michael dargie · author · calgary
Writer,
in suburbia,
mostly.
Author of BrandJitsu® (Dundurn Press). At work on PitchJitsu™: Opening Minds and Wallets (2027) and the Dean Shield novels — Pacific Northwest crime fiction, mostly wet. Keeping notes on work, home, and the slow art of paying attention.
one hundred days
writing 36 · doodles 36 of 100
Available now
BrandJitsu
A practical book
A practical guide to the discipline of building a brand that actually sticks — written for founders, marketers, and creatives who want to stop chasing trends and start leaving a mark.
recent articles
all articles ↗- 100 Days — Writing
The Island
We're looking at moving to the island eventually, and I've decided the best strategy is to get in the way of the Universe and see what happens. Some of these homes are stunning. Some left me stunned.
- 100 Days — Doodling
Wall Lizard
This is a precise rendering of the European Wall Lizard, or, Podarcis muralis if you prefer to be all fancy and Latin and stuff. There are now no fewer than eight bazillion of them in the Greater Victoria Area.
- 100 Days — Doodling
The Chair
It isn't like there aren't four of these, but there is one in particular that I have imprinted on and I'm willing to wait for.
- 100 Days — Writing
Canadian Nemesis
I woke up early to beat my nemesis, Bob, to the good chair by the fire. He has never once beaten me by less than a comfortable margin, and he has never once looked like he was trying.
the library · 183 pieces · 87,391 words
Eight categories,
one hundred and eighty-three pieces.
- 100 Days — WritingA piece of writing a day for one hundred days — small, finished things, shipped before they get precious. Showing up at the desk on a schedule and letting momentum do what waiting for the muse never has. Some will sing. Some hum. All will ship.
- 100 Days — DoodlingA doodle a day for one hundred days — getting the doodle engine back up and running. Learning, exploring, experimenting on a schedule, because consistency matters more than perfection. Pen first, dignity second.
- EssaysLong-form pieces on memory, attention, and the quiet practice of writing.
- AdventuresTravel, motorcycles, and the wide shape of a well-spent life.
- Camp CovidDispatches from hotel quarantine — one small room, many rooms inside it.
- Work & CreativityBuilding things, shipping them, and starting again.
- Life at HomeSuburbs, routines, roasted chickens, and the small comedy of cohabitation.
- The Writer's DeskChair, cursor, and the occasional Elden Ring death.