Monthly Archives: November 2013

What Did C.S. Lewis do on his Birthdays? An Eleventy-Fifth Birthday Inquiry that Failed

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

On the occasion of his eleventy-fifth birthday, I thought I would ask how intrepid author and academic C.S. Lewis spent his birthdays? It is great question. It was my goal to sit down and share some of the things that … Continue reading →

Posted in Lewis Biography, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

A Quick Detour: On Choosing University Readings

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

I am at that time of year when I am finalizing readings for an upcoming course. I’m thrilled to be offering a new course at Maritime Christian College called, “From Middle Earth to the Garden of Eden: Thoughts on Faith … Continue reading →

Posted in News & Links, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

The Unpayable Debt of Writing Friends

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

I have just read The Hobbit again and am about to finish The Fellowship of the Ring, reading aloud to my son. Again and again I am struck by how very good these books are. Not only are they wonderful … Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Writing, Fictional Worlds, Lewis Biography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

11/22/63

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

Canadians just aren’t as good as Americans when it comes to iconic days. Let’s be honest: Canada Day isn’t nearly as interesting as Independence Day. From the landing of the Mayflower to 9/11, America sets its days in the hewn … Continue reading →

Posted in Lewis Biography, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Heart of C.S. Lewis’ Spiritual Legacy

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

There is no doubt that C.S. Lewis has left a profound legacy for us, which I will talk about a bit on Friday, the 50th anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ death. What we know most is what he wrote down. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Lewis Biography, Original Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Nearly Despairing with Stephen King, or The First Part Hope

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

One of my yearly rituals is reading Stephen King’s On Writing. I am sure I am not alone when I say that it is this overly-autobiographical, ill-organized, life-interrupted writing narrative that absolutely transformed my approach to writing. No, more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Memorable Quotes, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Marching as to War: C.S. Lewis on His Way to the Front Line

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

It is Remembrance Day here in Canada, Armistice Day in other parts of the Commonwealth. This is a re-post of something I wrote for last year. My mind still reals when I imagine how many great inventors, writers, scholars, healers, … Continue reading →

Posted in Lewis Biography, Memorable Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

“But I Don’t Wanna Be Susan!” Guest Post by Beth Oliver

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

This summer I posted a quick write up of my project of reading Lewis chronologically thus far, called “Taking a Breath Before a Second Dive.” In the comments a great discussion broke out, and one of the dialogue partners, Beth … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest Blogs, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Writing Advice from My 8 Year Old

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Brenton Dickieson

Sometimes my son’s wisdom astounds me. Not always. I can still see his little eight-year-old body straining against the temptation to chase a ball into the street, where all his instincts are at war in that moment. Morning time, each … Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Writing, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments