Local author chases sunbeams in new book

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 1, 2024.

Submitted photo - Local author Scott Paul stands with a copy of his first novel The Sunbeam Room at the remaining wall of the old Galt Hospital.

In 2023, a retired lawyer and local author Scott Paul travelled 6,000 kilometres across Canada for the sake of his recently released novel “The Sunbeam Room.”

An excerpt from the book showcases the exact incident that would jump start an unexpected adventure for the main character, and change his life for better or for worse:

“Yes, storms were coming, one brewed by Mother Nature and one she had set in motion. Time would tell if her storm nurtured or destroyed her two children- the son she had raised and the daughter she had given up.”

The story’s main character, Digger, a 61-year-old unemployed heavy equipment operator, drives to Ottawa to honour his dying mother’s last wish to hand deliver a letter to Sarah, the daughter she gave up for adoption.

“Sarah and Digger couldn’t be more different in life experience, politics and geography,” Paul said in an interview this week.

“But now, they are suddenly siblings and the novel poses the question of how do they ever find common ground. The book explores loss, forgiveness, redemption and hope in a post-pandemic world.”

The book’s title refers to the children’s ward in the Galt Hospital, now museum, with big windows that allowed the sun to beam it’s ray’s into, allowing a cascade of light to filter in.

“Sarah is born at the Galt and for one day only Digger’s mother Carolyn held her newborn child in the Sunbeam Room,” said Paul.

Readers will recognize other Lethbridge settings, like the Galt Gardens, the downtown post office and the public library.

“I’ve lived in Lethbridge for over 30 years, and the city is fertile ground for storytelling.”

Scott was raised on a family farm near Brooks and this upbringing influenced the book.

“Digger laments the passing of an era, turkey shoots in the community hall, grain elevators, stolen kisses at chaperoned dances, and farm machinery auctions- all things I grew up with, too.”

The author credits his daughter Julilla for inspiring him to write the book.

“Best Christmas present ever. The online creative writing course led to more courses and building a local and online writing community. Professor Shayne Dahl and I formed a writer’s group that meets twice a month at Analog Books.”

What’s next for the lawyer-turned-paperback writer?

“Something entirely different, but still set in Southern Alberta. I’m putting the final touches on a murder mystery set in Lethbridge.”

You can learn more about the author on his website at

http://www.scottpaul.ca/. Here you can find his book touring dates and further information about Scott Paul.