Writing, Notebooks, and Self-Criticism: Vicky Randle’s Creative Process
Plus, How Singing Helps Overcome Writer’s Block
Hey, welcome to Methods—the series where we explore the creative habits of fellow Substack writers.
Today, we’re joined by Vicky Randle, a former Classics teacher and author of two books—The Athenian Murders and The Saturn House Killings.
Her Substack, MYRIATID, covers books, art, and culture, with a healthy dose of Greek mythology.
Be sure to check out her recent article: An ode to notebooks
In this interview, she discusses her writing routine, the role of notebooks, and how singing helps with writer’s block. Vicky also shares her approach to self-criticism and creative rules.
Enjoy!
Know someone with a unique creative process? Drop their name in the comments—I’d love to feature them!
Writing Routine
Early Starts and Structured Goals
It's an early wake-up! I typically get up at just before 6.00am, make a coffee, feed and cuddle Athena the Cat, before starting to write.
For me – and everybody is different – I need to be highly structured with a clear writing goal for the day. Examples of this may be: finish chapter 4, work out that absolute botch of a plot point, re-read proof etc. Also, I must walk! At some point in the day, I like to take myself on a neighbourhood stroll (sorry to the Brits for the North American vocab., I’ve been in Canada for too long…sorry to the Canadians, I know I’m the only weirdo walking on the street). If ever I’m struggling with a chapter or a scene, this helps!
My ritual is the same every day: I take my second coffee into the study, before Athena the Cat sits on my keyboard. Then, I decamp to the corner sofa and hide under a blanket to write for the rest of the day. This works for me.
Like I say, I write best on sofas, particularly corner sofas. There are a lot of throw cushions involved, among which a precariously ensconced mug is placed. I'd say this results in a spillage about 4 out of 10 times.
Creative Tools & Materials
The Power of Notebooks
Oh, yes! Notebooks! I need notebooks to survive. The plotting happens in handwritten form, with weird scribbles and erratic ideas scrawled everywhere indiscriminately.
You know, I was recently speaking with my brother about this, a television producer, who has the same process. We think there must be a connection between the art of handwriting and the synapses in the brain.
This is a completely unsubstantiated opinion based on nothing more than a whim... but I'm certain of it. I tried writing software and I’m not really sure why authors need it, nor how they use it. Google docs/Word has always worked fine for me.
Influences on Writing
Inspiration from Elif Shafak and Agatha Christie
Elif Shafak, although she writes in a different genre, is a huge inspiration for me. I'm in love with her prose and her dedication to etymology and the power of words. Her characters live with me so vividly. There Are Rivers In The Sky is the best book I have ever read. A true masterpiece.
My Nana loved Agatha Christie and so do I. This is where my interest in the mystery genre originates. Hidden histories, agendas, brewing grudges and the power of love are always at the heart of a good mystery – she renders these so magically.
Greek tragedies – Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides – are a masterclass in the slow, painful unravelling of the tightly woven undiscovered truth. I look to plays like Agamemnon and Oedipus the King for pacing and climax.
See also: Elif Shafak’s Writing Habits
Habits That Boost Creativity
Singing to Break Through Writer’s Block
I sing...oh dear, are you ready for some more pop science plucked from my ill-informed thoughts? I implore all authors to sing when feeling blocked. It doesn't matter if you don't have a good singing voice. I’m sure singing releases some sort of creative hormone because, as soon as I belt out a tune, the words begin to flow. At the moment I'm singing the musical Hadestown, especially the song Wait For Me.
Unique Methods and Creative Growth
Learning to Be Brutal with Self-Criticism
Writing has always been my joy and relaxation, so in terms of actually "making myself write" no – it's always such a huge pleasure. In terms of what I write and how good it is, I learnt to be more brutal with myself. If I'm questioning something, then it's probably no good. Delete. Start again.
Evolving Creative Process: Writing for Yourself
I no longer write to what I think other people want. My first publishing contract was for a book I'd written years ago. My creative process is built around what I want to write and when i want to write it. The industry is too fickle and unpredictable to worry about anything else.
Superstitions and Creative Rules
One Chapter at a Time
I am the least superstitious person I know BUT...never write more than one chapter a day. Complete the chapter. Complete the thought. Then, start afresh the next day.
Tools that Fuel Creativity
The Allure of High-End Notebooks
Notebooks I can barely afford. I'm talking about the ones bound in Florence, the ones you feel criminal defacing. I can't remember where I read this (I think it's from One Day by David Nicholls) but I agree that a passion for writing is really a fetish for high-end stationery in disguise.
Thanks, Vicky!
Check out her books. The Athenian Murders, The Saturn House Killings, and Cold Secrets a Scottish murder mystery, she has serialized on her substack
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Access the full archiveDocumenting the creative process. Written by Sam Mas
I really enjoyed this. It's fascinating to get inside the mind of a writer and hear about their routines, practises, etc, especially one that I've come to appreciate so much on Substack and through Cold Secrets (and eventually with The Athenian Murders). I love how different people are with their writing routines. I am hopeless, for example, at writing on the sofa or on a chair. I need a desk or table of some sort.
Walking is definitely one of the best fuels for creativity, which reminds me that I've now been sat here too long (on Substack!) and need to get my own creative juices flowing!
Thank you, Sam, for your insightful and highly enjoyable questions!