Show Notes
In this episode, new On Creative Writing host Su Chang, author of The Immortal Woman, sits down with acclaimed novelist Joseph Kertes to discuss his latest book, Sirens. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Greece, the novel follows Gabriel, a 16-year-old Roma boy hiding in a cemetery coffin, and Phoebe, the Greek girl who helps him survive. Su and Joe dive into the intricate craft behind this sweeping wartime love story, exploring how ancient mythology, historical brutality, moral complexity, and the transcendent power of music converge in a tale of human resilience. Joe reveals how Gabriel’s physical confinement was inspired by his own family history, specifically his father’s cousin who survived the Holocaust by hiding in a space no bigger than a coffin beneath the floorboards of a Hungarian cottage. This real-life endurance informed Gabriel's character: an illiterate Roma boy raised by monks on Mount Athos. Gabriel views a terrifying, often absurd world with fresh eyes, moving seamlessly between profound philosophical curiosity and bodily vulnerability. Gabriel filters his traumatic wartime experiences through the myths and religious parables he is taught by the monks. Joe explains his fascination with placing a character in the cradle of Western civilization to question the intersections and contradictions of Greek mythology and Judeo-Christian beliefs. From Adam and Eve to Zeus and the Virgin Mary, Gabriel’s inquiries highlight a universal human search for meaning and placement within a chaotic world. One of the most remarkable moments in the interview centers on Joe's creative process. He shares a striking anecdote about hitting a massive narrative roadblock while writing Sirens, only to have the entire second half of the book unlocked by a relative reading his Turkish coffee grounds. The visions in the cup—the goddess of victory, a coffin, and a radiating cave of salvation—perfectly resolved the plot. This real-life brush with the unexplainable closely mirrors the prophecies and fate that guide Gabriel and Phoebe’s journey. Su and Joe discuss the narrative courage required to write complex, morally gray characters like Klaus, a German officer partaking in the occupation who nevertheless falls in love with Phoebe. Joe emphasizes that historical and human truths are rarely black and white. Through Klaus, as well as the inherently flawed sanctuary of Mount Athos—a holy place harboring vanity and danger—the novel explores how goodness, decency, evil, and complicity frequently coexist within the exact same people and institutions. Gabriel’s journey is fundamentally about the search for shelter. Moving from the isolation of a grave to the shared sanctuary of an ancient cave, Gabriel ultimately finds his first true home in Phoebe. Joe unpacks the nuanced idea that Gabriel is not only deeply in love with Phoebe as a person, but is mesmerized by the very concept of love—a tenderness he had never experienced in his life. This duality is reflected in the book’s title, Sirens, which represents both a blaring warning of wartime danger and an irresistible, magnetic allure. As a recurring element in Joe's wider body of work, music serves as the supreme art form in Sirens. He discusses how music communicates profound emotions that language can only attempt to approximate. Through Gabriel's street violin playing and Phoebe's singing of Mozart, the characters find a vital emotional release that transcends the brutality surrounding them. About Joseph KertesJoseph Kertes founded Humber College's creative writing and comedy programs and has won numerous awards for his literary contributions. Sirens is available now at independent bookstores, local libraries, and big tech shopping sites. Discover Joe online: www.josephkertes.ca Find Su Chang at: www.suchangauthor.com and Instagram. oncreativewriting.com
More from On Creative Writing
In this episode of On Creative Writing, award-winning author and University of Regina professor Melanie Schnell presents a detailed and impressive audio essay on finding deeper, capital T truths, in fiction. Melanie also discusses the inspiration, research for, and writing of her second novel, The Chorus Beneath our Feet, (Radiant Press, 2025), which won the City of Regina Award and was shortlisted for The Saskatchewan Book of the Year Award, the Fiction Award, and the Publishing Award. She delves into the historical context of her novel, which centers on the British Home Children—youth sent from the UK to Canada between 1869 and 1948—and the complex intersections with Indigenous histories and generational trauma. Melanie explains how she wove these threads together to create a narrative that is both historically grounded and emotionally resonant. She answers a range of thought-provoking questions all writers ask when working on a big and meaningful writing project. She discusses researching sensitive topics, the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with fictional storytelling, and the ways in which her own experiences—including her battle with Lyme disease—informed her characters’ emotional landscapes. Melanie shares her strategies for developing authentic voices and perspectives, especially when writing across cultures and time periods. She also addresses the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths in fiction and how writers can responsibly engage with histories that are not their own. Listeners will hear Melanie reflect on the long, sometimes meandering process of drafting and revising a novel, including moments of doubt and discovery. She talks about the role of intuition in writing, the necessity of patience, and the value of letting a story evolve organically over time. Melanie offers practical advice for writers, emphasizing the need to move beyond surface-level storytelling by immersing oneself in deep research, imaginative exploration, and honest self-reflection. She encourages writers to trust their instincts, embrace vulnerability, and seek out the essential truths that lie beneath the surface of their narratives. By the end of the episode, you will have insight into the creative and emotional work behind The Chorus Beneath Our Feet, as well as inspiration to pursue your own truths and stories with courage, curiosity, and depth. Find the print version of Melanie's audio essay here.
Writer, publisher, and digital media artist Kyle Flemmer takes the mike to interview acclaimed poet and essayist Alice Major about her new book, Triangularity: Essays on Poetry, Science and Spirit, recently published by the University of Alberta Press. Alice, known for her thoughtful explorations at the intersection of art and science, delves into the central metaphor of her new collection: the triangle, her model for exploring for the dynamic relationship between science, poetry, and religion—three realms that have shaped human understanding for centuries. Throughout the episode, Alice shares how her personal journey has informed her writing. She reflects on her upbringing and early experiences with faith, her enduring sense of wonder about the universe, and how these influences have woven themselves into her creative practice. The discussion touches on the ways in which scientific accuracy and religious language can both enrich and complicate poetic expression. Alice describes how she navigates the tension between empirical truth and metaphorical resonance, striving to honor both the rigor of scientific thought and the imaginative possibilities of poetry. Kyle and Alice also explore the cognitive processes behind creativity. Alice discusses how the mind’s search for patterns and meaning is central to both scientific inquiry and poetic invention. She offers insights into her writing process, revealing how curiosity, observation, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty drive her work. The conversation highlights the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, suggesting that poetry and science are not opposing forces but complementary ways of engaging with the mysteries of existence. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Alice approaches the craft of writing, drawing connections between seemingly disparate fields. She shares anecdotes from her career, including moments of inspiration and challenge, and offers advice for writers seeking to bridge gaps between disciplines in their own work. In addition to discussing Triangularity, Alice gives listeners an exclusive preview of her forthcoming poetry collection, Principle of Locality, set to be released by Turnstone Press in spring, 2027. She hints at the themes and ideas that will shape this new book, continuing her exploration of the intersections between science, language, and the human spirit. Whether you’re a writer, a lover of poetry, or simply curious about the interplay between science and the arts, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the ways in which creative and analytical thinking can inform and inspire. Alice Major is a Canadian poet, writer, and essayist, who has published 15 books, including 13 collections of poetry and a collection of essays on poetry and science. Her work has appeared in anthologies, journals, and magazines around the world, and she has presented papers at a number of conferences. On Creative Writing is extremely grateful to writer, publisher, and digital media artist Kyle Flemmer for interviewing Alice. Kyle is from Calgary in Treaty 7 territory. In 2014, he founded The Blasted Tree Publishing Company, a small press focused on experimental poetics and visual art. Flemmer’s books include Barcode Poetry, Supergiants, TzAR: Pixel Art Anthology, and The Wiki of Babel.
To celebrate Women in Translation Month, On Creative Writing speaks with Montreal-based author Marie-Josée Poisson to discuss the translation of her historical mystery novel, Blood Bound: Unleashing Secret Ties, by translator Flora-Lee Bendit, and published Guernica Editions. Originally published in French in 2014, the novel centers on a determined woman who embarks on a journey to trace her genealogical roots, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic Madame de Pompadour. Marie-Josée shares the fascinating story behind her book’s creation, including her extensive research trips to France, immersing herself in the settings and historical context that bring the narrative to life. We look at the challenges and rewards of translating literature, as Marie-Josée describes her close collaboration with translator Flora-Lee. Together, they navigated the nuances of language and culture to ensure the English version, released in March 2026, is true to the voice of the original French text. Marie-Josée offers valuable insights into the process of finding the right translator, emphasizing the importance of trust, open communication, and a shared vision for the work. Marie-Josée also offers practical advice for aspiring writers. She encourages authors to focus on completing their first drafts before diving into revisions, stressing that finishing a manuscript is a crucial milestone. This episode is a must-listen for lovers of historical fiction, books in translation, or anyone curious about the creative process involved in bringing a novel from one language and culture to another. Discover the inspiration, dedication, and collaboration that created Blood Bound: Unleashing Secret Ties, and celebrate the power of women’s voices in literature across borders. Find Marie-Josée Poisson at www.mariejoseepoisson.ca/LieesParLeSang, on Instagram, and on Facebook. She is anticipating being at Winnipeg's Thin Air Festival in early October, 2026. And earlier this year Marie-Josée read in Calgary with poet Nathalie Simpson at Pages on Kensington as part of Flywheel Reading Series. In May, Marie-Josée read with Trident Booksellers & Café in Halifax with Robert de la Chevotière, whose latest novel The Twelth House is released in August, 2026. Thank you to Hollay Ghadery of River Street Writing for co-ordinating this interview!
In this episode of On Creative Writing, host Sheelagh Caygill sits down with Chinese Canadian author Su Chang to discuss her acclaimed debut novel, The Immortal Woman. Su takes listeners on a compelling journey from her childhood in Shanghai to her life in North America, revealing how her experiences as an immigrant have profoundly shaped her voice as a writer. Sheelagh and Su look at the challenges and rewards of writing in English, Su’s second language. Su explains how English, with its distance from her mother tongue, provided her with emotional freedom—allowing her to express thoughts and feelings that might be constrained by the cultural reserve and censorship often present in Chinese society. Su opens up about her family’s tumultuous experiences during the Cultural Revolution, and how these personal and historical traumas have influenced the themes of The Immortal Woman. The episode explores the novel’s focus on collective amnesia, intergenerational conflict, and the lingering effects of political upheaval on family relationships. Su shares how writing became a therapeutic process, helping her to process her own struggles with immigrant identity, belonging, and the tension between remembering and forgetting the past. Sheelagh and Su also discuss the broader context of Asian Canadian literature, the importance of diverse voices in storytelling, and the ways in which fiction can serve as both a mirror and a bridge between cultures. Su offers insights into her creative process, from initial inspiration to the challenges of revision and publication. She gives listeners a glimpse into her next project—a hybrid work that blends memoir, fiction, and cultural commentary, which is currently under submission. If you’re interested in the craft of writing, the immigrant experience, or the power of stories to heal and connect, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful exploration of creativity, resilience, and the search for identity. Tune in to hear this engaging conversation, and discover the transformative potential of writing across languages and cultures. The Immortal Woman is published by The House of Anansi Press. Awards and acclaim for Su Chang's The Immortal Woman Winner: Independent Publisher Book Award (Multicultural Fiction, 2025). Winner: National Indie Excellence Award (2025). Shortlisted: William Saroyan International Prize for Writing (2026). Shortlisted: International Rubery Book Award (2026). Shortlisted / Finalist: Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award (Multicultural Fiction, 2025). Longlisted: Toronto Book Award (2025). Finalist: Independent Author Network (IAN) Book of the Year Award (2025). Finalist: CIBA/Somerset Literary Fiction Award (2025). Commended: CBC Best Book / Best Canadian Fiction of 2025. Listed: 49th Shelf Best Fiction of 2025. Selection: Rakuten Kobo Best Fiction (March 2025 Shortlists and FinalistsCommendations and Lists.
In this episode of On Creative Writing, host Sheelagh Caygill sits down with Canadian poet Kim Mannix to discuss Kim's debut poetry collection, Confirm Humanity, published in October 2025 by Wild Skies Press. Kim shares insights into her journey as a writer, beginning with her background in journalism and how it has influenced her approach to poetry. Kim talks about the ways in which her experience as a journalist—her attention to detail, curiosity, and ability to distill complex stories—translates into her poetic voice, allowing her to capture both the personal and the universal in her work. They explore the themes that run through Confirm Humanity, including grief, motherhood, and the impact of global violence. Kim describes how poetry has become a vital tool for processing difficult emotions and making sense of the world’s chaos. She discusses the therapeutic aspects of writing, and how putting feelings into words can offer both solace and clarity. Kim reads four poems from Confirm Humanity, including "Disturbing the Peace" and "Watercolour." Kim introduces each poem, offering context about their origins and the emotions behind them. She explains how prompts—whether from writing groups, workshops, or her own curiosity—often spark her creative process, pushing her to explore new ideas and perspectives. Kim shares anecdotes about how certain poems emerged from unexpected moments or observations, highlighting the serendipitous nature of inspiration. The episode also touches on Kim’s fascination with true crime and unsolved cases, a theme she hints will be central to a future chapbook project. She discuss the ethical considerations of writing about real-life tragedies, and how poetry can offer a space to honor victims’ stories while grappling with the complexities of justice and memory. Kim reflects on the responsibility writers have when engaging with sensitive material, and how she strives to approach these subjects with empathy and respect. Kim also talks about her role as board president of the the Edmonton Poetry Festival, reflecting on the importance of community and collaboration in the literary world. She emphasizes how being part of a vibrant poetry scene has shaped her own writing and provided opportunities to connect with other poets and readers. Kim has lived in many places in Canada and now lives in Sherwood Park, Alberta. She offers advice for aspiring poets, encouraging them to embrace vulnerability, seek out supportive communities, and remain open to experimentation. She underscores the value of reading widely and engaging with diverse voices, noting how exposure to different styles and perspectives has enriched her own work. The episode concludes with Kim sharing her hopes for the impact of Confirm Humanity, expressing a desire for readers to find connection, comfort, and a sense of shared humanity in her poems. Find Kim's book in all independent bookstores and online, and find Kim at Makesmesodigress.com.