It was a pleasure to meet with a book club at Point Ellice House, the setting of Trappings’ story. We had an engaging discussion about the first owners of this Victorian house, ranging from domestic to dynastic power plays. In the evening ambience, the halls where the characters walked before us seemed part of the …
Readings and author events
Historical Fiction Panel
Hosted by the Victoria Writers’ Society, I’m pleased to participate in a panel discussing the writing of historical stories. Audience questions welcomed. Please join local authors in exploring the past, April 7th, 7pm. https://victoriawriters.ca/april-2021-meeting/
Imagining Historical Victoria
It was a pleasure to talk with upcoming historians at UVic, about the writer’s process of shaping a narrative around the limited facts available for historical women. Fittingly, we spoke on International Women’s Day. https://bcbooklook.com/2021/02/23/imagining-historical-victoria/
Trappings read for Public History
For the new year, I’m delighted to have Trappings included as a course text for a graduate seminar in Public History, at the University of Victoria. I spoke to a Public History seminar several years ago about my first historical novel and thoroughly enjoyed meeting engaged historians. This time it will be a remote meeting, …
Isla Spotlight
My historical books are featured on the Isla Spotlight, a platform to highlight creators on Vancouver Island. Looking to buy local in this strangest of years? Isla shines its light on a wide range of artists and small businesses. https://www.islaspotlight.ca/artists/vanessa-winn-2/
Reading at Point Ellice
As part of a virtual launch, I had a joint reading with author Edeana Malcolm at Point Ellice House. My reading from Trappings took place in the parlour where the first chapter is set — very evocative of the era. Video by Richard Tsing Hum. Edeana’s reading is linked in the description.
Trappings launch
New novel, Trappings, released
Trappings, a new historical novel, has recently been released in Apple Books. Based on real people and events, it’s a story of first love and second chances, in an era when women only got one chance: the 19th Century. https://books.apple.com/ca/book/trappings/id1512512874
Tango Tea in Port Townsend
In historic Port Townsend, I will be the DJ at this month’s Tango Tea. Golden Age music in a very Victorian town. http://www.tangopt.com/
Women’s History Month
October is Women’s History Month. Who are the women behind the records in the BC Archives? I’m pleased to be discussing some stories of strong, resilient women, who walked these streets long before they were paved. Sunday, October 29th, 1 pm. With archivist Genevieve Weber and genealogist Diane Rogers. https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/events/calendar/event/105512/womens-history-month-talk-women-bc-archives