Fuelled by ambition and lots of caffeine, about a quarter million would-be authors worldwide have taken up the annual challenge to hammer out a novel’s first draft in one month. Here, we gauge the value of this procrastinator’s hell.

Devoted Harry Potter fans are making their favourite sport, Quidditch, a reality—and a North American sensation. While their broomsticks can’t fly, their love for the boy hero more than bears them along.

Toronto fashion designer David Dixon has built an empire for himself in a home market far from Paris and New York. What’s the story behind the talented Mr. Dixon and his distinctly Canadian success?

Ottawa’s Vanier neighbourhood, although plagued historically by social problems and bad reputation, is now positioned for dramatic ascent, observers say.  Why some are calling it our ‘next Westboro’.

The fastest growing non-immigrant religion in North America is Wicca, derived partly from pre-Christian paganism.  Here, a look at a new faith’s drive for acceptance.

Move over, Vancouver.  The fastest-growing Canadian destination for ‘runaway’ U.S. movies is now Ottawa—yes, Ottawa—which saw $50 million in foreign film production in late 2010 alone.  Here a glimpse at the capital’s surprising new supporting role.