I'm only interested in everything.

This quote is from Australian poet Les Murray, when asked whether he was, at heart, a nature poet - he said that was an oversimplification. He was only interested in everything. I've always found that to be one of the best things abut writing - that you're allowed to be.

This blog explores everything to do with the writing life, as well as topics related to writing through a lens of craft, place, technology, literature, material culture, and more.

I am a writer and I work in tertiary education. Read more about my work here.

I send out a newsletter once or twice a month called Fictions (I like Borges). You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

The Fictions Newsletter by Iain F Macleod
Exploring topics related to writing through a lens of craft, place, technology, literature, material culture, science, and more.

Members can also access my subscriber only Obsidian Vault. 150+ notes on subjects from dramaturgy, to anthropology, language to science.  It's a mix of learning in public, reflective microblogs and a commonplace book. The access info is in the email when you sign up, or existing subscribers can find it on this page - Obsidian Wiki Sign-In Info.

On the blog there are also practical articles about the writing life on the blog which fall into three strands: Playwriting Craft, Grant & Bid Writing, and cutting across both of these — Digital Writing and SEO.

Below are suggested pillar posts to start exploring and links to topic Maps of Content (MOCs).

Playwriting Craft

Writing craft for playwrights. Conversations with dramaturgs and writers. How to increase your writing productivity. The business side of being a writer.

An account of a three day workshop with Theatre Director Thomas Ostermeier.
This piece goes over the ground we covered in a three day workshop with famous German theatre director Thomas Ostermeier. Ostermeier shared with us his thoughts on the nature of drama, his approach to developing as an artist and how he approaches working with a text.
Explore the Playwriting Craft Map of Content  for a full index of writing on this subject.

Grant and Bid Writing

Strategic frameworks for securing funding, writing successful bids, using AI ethically and data considerations when using AI.

Grant-Writing for Writers and Artists
This is the first in a series of posts about grant-writing for writers and artists.
Explore the Grant and Bid Writing Map of Content for a full index of writing on this subject.

Digital Writing and SEO

Practical posts on key apps for writers like Obsidian, SEO, ethical use of AI, and protecting your online writing.

An introduction to Obsidian for writers
An introduction to the ultimate note-taking app.
Explore the Digital Writing and SEO Map of Content for a full index of writing on this subject.
Signing books at the Edinburgh Book Festival
Signing books at Edinburgh Book Festival

Thanks for reading, Iain F.

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