Ben Charland

Canada is Worth Fighting For Our country is not perfect. But it is ours.

Canada is worth fighting for. Here's why. #canada #elxn45

I am writing a novel And other things you don't want to hear

"I am writing a novel". This is a pretty fun post about the back and forth struggle of writing, sharing, creating and smacking heads against walls. What changes when you state that all out loud? #writing #creativewriting #novel

History isn't boring anymore Canoes, Canada, the how history explains the present

This history of the Hudson's Bay Company by Stephen R. Bown is even more relevant with the company's collapse. Understanding history helps us make sense of the present. I wrote about the book, & my own experiences canoeing across #Canada, a few months ago on my #Substack.

#CanadianHistory #HBC

So you want to start a podcast Some thoughts and advice

Some thoughts and advice on starting a podcast, a form that is still going strong — and is arguably now the dominant type of political media. #podcast #podcasting #woego

When should I write? And can a "history of intelligence" help?

The quest for the perfect writing hour continues.

I usually agree with the morning consensus... But there's a deeper question: not just what time of day should I try to write, but what state of mind?

#AmWriting #Substack

The Pumpkin Pie Barber A story from Mafia Island, Tanzania

Ever ruined Thanksgiving dessert as a kid? My tale from Mafia Island, Tanzania goes from childhood mischief to a memorable haircut in East Africa. It's about creativity, control, and what happens when you let an artist with scissors have his way. #TravelStories #Tanzania

Just seeing this now! Thanks for the mention and share, Tim.

Elantris and the Karate Kid How a book could learn from a movie

I read “Elantris” by Brandon Sanderson and thought of the Karate Kid… #karatekid #fantasy #brandonsanderson #film #movie

American Gods by Neil Gaiman How we are shaped by what we believe

About “American Gods” by @neilhimself.neilgaiman.com. #book #books #writing #write #writer #religion #mythology #novel

Six Months of Sobriety (from video games)

13 months now. #games #gaming #gamer #videogames #discoelysium #stellaris #baldursgate @mackeza.bsky.social

The Library Book by Susan Orlean On the book, libraries, listening vs. reading, and more

On “The Library Book” by @susanorlean.bsky.social.

#writing #write #library #libraries #nonfiction #creativenonfiction

Dungeons & Dragons How D&D makes me a better writer

How D&D makes me a better writer. #dnd #d&d #dungeonsanddragons #writing #write #writers #writer #games #ttrpg #rpg

Writing and Failure Thoughts on Stephen Marche's provocative book

Some thoughts on “Writing and Failure”, a blistering yet refreshing take on what it means to write by @stephenmarche.bsky.social.

#writing #writer #write #canada

AI A Faustian bargain?

On AI and Writing: A Faustian Bargain?

#ai #artificialintelligence #writing #write #writers #creativewriting

Disaster Porn or Wake-up Call? Annie Jacobsen's "Nuclear War: A Scenario"

"The prospect of a world-destroying conflict is not only plausible. It seems inevitable. It’s hard to believe we can keep Pax Atomica going. There are too many hands on too many triggers."

bencharland.substack.com/p/disaster-p... #nuclearwar #writing #substack #anniejacobsen

Unstuck What do you do when you're stuck?

A Few Tools for Getting Unstuck. #substack #writing #writingtips #write

Want to write a play? I spoke with Dave White on #CBC Airplay about a playwriting class I'm teaching at #YukonU in January. Have a listen and sign up for the course while seats remain!

www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

#playwright #playwriting #writing #whitehorse #yukon #creativewriting #theatre

Bird by Bird Anne Lamott's book on writing

On Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird”. #writing #craft

Sunshine Cinema How I wrote the poem

I wrote a Substack about my poem, "Sunshine Cinema", which won an award from @arcpoetry.bsky.social earlier this year. Check it out! #writing #substack #poetry #poem #newyork #nyc #newyorkcity #sunshinecinema #cinema

To Rush or Not to Rush Plus some notes about Steve Jobs

To Rush or Not to Rush? #writing #creativity #stevejobs #substack

Walking Down the Street Naked Why I've been afraid to share my writing and what to do about it

Walking Down the Street Naked! @neilhimself.neilgaiman.com #writing #substack