Writer and Friendly Neighbourhood Philosopher
Just Thinking…
For Those Who’ve Lost Their Curiosity
I’m scared that what we’ve gone through recently has squeezed curiosity out of us, that we’re just trying to get by, and we’ve ceased to notice that there’s a universe worth of hidden ideas tucked away in it. I’m scared that we’re now too tired to search. Perhaps we’ve seen so much unthinkable awful that we just don’t want to tip over any more rocks, for fear that there will be more awful. Curiosity often yields the unexpected, and we’ve been given huge doses of the unexpected.
An Ode To Stubbornness (And Why It Isn’t Stupid)
I’ll willingly admit that we are selfish, crude, arrogant and that we have the collective sense of humour of an overtired toddler. But we aren’t stupid. Not even close.
A Playlist For This Strange New World
Henry Rollins once said “My optimism is loud and wears heavy boots.” Lace yours up and venture out with a bunch of good tunes in your head.
The Storymaker And The Elves: A Fairy Tale
The next morning, the writer awoke to find that same manuscript arranged neatly, his pen and ink looking alert and ready to work again. It wasn’t like thieves to tidy up after breaking in, he thought as he tiptoed over for a closer look.
Dodging The Meteorite: Why Writers Aren’t Going Anywhere
I’m going to have to ditch a few vestigial organs in order to adapt, maybe grow an extra set of legs or a pair of wings, but I’m excited about this brave new world into which I’m stepping.
Addicted To Asides: Why I’m Like Deadpool
If I’m awake (and maybe when I’m asleep), I’m in a heated discussion with hypothetical “others”, some of whom agree with me, and some of whom play devil’s advocate. It’s like I have a built-in fanfic generator for real life, one that allows me to run through a series of what-ifs at any given moment.
Lilies and Onions: A Poem
A Plague of Otherness
As we’re finally starting to get a handle on a virus that’s kept us apart, it’s becoming apparent just how detached we’ve been all along.
Fiction Writers Are Chronic Oversharers
Years ago, I heard author Wayson Choy speak at a conference, and he argued that we write because we think what we have to say is important, and based on what I’ve seen of writers, I have to agree.
A Playlist For Nonsensical Times
In the immortal words of Kurt Vonnegut, “Of course it is exhausting, having to reason all the time in a universe which wasn't meant to be reasonable.” Mr. Vonnegut, I am definitely exhausted. Time for some tunes.
Your Kid Can Rebuild You. They Have The Technology.
Things I was afraid to say and do seem far more say-able and do-able. Since this little girl joyfully moshed her way into my life, there’s been an addition built onto the wussy, wet noodle parts of my self. She’s given me an additional story that I didn’t even know I needed.
A Memo From Camus: A Poem
A (Sort Of) Love Letter To Writing
This or that book didn’t have to be here. In fact, in the grand scheme of things, it was pretty unlikely that it would be written, let alone polished up, noticed by someone in the right place at the right time, and then published. Knowing all of that should take our breath away.
Confessions of a Non-Treehugger
I know that I’m a little speck, connected to all kinds of other little specks. If anything, being a little on edge in the great outdoors has made me more humble about my place in the great scheme of things.
The Red Typewriter: A Fairy Tale
Seriously, what were you thinking, bringing it into your house?
Why We Don’t Like To Pay Artists
It’s universal. It’s primal. My human friends, we all deserve art. It’s not amusing or adorable. It’s freakin’ important.
Frida’s Brow: A Poem
How Big A Leap Is It?
Here’s to all kinds of bravery, and to the thrill of the leap, whether it be over a cliff, into the deep, or somewhere a little more metaphorical.
Just A Little Bit Angry
My anger is not main dish, but more like a condiment. My anger is a dollop of ketchup or a squeeze of lemon. It’s a teaspoon of festive red sprinkles.
