Trappings was reviewed by historical author Valerie Green in The Ormsby Review, a journal of in-depth coverage of BC’s books. Trappings takes place in the early Colonial days of British Columbia and excellently portrays those challenging times — most especially for women. Vanessa Winn’s vivid scenes are beautifully depicted… Kate’s tragic story is presented by …
Book Review
Trappings was reviewed in the Victoria Writers’ Society News, by VWS President Edeana Malcolm: Trappings is a book that will please anyone who loves local Victoria history but wants it told in a novel way… Winn grounds her novel in extensive research, even providing a bibliography at the end. Every …
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/
Interview with Bonnie Way
Delighted to be interviewed by Bonnie Way, a Vancouver blogger, writer, and mom. I also learned a little more about her. We share an interest in fur trader and explorer David Thompson, who is connected to the history of Mrs. Josette (Lagacé) Work, one of the formidable matriarchs in Trappings. And Bleak House and Middlemarch, …
Point Ellice House blog
Point Ellice House: an inspiration for Trappings. Despite the serenity of this beautiful Victorian home, life for its first owners was far from peaceful. To learn more about their story, have a look at this guest blog. Even better, visit this National Heritage Site, a tucked-away gem of the 19th century, and imagine their lives …
BC BookLook
Trappings listed in BC BookLook’s Who’s Who: https://bcbooklook.com/w-is-for-vanessa-winn/
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.