Teller of Stories

Bringing Life Stories to the Page.

Every story is different, and so is the way it’s told.

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Hi

I’m Barbara

A Writer and

A Storyteller

Real lives — the moments, memories, and turning points that shape who we are, will forever fascinate me.

During my 20 years working at the newswires, The Canadian Press and Reuters, I learned how to listen closely, ask the right questions, and find the story beneath the surface. It is a skill that allows me to dig deeper, to understand what is at the core, where is the heart, and what makes a story intriguing to audiences.

I’m the author of Hope by Terry Fox, a widely recognized and celebrated book that tells one of Canada’s most important stories. By interviewing the people who met or knew Terry, we get a closer understanding of who he was as a person, and how he was able to do what most thought impossible.

Today, I work with individuals, families, and organizations to shape their experiences into meaningful, lasting narratives — whether for publication, for family, or for legacy. I believe the best stories are revealed carefully, and told with passion and authenticity. This is your living story.

My role is to discover your story details  through interviews with yourself and others, collect documents, and images and then shape what’s there into a beautiful piece that will commorate you in your lifetime and beyond.


Services

Ghost Writing

Ghostwriters give guidance to help you when you don’t know where to begin. With helpful conversations that bring out elements of your story you may have forgotten and collaboration to put it all together with authenticity. 

Milestones & Legacies

Preserving history, be it a generational family story, or the story of how a business has grown and changed over decades, or a collection of stories from loved ones about you to mark a milestone, by curating documents, letters and photos. Capturing your story bound in a beautiful book, forever. 

Inspirational Talks that Motivate

With Hope as our foundation, we can do as Terry did in making our ordinary lives into something extraordinary. He did not do it alone. You can empower yourself, map your path, and learn the first step to reach your goals and move mountains.

Belle-Lettres

Belles-Lettres is a French phrase meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘fine’ writing. Words put together as art with style; playful, satirical, humourus and fun. 

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Hope Terry Fox

Hope by Terry Fox

Featuring excerpts from Terry’s very own Marathon of Hope journal, Hope by Terry Fox shares the untold story of a well known hero ― the goofy, resilient, and courageous 21-year-old who rallied a nation behind his mission.

In 1976, when Terry Fox was just eighteen years old, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and his right leg was amputated just above the knee. It quickly became his mission to help cure cancer so others would not have to endure what he had gone through. He dreamed up a Marathon of Hope ― a fundraising run across Canada, from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia. 5,300 miles.

After conducting over fifty interviews with people throughout Terry’s life ― ranging from his siblings, nurses, and coaches to volunteers during the Marathon of Hope ― Barbara discovers how Terry was able to run a marathon a day. Through their stories, passages from Terry’s marathon journal, and over 200 photos and documents, Hope by Terry Fox shows that with enough resilience, determination, humility, and support, ordinary people can do impossible things.

“A masterful look into the character and life of Terry Fox, the human, as told by those closest to him. Terry’s impact on my life was significant. My hope is that you’ll see there is a bit of Terry Fox in all of us.”

Rick Hansen, founder, Rick Hansen Foundation

“This book shows why the Terry Fox story never fades. It’s a real-life drama driven by a dream in a mission of hope. Canadian to its core.”

Lloyd Robertson, Canadian national news anchor

“Terry Fox is my hero. I will always admire his humility and courage. Terry continues to inspire me and so many others every day."

Darryl Sittler, Hockey Hall of Fame NHL player

“I know how much of an impact Terry had on my life and I know he inspired millions more, but this book digs even deeper with raw emotion from everyone he encountered. This book shows why Terry is a hero."

Jay Triano, former NBA head coach of the Toronto Raptors

Non-Fiction Bestseller

International Award Winner

Readers Ratings

5/5

4.3/5

4.6/5

Where to Purchase