Welcome to the Cavletter: Notes from a Working Storyteller

Welcome to the Cavletter: Notes from a Working Storyteller

Sorry, who are you?

I’m Cavan Scott – a New York Times bestselling writer, storyteller, book coach and teacher.

Over the last three decades, I’ve written novels, comics, audio dramas and screenplays for some of the world’s biggest franchises, including Star Wars, Doctor Who, Marvel, DC Comics, Transformers, Masters of the Universe and more. I’m also the creator of original projects, including Shadow Service, The Ward, Dead Seas and Godfather of Hell.

Before becoming a full-time writer, I was a magazine editor for Future Publishing and the BBC – a role that taught me as much about storytelling as anything I’ve done since.

Based in the UK, I live in the glorious West Country with my wife and daughters, divide my spare time between an ever-growing list of geeky hobbies, and serve as a trustee of the Bristol Folk House, an oasis of creativity, community and lifelong learning in the heart of the city.

Great. So what's this newsletter all about?

Good question. You're good at this!

In the Cavletter, I explore the excitement of making stories and the reality of doing it for a living.

Sometimes that means sharing lessons I’ve learned from a career writing novels, comics and audio dramas. Sometimes it’s a look behind the scenes of current projects. Sometimes it’s a rabbit hole I’ve fallen down while researching folklore, history, storytelling or popular culture.

If you’re interested in creativity, storytelling and building a sustainable creative life, you’re in the right place.

Along the way, you’ll find:

  • Field Notes – lessons from three decades of making things up for a living.
  • Rabbit Holes & Side Quests – fascinating discoveries, research trails and sources of inspiration.
  • Big Questions – discussions and conversations about creativity, storytelling and the creative life.
  • Updates – news from my desk, upcoming projects and what I’m working on now.

You’ll also find regular features including Perfect Sunday, where creative friends share the books, films, music and recommendations that inspire them.

Sounds good!

I hope so!

Pull up a chair, have a look around, and if it sounds like your sort of thing, I’d love to have you along for the ride.

Want more? Try these posts...

About me and my work:

How I became a writer
Ever wondered how I made the leap to writing books, comics and audio? Here’s the inside scoop!
Focus on Doctor Who - Project: Twilight
In my first deep dive into my back catalogue, exclusive for paid subscribers, I look back at my first professional script, an audio drama that pitted everyone’s favourite Time Lord against the undead!
Focus on Shadow Service - Part One
In the first of a two-part series for paid subscribers, I delve into the secret history of Mi666 and Shadow Service

About creative life:

10 ways to beat imposter syndrome
And how my own doubts gave birth to a Jedi!
Why I don’t want to be a machine anymore
Remembering to be human in a world obsessed with excessive busyness
How I deal with haters online
Five rules for when trolls come a-calling

Look after yourself and each other,