"I talk about speculative fiction in particular, as theory given characters and taken form. And so, rather than it just being like a theoretic concept out there somewhere, it becomes this very specific—here's a character that embodies this theory. Here's a world that embodies this theory. And then we play it out."

In this episode, Derek Newman-Stille discusses breaking down the classroom hierarchy, disrupting fairy tales, and the need for Disability Arts.

They discuss:

• Getting “a-ha!” moments through arts-based research, and sharing research insights in the public sphere (0:58)
• Moving past CanLit’s attachment to realism and creating a community for speculative writing through Speculating Canada, a digital humanities hub (4:55)
• Their Frankenstein fiction anthology We Shall Be Monsters and examining ways we project horror in an ableist society. (6:30)
• Helping students develop speculative worlds using the diversity of nature on planet Earth—including Birds of Paradise! (9:14) 
• Creating contemporary fairytales that make space for marginalized identities in their collection Whispers Between Fairies (13:00)
• Recognizing Disability Arts as part of creating a disability community and increasing accessibility (18:08)

Guest Bio:

Derek Newman-Stille is a PhD student at the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies at Trent University. Derek is a Queer, Nonbinary, Disabled activist, artist, author, and editor. They edited the two collections Over the Rainbow: Folk and Fairy Tales from the Margins (Exile) and We Shall Be Monsters (Renaissance Press) and they have a story in the all disabled collection Nothing Without Us (Renaissance Press). Their art has been featured in Lackington's Magazine and Postscripts to Darkness. Derek runs the 9 time Aurora Award winning digital humanities site Speculating Canada and the site Dis(Abled) Embodiment. Derek researches Canadian Urban Dark Fantasy and the use of the symbol of the monster for exploring the representation of disability issues. Derek is an artist of many mediums and their visual arts can be seen at www.dereknewmanstille.ca.

About the Podcast:

Parallel Careers is a monthly podcast about the dual lives of writers who teach. Few writers make their living from publication alone; many fill the gaps with teaching in both academic and community settings. Much of the work is precarious, and there are few opportunities for professional development.

Parallel Careers features writers with diverse practices and points of view—writers who are at the top of their game in both craft and pedagogy. Tune in to hear the big ideas and practical tips they take into their classrooms. Take their insights into your own class or craft.

Credits:

Parallel Careers is produced by Claire Tacon, in partnership with The New Quarterly Magazine. Erin MacIndoe Sproule is our Technical Producer and Story Editor. Music composed by Amadeo Ventura. Financial and in-kind support provided by the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, St. Jerome’s University, and the Government of Canada.

Access more free writing and teaching tips at:

tnq.ca/parallel