Monthly Archives: September 2018

Off to the UK! 

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Brenton Dickieson

Next week I am boarding a jet plane for a research trip to the UK. I’ve got a few things on the agenda: Oxford Ah yes, Oxford, city of dreaming spires. It is an imaginatively rich space for me. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Writing Tips by Stephen King

Posted on September 24, 2018 by Brenton Dickieson

I’ve blogged from time to time about the importance of Stephen King‘s On Writing. It is a funny, moving, flawed, and priceless resource for those who dream of having their journal sketches become hardcover books. On Writing is one of the books … Continue reading →

Posted in Memorable Quotes, On Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Happy Hobbit Day! Signum Reading Today

Posted on September 22, 2018 by Brenton Dickieson

September 22 is when we celebrate the birthday of Bilbo Baggins and his mythic heir apparent, Frodo. It is a day for hobbitish celebrations, both fantastic and epic. That the “New Hobbit” adventure begins with a birthday party that begins … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections | 16 Comments

A Fatal Flaw in Contemporary Writing: Thinking About Identity in Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven (Part 2)

Posted on September 20, 2018 by Brenton Dickieson

Earlier this week I put a review up of what I think to be a strong, engaging literary sf book, skillfully written to accomplish two things that many authors could not do. First, Emily St. John Mandel has created in Station Eleven … Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian literature, On Writing, Thoughtful Essays | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven: A Brilliant Apocalypse with an Almost Fatal Flaw (Part 1)

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Brenton Dickieson

From Mary Shelley to Margaret Atwood, I have a deep interest in women’s sf and speculative fiction. It is not just a question of perspective and hearing other voices. Rather, it simply that some of my favourite writers are in … Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian literature, On Writing, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments