I thoroughly enjoyed discussing Local Historical Women with the Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The presentation touched on spirituality and spiritualism (as explored by a 19th century Unitarian). The thoughtful questions during the forum were engaging. Many thanks to Peter, Heather, Amanda, and Dick for the warm welcome and support, as well as to Leigh for …
Readings and author events
Book Club at Point Ellice
In September, the Goward House Book Club met at Point Ellice House for a stimulating discussion about Trappings and Point Ellice’s first residents during the turbulent 1860s. I appreciated the enthusiasm of readers who were immersed in the moving story of Kate (Work) and her husband, Charles Wentworth Wallace. Topics ranged from researching 19th-century women’s …
Book Club at Pt. Ellice
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 …
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