Craig Terlson talks what?

I created this substack as a place to talk about writing craft, notably, what makes good fiction. Along the way, I’ll lift the curtain on my process, as well as my experience with publishing.

You got any street cred?

Maybe some. I’ve been writing seriously for more than two decades. In that time, I’ve written and published a bucket of short stories, maybe even several buckets. I’ve also written and published (both traditionally and independently) four novels, a short story collection, and a really weird novella. I just signed a contract with a great publisher for my fifth novel, and I’m working on the third novel in a crime fiction series.

Yeah, but what do you know about writing?

Well, I have opinions… but they are informed ones. I strongly believe in developing both the art and craft of writing. Over the last two decades, I’ve read a couple of shelves of craft books, taken courses from places like Gotham Writing School, and workshops with literary magazines like One Story. I’ve also judged short story contests, and been a developmental editor for young writers, through The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), of which I am a proud member. Oh, and I’ve been nominated, and short listed for a couple of awards. Writing ones, not baking.
Let’s just say, I think about story. A lot.

Is this all free? What’s the catch?

Yes, for now it is. And no catch. Talking writing and story is one of my favourite things. I find creating this substack very energizing to my writing. So please comment, subscribe, tell your friends, and their friends, and their pets.