)The Blades of Grass are Dreaming (2025, Anstruther Press)Widow Fantasies (2024, Gordon Hill Press)The Unravelling of Ou (2026, Palimpsest Press)Being with the Birds (2027, Guernica Editions)

In this episode of On Creative Writing, guest host Su Chan sits down with debut novelist Ann Cavlovic to discuss her powerful and timely novel, Count On Me, published by Guernica Editions in 2025. Su is also an author and her debut novel The Immortal Woman was published in 2025 by House of Anansi.Count on Me centers on Tia Pysar, a mother who finds herself at the crossroads of caregiving, financial responsibility, and family conflict as her parents age. The novel delves deeply into the often-unspoken realities of the sandwich generation—those who are simultaneously caring for their children and their aging parents. Through Tia’s experiences, Ann explores the complexities of intergenerational trauma, the emotional and logistical challenges of elder care, and the subtle but devastating forms of elder abuse that can occur within families.Ann reveals how her background in economics and her own personal experiences as a caregiver informed the novel’s narrative and themes. She discusses the ways in which financial control and dependency can become tools of manipulation or even abuse, and how these issues are frequently overlooked both in literature and in real life. Ann’s nuanced portrayal of elder abuse—ranging from neglect to more insidious forms of control—invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths about aging, vulnerability, and the responsibilities we owe to our loved ones.One of the most striking aspects of Count On Me is its willingness to tackle subjects that are rarely explored in contemporary fiction. Elder abuse and end-of-life care are topics that many people shy away from, both in their personal lives and in the stories they choose to read. There is a cultural reluctance to face the realities of aging and the difficult decisions that come with it, and as Ann and Su discuss, this silence can perpetuate cycles of harm and misunderstanding. By bringing these issues to the forefront, Ann hopes to spark honest conversations about what it means to care for our elders, how to recognize and prevent abuse, and how to prepare—emotionally and financially—for the inevitable changes that come with aging.Ann shares her disciplined writing process, explaining how she managed to craft a novel while balancing the demands of single motherhood and a professional career. She offers practical advice for writers who are juggling multiple responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals, carving out dedicated writing time, and seeking support from friends and family.Throughout the episode, Su and Ann reflect on the power of fiction to illuminate difficult subjects and foster empathy. They discuss how novels like Count On Me can serve as catalysts for change, encouraging readers to examine their own family dynamics and to have the tough conversations that are so often avoided. Ann’s hope is that her book will not only entertain but also educate and empower readers to take proactive steps in their own lives—whether that means checking in on an elderly relative, seeking legal advice about power of attorney, or simply starting a dialogue about aging and care.This episode of On Creative Writing is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, family, and social issues. Ann Cavlovic’s Count On Me is a brave and compassionate exploration of topics that are too often left in the shadows, and her conversation with Su Chang offers valuable insights for writers, caregivers, and readers alike. This episode underscores how fiction can shine a light on the realities we’d rather not face—and why it’s so important that we do.Links: Ann CavlovicCount on MeAnn Cavlovic on writingSu ChangThe Immortal WomanSu Chang on writing.

In this episode of the On Creative Writing podcast, debut novelist Emma Marnes joins host Sheelagh Caygill for an detailed discussion about book publicity and self-promotion on a minimal budget. Emma’s novel, The Walk, began as a spark of inspiration while she was studying in Dublin, and she takes listeners through the experience of that initial idea to seeing her book in print. She shares the process of finding a publisher, the importance of having an author website, and how she navigated the sometimes-daunting world of social media to connect with readers and fellow writers.Emma opens up about the challenges and opportunities that come with promoting a first book, especially for those who identify as introverts. She offers practical, actionable advice for authors who may feel overwhelmed by the idea of putting themselves out there. A key messages is the importance of knowing your audience—understanding who your readers are and where they spend their time, both online and offline. Emma explains how this knowledge helped her choose publicity methods that felt authentic and manageable, such as reaching out to local book clubs and securing speaking engagements with organizations like the Women’s Institute.Emma tells Sheelagh about the importance of selfless networking—making genuine connections without making every opportunity “all about me.” Emma stresses that successful networking is about building relationships, supporting others, and being sincerely interested in what people are doing, rather than simply seeking personal gain. She shares examples of how offering help, sharing resources, and celebrating others’ successes has led to meaningful collaborations and unexpected opportunities.Related to this is the likability factor in book promotion. Emma notes that readers and industry professionals are more likely to support authors who are approachable, positive, and authentic. She encourages writers to let their personalities shine through in their interactions, whether online or in person, and to focus on building trust and goodwill within the literary community.Selfless networking and likability created two big wins for Emma. One was being fortunate to be able to produce an audiobook of The Walk on a tight budget. She describes how through university connections she found talented student, Erin Connolly, to narrate The Walk, resulting in a high-quality audiobook without the hefty price tag. Erin received her first professional credit by narrating the book, and will receive 50 percent of the audiobook royalties. This resourceful approach underscores Emma’s belief that creativity and community can open doors, even when resources are limited.The second big win was securing her own radio program for one year, Wednesday Words and Music, with Phoenix FM, an Essex radio station.Emma’s book publicity campaign for The Walk speaks to the power of perseverance, community, adaptability, and self-belief. She reminds listeners that every author’s path is unique, and so creating book publicity strategies that align with your own strengths and values are key. Finally, it's essential to support other writers and authors.Links:EmmaMarns.comInstagram and FacebookBuy The Walk, or order from your local bookstore.Emma Marns' audio essay on writing The WalkEmma Marns' Q&A interviewAudiobook narrator Erin Connolly.

In this episode of the On Creative Writing podcast, guest Marco Melfi discusses his debut poetry collection, Routine Maintenance, published by Gaspereau Press (2025) with guest host Alice Major. Marco is a graduate of Simon Fraser University’s The Writer’s Studio. His poems have appeared in The Antigonish Review, The New Quarterly, Prairie Fire, The Arc Award of Awesomeness, Funicular, FreeFall and The Prairie Journal. His chapbook, In between trains, was published in 2014. He lives in Edmonton on Treaty 6 Territory, and works as a planner. Alice is is an award-winning poet and essayist based in Edmonton, Canada. She has published twelve collections of poetry, two novels for young adults, and an award-winning collection of essays about poetry and science. Her most recent collection of poetry is Knife on Snow, (Turnstone Press, 2024). In August, 2026, a new collection of essays and poetry titled Triangularity will be published by the University of Alberta Press.In this episode, Marco and Alice explore the intersections between everyday experience and poetic expression. Marco shares some poems from Routine Maintenance, each delving into themes of daily life, family relationships, and urban landscapes.Routine Maintenance captures the subtle beauty and quiet moments of ordinary routines. The poems study the rhythms of home and city life, memories of time with loved ones, and the ways in which memory shapes our understanding of the present. His poetry is marked by vivid imagery and a keen attention to the sounds and forms of language, inviting listeners to find meaning in the familiar.Marco discusses his creative process, revealing how his work as an urban planner informs his writing. He explains how his professional experience offers a unique perspective on the built environment, inspiring poems that engage with the physical landscapes of the city. Marco and Alice talk about the importance of place in poetry, considering how streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces can serve as both setting and subject, grounding abstract emotions in concrete detail.They touche on the significance of poetic form and sound. Marco describes his approach to crafting poems, emphasizing the role of rhythm, line breaks, and repetition in shaping the reader’s experience. He shares insights into how the musicality of language can elevate everyday moments into something artful and resonant.Alice and Marco reflect on the transformative power of poetry, exploring how writing can help us see the world anew. They consider how poems can draw attention to overlooked details, celebrate the mundane, and offer solace or insight during challenging times. Marco speaks candidly about the joys and challenges of writing about family, memory, and routine, and how poetry allows him to honour the small but significant moments that make up a life.Marco’s work demonstrates that inspiration can be found in the most routine aspects of daily existence, from morning commutes to broken furnaces, car maintenance, and evening walks in the neighbourhood. This episode highlights the value of paying attention, of slowing down to notice the textures and patterns that shape our days.Marco and Alice help us see how writing can help us connect more deeply with the routine, our communities, and the places we call home. Find Marco Melfi online at Instagram.Find Alice Major at her website and on Instagram.Buy Routine Maintenance from Gaspereau Press or your local bookstore.