Uncategorized – Claire van Ryn

My Favourite Books on Writing and Creating

I’ve been trying to read more books that teach me about being a better writer and creative. I wanted to keep a list, so I can revisit their insights from time to time, and thought I’d put it here in case it was helpful for your own creative forays. I love the way these booksContinue reading “My Favourite Books on Writing and Creating”

My ridiculously achievable writing habit

Have you ever set an ambitious goal? And then failed? My hand is in the air, waving wildly. That was me last year. My goal was so far beyond reasonable that I’m a little embarrassed to own up. But I will. Because it makes for entertaining reading at the very least! As many of youContinue reading “My ridiculously achievable writing habit”

On symbolism and reading books you don’t like

Do you pick up on symbolism in the books you read? Do they ping at you like little neon lights for the book’s themes, or do they bob past you innocuously, and only subtly and subconsciously exist? Or are you reading this thinking, Whaaaa??? There are themes in books? Haha! There’s no right or wrongContinue reading “On symbolism and reading books you don’t like”

What’s the deal with writers’ retreats?

Perhaps you’ve heard me swoon about heading away on a writer’s retreat and wondered what that’s all about. Here’s why it’s a crucial part of my writerly life.

Creating a book is teamwork

I could fill a room with the people who have helped me complete my book to where it is now. And I’ll fill another room with the people who see it to publication. When I started out on this writing-my-first-novel journey, I had in mind that it would essentially be a solitary exercise. Me andContinue reading “Creating a book is teamwork”

Hi. I’m Claire. Welcome to my blog.

I thought I’d start off by explaining why this space exists, who I am, and what you can expect to see here. Well. Covid happened, didn’t it? Last year my life was shaken up rather rigorously and a few things happened: + I lost my job.+ I was temporarily responsible for my two children’s homeContinue reading “Hi. I’m Claire. Welcome to my blog.”