Creativity – Aly Writes

Identifying Your Ideal Reader and Why it Matters

As you’re writing and editing with this person in mind, you can feel like you’re telling the story to someone rather than just telling it.

2022: A Retrospective

Distraction abounded this year, and I feel the need to remind myself of some of the things I can be proud of, hiding amongst the weeds.

10 Tips for Surviving NaNoWriMo

How can you get over the hump, out of the blahs, and onwards toward the finish line? Here are 10 tips to help you survive NaNoWriMo.

Should You Talk About Your Writing?

I soon realized that having a sounding board when I’m trying to work out a sticky plot point is invaluable. Sometimes just the act of saying it out loud can help ideas to congeal into something tangible.

What is Your Definition of Success as a Writer?

So write for yourself. Write for the love of words and stories. Write to process your feelings, to entertain, to leave a legacy. Write for any reason but what capitalism calls success, and see if, as a by-product, something you can call success will find you along the way.

10 (More) Notable Canadian Literary Magazines

I’m back again with ten more quality literary publications that are based in Canada. Most of these magazines accept submissions from all over the world, but for all my fellow Canadian writers, it’s a little bit special to find a home for your work that is close to home.

Writing People with Depth

Above all else, the real key to writing people with depth is to persevere. Hone your craft by reading widely and becoming a keen observer of people. Write your people into scenes and scenarios you concoct, and let them reveal their character to you. It feels like a lot of work, but that’s what writing is . . .

10 Notable Canadian Literary Magazines

If you’re a Canadian writer looking for a home for your work that’s a little more close to home, look no further. This is far from a comprehensive list, but what follows are ten quality literary publications that are based in Canada (with one exception).

How to Recharge Your Creativity

The whole point is to remind yourself that you enjoy writing. If you’re feeling uninspired, don’t focus on churning out words. Focus on finding joy in the act of writing, and soon the words will flow. Let go of the self-imposed pressure and give yourself the time to recharge.