Alumni Book Nook: Dr. Jack Stilborn (BA’69, ARTS’70, PhD)

University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumnus Dr. Jack Stilborn (BA’69, ARTS’70, PhD) has had a keen interest in politics since his days as a political studies student in the 1960s in USask’s College of Arts and Science. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts (honours) degree at USask in 1970, Stilborn went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in politics and philosophy at Oxford University and a PhD in political science at Western University. He then served as a policy analyst with Canada’s federal public service, as a research analyst with the Library of Parliament, and as an intergovernmental affairs specialist with the Ontario government. He and his partner, Linda, raised three children.

Now retired and living in Ottawa, Ont., Stilborn is active as a volunteer board director, a book club coordinator, and a writer who enjoys travelling, kayaking, cycling, and swimming. In September 2025, his first book—a novel titled The Tyranny of Good Intentions—was released by Chicken House Press.

The Green&White asked Stilborn about what inspired him to write the book and his advice for aspiring novelists. 

What is the focus of your new book?

The Tyranny of Good Intentions is a satirical novel about love, death, and a great deal of politics on a condominium board of directors that illustrates challenges of political life.

What inspired you to write this book?

At a certain point in my work as a volunteer director on various small organization boards I began to see resemblances to realities apparent in my day job, where I worked as a researcher for Parliament.

This is your first book. Why did you want to write a novel?

I’ve dabbled at novel-writing for most of my adult life but often put them aside in midstream. Frankly, I consider tossing them one of my contributions to literature. However, I simply enjoy the process, which is similar to daydreaming except that it demands greater care about words. It was only when The Tyranny of Good Intentions was well along that it began to look like a novel. Then I thought, “Hey, I should see if I could get it published.”

What did you learn through the writing process?

I have found it rewarding in several ways. First, it requires careful scrutiny of language, and this feeds back into scrutiny of the thinking that I am trying to express. So, I think it helps me to think carefully, and creatively also. Second, it has had an impact on how I read. I am more aware that each sentence I am reading reflects a decision by the author to include it and express it the way it has been written. So now my reading tends to be an exploration of these questions, as I’m reading. I find this enriches my experience of reading. Third, combined with the feedback I get from a writers’ group I belong to, it has made me more aware that whatever is happening in my head is only the beginning, after which I have to think about how somebody else will experience what I have written, and make sure it communicates.

Why would you recommend your book to USask alumni?

My mission is to provoke thought while giving people some laughs. Alumni are well-equipped to do both. Alumni can also read, and do.

What are five adjectives that you would use to describe your book?

Satirical, funny, thought-provoking, warm, and humanistic.

What has the reader response been to your book been so far?

So far, people are very positive. They seem to find it quite hilarious, especially those who have been involved in politics or small volunteer boards. Of course, the people I know are generally very polite, so I have to keep that in mind.

What is your advice for other aspiring novelists?

I think the most important thing is to get on with writing something and then seek feedback. Reading other work can nourish one's writing. I think imitating other styles can be instructive, as a learning experience, if it helps you to find your own voice by contrast with others.