Archive: comedy

New Articles – Comedy Column for The Writer

I first came to The Writer Magazine back in the mid 90s when I was doing book and music reviews and was thinking about actually being a writer.

I was a fan first and then finally, after I sent them a bunch of letters (email was just getting going, folks) begging them to let me write for them, they let me start doing book reviews.

Fast forward to over a decade later and now they let sound off about the comedic happenings of a freelance writer (read: me).

Swoon.

Read the columns here.

Book News Update – The 30-Second Commute on iTunes!

I am so pleased that my book is available in more than book form, as many of you don’t have much time for reading the old-fashioned way anymore.

You can get an e-book version and PDF version,  and audiobook – one for your Kindle, one for your mp3 player and now it is available on iTunes.  Listen while you’re driving, ironing or cleaning up your inbox.

Listen on your iPad or iPod.  iDon’t mind what you use, as long as you listen to it.

Book News – The 30-Second Commute in Japanese

Okay, so it’s not in Japanese, but check out Junkudo, where my book is available in between Arena, a book about “In the wake of the end of the Cold War and worldwide protests against corporate globalization， anarchism continues to attract new adherents among both aging leftists and new generations of young radicals,” and Case Files Pediatrics.

How cool is that?!

Photo – The 30-Second Commute Reading & Book Signing

The author reflects on U.S. President Barack Obama’s economic policy. She claims that Obama’s New Deal-style socio-economic approach, which focuses on domesticating capitalism, is causing problems for the business sector.

Nah.  I’m just talking about music and stuff…

Photo – Janice Dickinson Has Written 3 Books? I’ve Got Some Work to Do

Photo – Hopefully Not the Last Time I’ll Be Wedged in Between Janice Dickinson and Joan Didion

Photo – The 30-Second Commute at McNally Robinson

I had the most amazing margarita in the cafe upstairs before the reading.

Photo – The 30-Second Commute Makes it onto the Table at Indigo!

And beside Dan Hill, no less.

Book News – The 30-Second Commute is now Available on CD!

You can now browse through my book online!  You can also buy an audio copy—listen on your iPod, mp3 player, in the car or on your computer!  Get it on CD or download an mp3 file to start listening right away!

Or you can get it the old-fashioned way, paper – that way you get the photos!  The 30 Second Commute: A Non Fiction Comedy About Writing and Working From Home -  BUY YOUR COPY NOW!

See more in Book News!

Photo – My Book Makes it into the Strand

Thanks to my good friends Allison and Eddie for taking this.  It made my day year.

Photo – Book Launch for The 30-Second Commute

Writing Sample – Stalking Rick Mercer

Stalking Rick Mercer

Copyright © Stephanie Dickison 2006.

I have a thing for celebrities. I know that they are just regular folks spending their days making music videos, television shows and movies. But they have something that the regular person is lacking. That special something. That’s what’s fascinating.

I live in a neighbourhood that houses a lot of celebrities. But none more fascinating than Toronto’s own Rick Mercer. He is not only sexy, but smart. He can talk politics at the drop of a hat and has no fear in talking to anyone – He has skated with Belinda Stronach and driven a huge oil rig. What is there left to do, Rick?

So, it is with this fascination that I spent a couple of months observing Rick Mercer, the man behind the celebrity. You know, for strictly anthropological purposes.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005.

Rick leaves the house with blue recycling box in hand. He drops it at the lawn’s corner and walks east to where our neighbourhood’s shops and cafes are. I see that he is a big white wine drinker.

Big.

Tsk tsk, Rick. And on a work night too… Does Gerald know about this?

Thursday, October 27, 2005.

Apparently the Mercer accountant has visited because there is a large, clear plastic bag filled with shredded documents. Rick, don’t you trust your neighbours? We are Canadians, politely appreciating you from afar, giving your space and privacy. What is that? $400 for appetizers and drinks at Jamie Kennedy’s? Or is it, it couldn’t be $4,000?!? Where is my scotch tape?

Sunday, November 6, 2005.

On my nightly walk, I pass by Rick’s house. The light’s are out, his car is gone. Hmm. He has Monday Report to do. Why isn’t at home working? Where could he be? Is he all right? Maybe he’s just napping. I walk as lightly as possible to the side window, which I gather is his living room. I try not to crunch down into the driveway as I press up on my tippy toes. I can’t see anything but a couch and a piano. I wonder if he plays. He doesn’t really have the hands for it, but I bet he has a musical ear, can play anything that he’s heard only once. I think he did play once for Paul Martin, now that I think of it.

I move down the driveway, peering in windows, looking for clues. There is a note on the refrigerator, held up by a very expensive magnet (he really must learn to manage his money better). Are these instructions for the housekeeper while he is away? I can’t read it and have left my Land’s End binoculars at home. Think, Dickison. Think. Did I absorb all of that military training for nothing? I take out a meal replacement bar. It’s going to be a long night.

Later that same Sunday, November 6, 2005.

It’s 2:36 a.m. and I am awakened by a car on approach down the driveway. I scatter into the nearby bush (Sheridan Gardens Blue Fir – $290). I don’t want to bother Rick. He’s just a regular guy like you and I. He gets out of his car (Saab – 1999), takes out his keys (Key fob includes an Esso swipe key, a Newfoundland flag and a picture of Jack Layton) and approaches the front door. I come out of the bush, arms flailing, and wailing like a baby bird shrieking for food. I run all the way home.

Monday, November 7, 2005.

I take a new route to the store today. Just for today. No reason, really. Just wanted a change is all. Is that Rick Mercer buying water at Sam’s Milk? What kind of water does he like? Is he a Fiji man like Jennifer Aniston, or does he like old school evian like Rachel McAdams? I reach into my pocket for my binoculars…