Essays

My thoughts on writing, editing, & storytelling

Cadence Mandybura

Lessons from the 2021 BC Writers’ Summit

I signed up for the 2021 BC Writers’ Summit Online at the last minute—and I’m glad I did. Here are a few things I learned.

Cadence Mandybura

On Inspiration: From Nearly Nowhere

Hello, writer friends, let's talk inspiration. And imposter syndrome. And a smidge of astrophysics. Stick with me.

Cadence Mandybura

On Faith: Trust the Pen

I’m not religious, not even a smidge. Maybe that’s why it freaks me out that writing requires some amount of faith.

Cadence Mandybura

Find the Light in Your Writing

Whatever you're writing right now, it isn’t perfect. But look past the flaws. Where does your writing glow?

Cadence Mandybura

Stories for the Future We Need: Lessons from AugurCon 2020

Last month, I went to AugurCon, a speculative literature conference organized by Canadian magazine Augur. Let me tell you about it.

Cadence Mandybura

10 Metaphors for a First Draft (Part 2)

Instead of expecting first drafts to become easier, let’s instead think about them in a different way. Here are five more metaphors for you!

Cadence Mandybura

10 Metaphors for a First Draft (Part 1)

To avoid being frustrated by crappy first drafts, I’ve spun the challenge into metaphors. They help me. I hope they help you.

Cadence Mandybura

On Commitment: Never Underestimate Your Story

I’ve done it before, and I’ll probably do it again. I start a story and think it will be easy...

Cadence Mandybura

On the Joy of Writing: Remember, This is Fun!

Stub out that cigarette, put away the Jameson’s, and shelve the self-pity. Today I want to talk about the plain, simple fun of writing.