Welcome to the On Creative Writing podcast

On Creative Writing

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 resonates with both new and seasoned writers. Emma, who is active on BookTok, notes that younger readers are especially drawn to books with uniform series covers and eye-catching sprayed page edges.

“The look of the thing is massively important. You have to judge the book by its cover because that's how you pick a book,” she says.

The hosts discuss trends in cover design, from historical fiction’s moody, floral motifs to the bold, dark aesthetics of contemporary fantasy and thrillers. Emma highlights standout covers, including Natalie Lim’s Elegy for Opportunity and Kyle Flemmer’s Supergiants, each with distinct visual appeal.

Emma’s own writing journey is a testament to creative growth and adaptability. With five books to her name and a recent foray into a new genre, she shares the challenges and excitement of pushing creative boundaries: “It’s all very exciting. It's kind of weird, really, still to get my head around it all, to be fair. It's all happened quite quickly.” The show’s next episode will delve deeper into Emma’s writing process and experiences.

A recurring theme is the importance of community for writers. Emma and Sheelagh met during their MA in Creative Writing at Northeastern University in London, where they discovered the value of peer feedback and shared ambition. “What we're trying to do is build a community of writers,” Emma explains. “We're here for writers, writers are here for us, we're sharing interviews, hints, and our own experiences.”

Sheelagh echoes this sentiment: “So many writers write on their own; you have to do it in solitude. Finding a community that feels safe, doesn't judge, and is open to helping answer questions is just so important.” Although some peers from their course are sad to see that academic community end, Emma and Sheelagh are determined to keep the momentum going, inviting writers from around the world to join their growing, international network.

On Creative Writing is open to episode suggestions on any aspect of creative writing. Sheelagh emphasizes that both traditional publishing and self-publishing are on the table, with Emma offering firsthand experience in both arenas. The hosts are also keen to address timely topics, such as the impact of AI on creative writing. “I'm busy reading a lot about that and wanting to write about it, so that's another thing we're going to explore,” Sheelagh says.

The podcast will feature a diverse lineup of guests, including Hollay Gadhery, James Cairns, Kyle Flemmer, Saad Omar Khan, and Natalie Lim.

The hosts also encourage listener feedback and suggestions, aiming to make the show as interactive and useful as possible. On their website, oncreativewriting.com, writers can find resources such as Writers Reveal—an ongoing Q&A series with authors sharing practical tips and craft advice. The first downloadable guide, Moving Forward With Your Writing: Guidance from Authors & Writers, is now available to newsletter subscribers.

Emma and Sheelagh invite writers and readers alike to become part of the On Creative Writing community. Share the podcast with friends, join the conversation online, and help shape future episodes. As Emma puts it, “Let’s start growing that community right now, starting with this episode.” Whether you’re looking for writing advice, industry trends, or simply a sense of belonging, On Creative Writing offers a welcoming space to connect, learn, and create.