Essay: "The Future of the Novel - Part 2"

A reminder: I'm only discussing the survival of the novel as an art form, not as a business. My concern is not that Steve King or Random House will be poor. My concern is whether, in thirty years, people will read novels at all.

Essay: "The Future of the Novel - Part 1"

I resisted the temptation to call this essay the "death" of the novel. I hate it when people prematurely proclaim the death of things. It's so melodramatic. Relax everybody - the novel is never going to "die." But something his happening to the novel, something important enough that I think it's worth sitting back and thinking about what it is.

Essay: "What I Do Best Isn't Very Nice"

 "I'm the best at what I do. But what I do best isn't very nice." Wolverine

 I like to play videogames but I don't own a TV, so I'm not able to use a Playstation, Xbox, or Wii. After some careful thought and research, I decided to invest in a Playstation Portable (or PSP) around the same time I was wrapping up law school. I figured I deserved a treat, and it was right after the first God of War game was released for the system.

Essay: "Slacktivism"

Sometimes I've got a vague concept in my mind but don't have a word to express that concept. One of my favourite feelings is when I learn the word for that concept (if it already exists) or if someone invents a new word to do the job. I've got the feeling now, with the word "slacktivism."

News: Book Signing Sunday!

I will be signing copies of my book of short stories, "Deeper", at the Chapters in Etobicoke (1950 Queensway) on Sunday April 17 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Hope to see you all there!

Essay: "As Long As You Have A Why"

One of my favourite quotes was said by either Nietzche or Dostoevksy, I forget which, but I first read it in Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl - man can bear any 'how' as long as he has a 'why.'  It was one of those things I'd always known without realizing it. Imagine your boss tells you to work late. Does it make a difference to you if you really need to be staying late? Would it make a difference to you if you were staying late for no good reason? Of course it would. Staying late is a bad thing, but it can be bearable if there's a reason for it.

Essay: "Detroit Needs a Statue of Robocop: Part Two"

So why does Detroit need a statue of Robocop?