Aliya Smyth's Blog

As I neared the end of my master’s program, my uncle suddenly passed way. He was not only a relative, but a mentor and my boss for ten years. He always provided straightforward advice, and never expected that I should take it. But the benefit was in hearing the outside opinion of someone with different experiences and context, and in knowing that he cared enough to give it thoughtfully. He was a lawyer, and I’m pretty sure he hated that, though he loved the law, and exploring the legal implications of acts throughout time. In these last few years, while he had retired from practice, he became deeply interested in Indigenous rights and the recommendations in the TRC report. He had always been passionately interested in the Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, and was researching Aztec history in his spare time. Whatever a position, he would often take the opposite side, just to work all the angles of argument and be sure intellectual rigour was being followed. At the same time, he loved collecting McDonald’s Happy Meal toys and wore sweat pants any day he could get away with it. None of these things are a contradiction; they made him who he was. Unique.

It’s done! I’m so pleased to announce that Blood and Circuses is finished and launching today (officially) at the Central Canada Comic Con (C4) in Winnipeg. Read more about Blood and Circuses here. I’ll be in Artist Alley on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, if anyone wants to drop by and say hi! Plus, there’s an […]

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Trying to balance writing with parenthood can be difficult, especially with high-intensity kids and a full-time job. Get some #WriteTip Tuesday inspiration with another alphabet entry.

The post K is for Kids appeared first on Aliya Smyth.

What's a writer to do when faced with both bills to pay and stories to tell? Get your dream on with this entry for #WriteTip Tuesday

The post J is for Job vs. Dream: Fight! appeared first on Aliya Smyth.

Well what the heck is intertextuality? And why is it important to writers? Get your twenty-five cent word right here! #WriteTip Tuesday

The post I is for Intertextuality appeared first on Aliya Smyth.

Getting your reader to bite into your story is a true challenge. Get hooked with this #WriteTip Tuesday article for authors in agony.

The post H is for Hooks appeared first on Aliya Smyth.

Genre is the Lego of of the writer's playroom. You can build the sets according to the instructions, or create a brilliant mash-up! Check out this #WriteTip Tuesday article.

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Do your characters swear? Should they? You fucking bet they should! I mean, if it's in character ... #WriteTip F in the Author's Alphabet.

The post F is for Fuck and Other Swears appeared first on Aliya Smyth.