The Creative Writing Life

Dr. Ron Dwinnells, an author and physician, discusses his award-winning book, "Don't Pick Up All the Dog Hairs," alongside his novel, "30 Days Half September." He shares insights on starting stories from the end and emphasizes the mantra "Show, don’t tell" in writing. Ron highlights the importance of writing with freedom and creativity, reflecting on his unique balance between medicine and storytelling. He also explores character depth and narrative structures, revealing how personal experiences shape his approach to writing.

Author Laura Samotin talks about what you want a reader to feel, the importance of eliciting emotion, and to not worry about making it perfect

Author A.S. King talks about finding art from trauma, why you should write with unflinching honesty, and the benefits of volunteering and getting out into the world.

Author/poet Lauren Seal discusses the therapeutic value of writing about personal trauma, the challenge of writing a story in verse, and incorporating your experiences into your work.

Author/podcaster Alexandra Salmon discusses when to let the character dictate how the story goes, and how a writer needs discipline and consistency to get the writing done.

Author Dr Bruce Farmer talks about a character’s free will and their fatal flaw, overwriting and then needing to kill one’s darlings, and asking “What grips you and compels you as a writer?”

Rick Lite of Stress Free Book Marketing talks about helping writers develop plans and strategies for navigating the challenges of publishing, marketing, and promoting their materials

Author Lee Upton discusses how real life can influence storytelling, being protective of your characters, developing a trust in yourself, and “listening for breathing in the labyrinth”

Author Preeti Chhibber talks about the appeal of coming-of-age stories, when characters experience identity anxiety, writing when you don’t feel like it, and why everybody likes Spider-Man

Author Aislinn Brophy discusses the challenges of writing contemporary YA fiction, how to deal with two main characters and their individual worlds, and writing a character who is absolutely nothing like you