

Craig Mod: Things Become Things That Last
May 8, 2025
Craig Mod, a writer and photographer who's embraced Japanese culture for 20 years, shares insights from his new memoir about a 300-mile pilgrimage. He discusses creative setbacks that shaped his journey and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success in publishing. Mod highlights the intertwining of walking, memory, and friendship in his storytelling. He also emphasizes the importance of reflection, adaptability in writing, and the joy of creating a dedicated space for creativity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Novel Project Shaped His 30s
- Craig Mod worked on a novel about burying his dad for several years that never got published.
- Despite rejection, the project enabled residencies and connections that shaped his 30s profoundly.
Finish Small Creative Projects
- Complete smaller creative projects to practice tools and finishing work.
- Finishing work is a powerful skill often overlooked by many creatives.
Themes Emerge Organically
- Themes in Craig Mod's work emerge organically through immersion and reflection rather than conscious planning.
- Physical walking and dictation release ideas that then reveal natural thematic connections during editing.