Natalee Caple's Blog

what could Calamity Jane Have Known

Hey so I was reading some of the reviews of In Calamity's Wake and I noticed one person had a question about whether or not Calamity Jane could have known that eating scabs could potentially immunize her against small pox. In fact immunization (or variolation) goes back at least to the 15th century in China and Africa and came to the US around the 17th century but was unpopular for religious reasons. The earliest forms were of inhaling powdered scabs. Could Calamity have known this? I don't know. I was looking for a reason why she felt comfortable caring for people with smallpox and why she never became infected. I propose two reasons why she would risk her life this way: that she had had it and survived but some loved ones had not survived and so she felt compelled to care for others going through what she remembered from her childhood. 2) that she had been told by someone (she has friends who are former slaves and friends in Chinatown and friends who are doctors) that this form of immunization exists even if it is not popular.

good reads or great readers?

The magic of good reads is seeing that my book is out there in people's hands being enjoyed. This is the first time I've really known that in such a specific and human individuals with names sort of way. It's very moving.

begging begging how embarrassing

Hey it's embarrassing to ask for support but something like this can make a big difference -- would you consider recommending In Calamity's Wake as a summer read? No worries if not. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/s...

Tell me what you think

I love hearing from readers so please tell me what you think and ask me anything (not that I will always know the answer).

So Excited About Toronto Book Launch!

Well I am so excited about the Toronto launch of In Calamity's Wake -- it will be an amazing fun time at the Victory Cafe April 11th!

Victory Cafe
581 Markham St
7 pm
Book Sales by Type Books

also appearing are the fabulous Jonathan Ball and Ailsa Kay!!!!!

Well, here goes

So what does one write in a blog? I guess I could talk about my current projects or about writing. I wonder what people would like to read? I wonder, as well, if I should write a satire next?