Beyond the Story

One of the pleasures of being a writer is the unexpected discovery of fascinating lore. Sometimes characters need to jig for capelin, make chalk, administer a needle or sell a gopher tail, which means I need to learn how to do these things as well. Old newspapers, catalogs, photographs, and archival material can sometimes send me on wild tangents for days. But the trip is worth it. Click on the links below for some fun facts and video that will take you beyond the story.

Robin has a hard time with one particular jump - the double tour en l'air. Click here to see how it's done.

Watch a short film about the fateful night the the S.S. Noronic burned here.

Are mummers real? Take a look! And click here to listen to an Ugly Stick concert.

What’s faster – Morse Code or text messaging? Take a guess then watch this video!

Join the sandbagging line with these flood fighters in 1997.

Ella’s not the only one who likes to take pictures. Everybody has a digital camera these days. But imagine having to wait to see your photographs?! Check out this great site about the Brownie camera.

Learn more about the history of the Blackfoot people.

Even if you don’t live in Alberta, you can still visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre.

Did Sophie’s description of making maple syrup make you hungry for something sweet? Watch how maple syrup is made.