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# Vanessa Winn

A u t h o r

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://vanessawinn.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Posts](https://vanessawinn.com/posts/)
- [Campbell River Genealogy 40th Celebration](https://vanessawinn.com/campbell-river-genealogy-40th-celebration/) - Looking forward to speaking at the Campbell River Genealogy Society's 40th anniversary. On Saturday, April 18th, I'll be sharing my research on 'Fur-trade Family Trails.' The event theme is Migration Trails. We'll be celebrating and exploring the many people who call Canada home.
- [Review: From Primitive Shack to Premier's Wife](https://vanessawinn.com/review-of-from-primitive-shack-to-premiers-wife/) - Glad to review Victoria author Valerie Green's latest historical novel in The BC Review. Extensively researched, From Primitive Shack to Premier's Wife: The Constance Davie Story explores the marital influence behind the eighth premier of British Columbia, Alexander Davie. Constance Skinner Davie represents the many untold women who were influential in the background of a
- [National Award for Métis Matriarchs](https://vanessawinn.com/national-award-for-metis-matriarchs/) - The Canadian Historical Association awarded Métis Matriarchs: Agents of Transition with the Indigenous History Book Prize. Thankful for the editors and all the contributors that the collection received national recognition. It was an honour to have participated in bringing Josette Lagacé Work's story to a wider audience. https://cha-shc.ca/prize-winner/cheryl-troupe-doris-jeanne-mackinnon-katsitsakwas-ellen-gabriel-sean-carleton/ https://artsandscience.usask.ca/news/articles/10845/USask_historians_honoured_with_national_awards
- [Interview with The BC Review](https://vanessawinn.com/interview-with-the-bc-review/) - Pleased to speak to The BC Review about my research and writing of BC history. On the site of the Tolmie fur-trade estate, Editor Trevor Marc Hughes asked engaging questions. Thankful to share my inspiration for bringing the past alive, including my current muse. Victoria author Vanessa Winn tells The British Columbia Review about how
- [Review of Métis Matriarchs](https://vanessawinn.com/review-of-metis-matriarchs/) - Victoria author Linda Rogers has reviewed Métis Matriarchs: Agents of Transition. Reviewed in the comprehensive journal The BC Review, the book features case studies of matriarchs from across Western Canada. I was honoured to contribute a chapter that focuses on Josette Work, the only subject to reside in BC. As Roger notes, she was described
- [Métis Matriarchs book release](https://vanessawinn.com/metis-matriarchs-agents-of-transition-book-release-coming-soon/) - Honoured to have contributed a chapter to Métis Matriarchs: Agents of Transition, released by University of Regina Press in September. My chapter studies the life of Josette Lagacé Work, the matriarch featured in my historical novels. The wife of HBC Chief Factor John Work, she ensured the survival of her large family and community through
- [Review of Tomorrow, The McBride Chronicles](https://vanessawinn.com/review-of-tomorrow-the-mcbride-chronicles/) - Glad for the opportunity to review Tomorrow, the awaited fourth book of The McBride Chronicles, by Victoria author Valerie Green. This time, Green tackles more recent history in mid-twentieth century Victoria, BC. She skilfully weaves continuity through generations of the McBride settler family as they face new challenges ahead. Green offers a vital and hopeful
- [Review of The McBride Chronicles](https://vanessawinn.com/review-of-the-mcbride-chronicles/) - Victoria writer Valerie Green has continued her McBride family saga with Destiny and Legacy. Following her debut novel Providence, she impressively weaves generations together through the turn of the century to the World Wars. In both British Columbia and Europe, her captivating characters face revelations and tragedies. She has created vibrant women who must overcome
- [Historical Women talk for Unitarians](https://vanessawinn.com/historical-women-talk-for-unitarians/) - 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
- [Review of Keepers of the Garden](https://vanessawinn.com/review-of-keepers-of-the-garden/) - Drawn to novels based on real people and events, I was enthusiastic about reading A. S. Rodlie's Keepers of the Garden for The BC Review. There aren't many novels focussed on early fur trade history of the Pacific Northwest, making this one particularly intriguing. Having some familiarity with the few sources of the doomed Pacific
- [Book Club at Point Ellice](https://vanessawinn.com/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
- [BC Review of historical novel Providence](https://vanessawinn.com/bc-review-of-historical-novel-providence/) - I was delighted to have the opportunity to review historian Valerie Green's debut novel, Providence, for The British Columbia Review. An author of over 20 non-fiction titles, Green deftly blends fact and fiction in this vivid portrayal of colonial British Columbia. Set in the mid-19th-century, the engaging story captures the spirit of hope and desperation
- [Blarney Book Club reads Trappings](https://vanessawinn.com/blarney-book-club-reads-trappings/) - I thoroughly enjoyed discussing Trappings with the Blarney Book Club, an Edmonton-Victoria group of dedicated readers. They met in the book store business 25 years ago! It was an honour to have them read my historical novel on their anniversary year. Our engaging talk ranged from my writing and research process, to the many mourning
- [Book Club at Pt. Ellice](https://vanessawinn.com/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
- [Short story Longlisted](https://vanessawinn.com/short-story-longlisted/) - Honoured to have my short story, Asylum, longlisted in the UK, for the Historical Writers' Association Dorothy Dunnett Competition. "All the writers longlisted here show not just talent, but passion and sensitivity and an ability to bring the past and its people to life in rich and vivid prose." http://www.historiamag.com/hwa-dd-2021-longlist/
- [Miramichi Reader Review](https://vanessawinn.com/miramichi-reader-review/) - Naomi MacKinnon's review of Trappings was re-posted in The Miramichi Reader, a journal that "highlights noteworthy books and authors across Canada from coast to coast to coast." https://miramichireader.ca/2021/09/trappings-by-vanessa-winn/
- [Trappings in The Ormsby Review](https://vanessawinn.com/trappings-in-the-ormsby-review/) - 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
- [Consumed by Ink review](https://vanessawinn.com/consumed-by-ink-review/) - Trappings received an insightful review in Nova Scotia by Naomi MacKinnon. Shining a light on Canadian women's history, she appreciates the coast-to-coast ties of the Wentworth Wallace family, who fled Halifax under scandal to start over in BC. In her words: You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this book ... Some
- [BC BookLook](https://vanessawinn.com/bc-booklook/) - Trappings listed in BC BookLook's Who's Who: https://bcbooklook.com/w-is-for-vanessa-winn/
- [Book Review](https://vanessawinn.com/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](https://vanessawinn.com/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](https://vanessawinn.com/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](https://vanessawinn.com/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](https://vanessawinn.com/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](https://vanessawinn.com/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,
- [Blog review of Trappings](https://vanessawinn.com/blog-review-of-trappings/) - Vancouver blogger and mom, Bonnie Way, reviews Trappings. Around a sturdy structure of historical facts, she wove a beautiful tapestry of emotions and motives, making Kate come alive for modern readers... Whether you’re a lover of historical fiction or curious to know more about British Columbia, I recommend both The Chief Factor’s Daughter and Trappings. Her
- [Point Ellice House blog](https://vanessawinn.com/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
- [Trappings launch](https://vanessawinn.com/trappings-launch/) - Trappings, a new historical novel of 19th century British Columbia, is now available and distributed in Canada by Red Tuque Books.
- [Webinar Launch](https://vanessawinn.com/webinar-launch/) - If you missed it, the webinar launch of Trappings, and Edeana Malcolm’s novel House of Crows, was recorded and is available to view here. Both books are available at Munro’s Books and Bolen Books in Victoria BC. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/tfIocI7ZxF5Icq-VxGjTHbYuApjJaaa8hHdM__EJnkZC2p0fSJ7fm9o6_B-ElWiq Password: mc+z10ng
- [Reading at Point Ellice](https://vanessawinn.com/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.
- [New novel, Trappings, released](https://vanessawinn.com/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
- [Salt Spring Tango Class](https://vanessawinn.com/salt-spring-tango-class/) - Pleased to be helping Salt Springs' newest dancers begin their tango journey. October 29th, 8 pm. All Saints by the Sea Church.
- [Salt Spring Island Milonga](https://vanessawinn.com/salt-spring-island-milonga/) - Saturday, March 16th, I am honoured to be the DJ for Salt Spring's monthly milonga with guest teacher Sandra Naccache from Buenos Aires and Montreal. She will teach the preceding class at 2:45. Milonga at 4pm, All Saints by the Sea church.
- [January Tango](https://vanessawinn.com/january-tango/) - First Salt Spring class of 2019 is Tuesday, January 15th. Featured orchestra leader is Osvaldo Fresedo, and the focus will be using the closed side of the embrace. Practica to follow. In Victoria, I will DJ the Los Amigos milonga on Saturday, January 26th. Golden age music. Church of Truth, Superior St.
- [Tango Tea in Port Townsend](https://vanessawinn.com/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](https://vanessawinn.com/womens-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
- [Story Short-listed for Federation of BC Writers' Contest](https://vanessawinn.com/story-short-listed-for-federation-of-bc-writers-contest/) - Delighted to have my story "Evacuated" on the short list for the Federation of BC Writers' 2017 Summer Contest. It recalls an eventful visit to Alberta a few years ago. http://www.bcwriters.ca/
- [The Chief Factor's Daughter featured in Booksmack](https://vanessawinn.com/the-chief-factors-daughter-featured-in-booksmack/) - The Chief Factor's Daughter was a favourite pick at the Greater Victoria Public Library's Booksmack event at the Belfry this spring. Librarians give speed reviews of their favourite books. This looks like a fun event, where librarians also showcase their sense of humour! I'll get to one in future... http://gvpl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Belfry-Booksmack-April-24-2017.pdf
- [Salt Spring Island Tango](https://vanessawinn.com/salt-spring-island-tango/) - Delighted to continue offering Beginner tango classes on Salt Spring Island, about once a month. Next date, July 25th, 7:30 pm. Preceding the practica -- now on Tuesday nights, at All Saints Church in Ganges. Also for dancers wishing to revisit the basics, plus added variations. Please see Por el Amor del Tango - Salt
- [Sunday beginners tango classes](https://vanessawinn.com/sunday-beginners-tango-classes/) - Curious about Argentine tango? A cooperative team of local tango teachers are sharing a group beginners class, 7 pm Sundays, at the Martin Batchelor Gallery. I am pleased to be participating again on May 28th. Drop-ins welcome. http://alivetangovictoria.ca/classes-and-workshops/
- [Salt Spring Island March Tango Workshop](https://vanessawinn.com/salt-spring-island-march-tango-workshop/) - On beautiful Salt Spring Island, I'm pleased to be teaching a workshop on Followers' technique, including walking, contra-body, and adornos. March 18th, 2:45 pm. Leads are welcome to join us at 3:25, while we focus on creating opportunities for embellishments. All Saints by the Sea Church. Guest DJ, at Salt Spring's very welcoming Milonga, 4
- [UVic Library Acquisition](https://vanessawinn.com/uvic-library-acquisition/) - While The Chief Factor's Daughter has been available at libraries across the continent (and in Zurich!) since its release, it has recently been acquired by the University of Victoria's McPherson Library. http://voyager.library.uvic.ca/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=3739211
- [Public History Discussion](https://vanessawinn.com/public-history-discussion/) - In the new year, I'm pleased to be speaking to a Public History seminar at the University of Victoria, about the process of writing historical "fiction". This graduate course explores how people gain a sense of history outside of the classroom, including by reading novels.
- ["Called Away":  Death & Mourning in Colonial Victoria](https://vanessawinn.com/called-away-death-mourning-in-colonial-victoria/) - In keeping with the fall season, I'll be sharing local stories of departing life and Victorian-era traditions, from widow's weeds to Postmortem portraits. October 15th, at Ross Bay Villa -- currently decorated in mourning for its own departed. http://rossbayvilla.org/
- [Poem in Quilliad Press](https://vanessawinn.com/poem-in-quilliad-press/) - My poem, "Garry Oak", is being published in the Fall issue of Quilliad Press, to be launched October 22nd in Toronto. Inspired by the haunting beauty and fantastic shapes of these native oaks (named for a deputy governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, and sometimes called Oregon Oak in the US), the poem celebrates this
- [Goward House Book Club](https://vanessawinn.com/goward-house-book-club/) - The Chief Factor's Daughter was October's read for the book club at Goward House. A former home, this beautiful 1908 heritage site was converted to an activity centre and arts venue. I welcome invitations to attend book club meetings and discuss this historical novel with readers. Gazette newsletter, p. 2. http://www.gowardhouse.com/GazetteFile/Gazette.pdf
- [Women on the Edge of Gold](https://vanessawinn.com/women-on-the-edge-of-gold/) - How were women impacted by the discoveries of gold in British Columbia? The Royal BC Museum's Live@lunch talk, October 7th, will reveal some remarkable women of fur-trade families in Victoria, and their resilience in facing the dramatic changes of the Gold Rush. http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/events/live-lunch-women-on-the-edge-of-gold/
- [RBC Museum Golden Reads Book Club](https://vanessawinn.com/rbc-museum-golden-reads-book-club/) - In partnership with the Greater Victoria Public Library, the Royal BC Museum is hosting a Golden Reads Book Club to further explore their Gold Rush exhibit this summer. The Chief Factor's Daughter is August's Book of the Month. Readers from around the world are welcome to join in through GoodReads "RBCM Golden Reads" group. A
- [Newcomers meeting at Point Ellice House](https://vanessawinn.com/newcomers-meeting-at-point-ellice-house/) - This month the Victoria Newcomers' Heritage Club meets at Point Ellice House, to discuss the connections of this National Heritage Site with characters of The Chief Factor's Daughter. I look forward to meeting the club after they tour the house and gardens, a rare example of local Victorian history. This is an ongoing opportunity for
- [Tea & Tango in the Cowichan Valley](https://vanessawinn.com/tea-tango-in-the-cowichan-valley/) - It will be a pleasure to participate in this event at the unique TeaFarm in the Cowichan Valley on Saturday, April 25th. Celebrating the culture of Argentina with Yerba Mate tea and traditional sweets, this intimate evening includes the music and dance of tango, with Roland Grittani and myself. World-travelling tanguero and musician Roland will
- [Workshop on Gabriola Island](https://vanessawinn.com/workshop-on-gabriola-island/) - This Valentine's Day, February 14th, I am pleased to be joining Gwen Spinks on beautiful Gabriola Island, teaching a tango workshop in keeping with the spirit of the day. Preceded by Gwen's Feldenkrais for Dancers, and followed in the evening by Dances of Love & Seduction, with live music and DJ Gwen. Please visit: http://gwenspinks.com/events/argentine-tango-workshop/
- [Where Fact and Fiction Overlap](https://vanessawinn.com/where-fact-and-fiction-overlap/) - Review of The Private Journal of Captain G.H. Richards: The Vancouver Island Survey (1860-1862), mentions an overlap with The Chief Factor's Daughter, in the character of Lieutenant R.C. Mayne. http://canlit.ca/reviews/evangelizing_and_exploring Captain Richards' journal offers additional historical insights through supplemented journal excerpts from another junior officer, John Gowlland.
- [Tango Workshop in Crofton, September 21st](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-workshop-in-crofton-september-21st/) - I look forward to returning to Crofton to teach on Sunday, September 21st, 4 pm. The workshop will explore tango's rhythm, including accents, pauses, double time, and syncopation. Followed by the "Meet-in-the-Middle" Milonga, where dancers gather from across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. http://www.islandtango.ca/
- [Winner in the Burnaby Writers' Society 2014 Poetry Contest](https://vanessawinn.com/winner-in-the-burnaby-writers-society-2014-poetry-contest/) - My poem, Madrona sheds her skin, won an Honourable Mention in the Burnaby Writers' Society competition, with the theme of "Wood". This year's judge was Calvin Wharton, Chair of Creative Writing at Douglas College in New Westminster, BC. Winners and finalists are invited to read their entries at the society's Awards Night on October 21st.
- [Tango Performance at the University of Victoria](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-performance-at-the-university-of-victoria/) - This week, it was a pleasure to dance with Roland Grittani at the celebration for Dr. Oscar Casiro, retiring Dean of the Island Medical Program. The event was blessed with a sunny evening on the beautiful grounds of UVic's campus, and we especially appreciated the warm response from the audience. Following our dances, Dr. Casiro
- [Book Review by Victoria Miles](https://vanessawinn.com/book-review-by-victoria-miles/) - Award-winning author Victoria Miles reviews The Chief Factor's Daughter. Winn's is a convincing voice from a bygone era. In bringing colour and life to the very real families of colonial Victoria, she stays closely on the side of history... http://magnifico-victoria-miles.blogspot.ca/
- [RCLAS E-zine Special Contest Edition](https://vanessawinn.com/rclas-e-zine-special-contest-edition/) - The Royal City Literary Arts Society's June E-zine, Wordplay at work, features the winning entries from their Write On! Contest, including my poem, Western Bleeding Heart (p. 45). This page has the link to their online magazine. http://rclas.com/events/june-2014-rclas-e-zine-special-contest-edition-issue-16
- [Tango Workshop in Crofton, May 18th](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-workshop-in-crofton-may-18th/) - I am pleased to be offering another tango workshop at the Crofton Community Centre. The focus will be musicality (the essence of dance!), and techniques to express it. Although a 'led' dance, tango is most dynamic when both partners connect to the music together. I will be joined by Roland Grittani in exploring the styles
- [Runway Tango Class, May 25th](https://vanessawinn.com/runway-tango-class-may-25th/) - I will be teaching a warm-up class at Runway Tango this Sunday, May 25th, 2:30 - 3 pm. Catalina Grill House, 9800 McDonald Park Rd, Saanich. Developing the Connection: Increase awareness of your partner with some fun, simple exercises, including changing roles and communicating clearly with the upper-body frame. Milonga following, 3 - 7 pm.
- [Tea & Tango, in Cowichan Valley](https://vanessawinn.com/tea-tango-in-cowichan-valley/) - I will be performing tango at the TeaFarm in Cowichan Valley, April 26th, with Roland Grittani, who will also play accordion. Guests will get a taste of tango at this beautiful, rustic setting, where they grow their own tea! Now sold out. http://www.teafarm.ca/events/tea-tango/ And a short clip of the event... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=656821024388480&set=vb.149140658489855&type=2&theater
- [Poetry Win, RCLAS Write On! contest](https://vanessawinn.com/poetry-win/) - My poem, Western Bleeding Heart: Dicentra Formosa, won third place in the Royal City Literary Arts Society's "Write On!" contest. The winning entries will be published in their June magazine. This poem, in other variations, previously won two Honourable Mentions, so I'm delighted it has found a publishing home. http://rclas.com/ Article in the Royal
- [Book Club Meeting, April 15th](https://vanessawinn.com/book-club-meeting-april-15th/) - Next week I'll be meeting another book club who are reading The Chief Factor's Daughter. It's always interesting to hear questions and feedback directly from readers -- what touched them, who they wanted to learn more about, and sometimes, who they didn't like.
- [The Chief Factor's Daughter a course text at SFU](https://vanessawinn.com/the-chief-factors-daughter-a-course-text-at-sfu/) - Very happy to have The Chief Factor's Daughter chosen again as a course text for Simon Fraser University's History 436: British Columbia. It is recommended for the students' book review. I will be speaking to the class in Spring 2014. https://www.vancouver.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/history/Course%20Outlines/2014/Spring2014/H%20436.pdf
- [Author Interview and Book Club Questions](https://vanessawinn.com/author-interview-and-book-club-questions/) - Reader resources, including an author interview and discussion questions for book clubs: http://www.hgdistribution.com/pdf_resources/Winn_TW.pdf
- [Guest blog:  Margaret Work's politician granddaughter](https://vanessawinn.com/guest-blog-about-margaret-works-politician-granddaughter/) - While researching and writing a guest blog about Margaret Work's granddaughter, a U.S. Congresswoman, I was thrilled to learn that this distinguished politician and early feminist credited Margaret with inspiring her career! It seems my novel's heroine became an outspoken suffragist later in life. Dancing With the Octopus is a multi-media project that builds awareness
- [Tango Class with Roland Grittani, November 30th](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-class-with-roland-grittani-november-30th-2/) - This Saturday, I'm joining Roland Grittani teaching at Tango Vita. Upstairs Studio, 1303 Broad St. (at Yates), Victoria. November 30th, 8 pm. The basics: creating a beautiful dance with minimal steps, using musicality, grace, pauses, axis, and collection.
- [Book Club meeting November 2nd](https://vanessawinn.com/book-club-meeting-november-2nd/) - Looking forward to attending a book club dinner meeting, and discussing The Chief Factor's Daughter with readers in an informal setting.
- [Guest Speaker at the Hallmark Heritage Society, September 16th](https://vanessawinn.com/guest-speaker-at-the-hallmark-heritage-society-september-16th/) - At the AGM of the Hallmark Heritage Society, Monday, September 16th, 7 pm, I will be speaking about "Uncovering Women's History in Victoria." I will touch on streets named for the Work family, a surviving cottage on their Hillside estate, and my new research about Point Ellice House. James Bay New Horizons Centre, 234 Menzies
- [Book signing at Fort Nisqually, Tacoma, August 10th](https://vanessawinn.com/book-signing-at-fort-nisqually-tacoma-august-10th/) - I'm excited to be returning to Fort Nisqually, to participate in their 'Brigade Encampment' -- an 1855 re-enactment of the annual journey to bring in the furs from the region! I will be joining Steve Anderson, author of Angus McDonald of the Great Divide, in a book signing at 2:30 pm, Saturday. http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/fort-nisqually-living-history-museum
- [The Victoria Lawn Bowling Club reads The Chief Factor's Daughter](https://vanessawinn.com/the-victoria-lawn-bowling-club-is-reading-the-chief-factors-daughter/) - The Victoria Lawn Bowling "Book Club With a Difference" chose The Chief Factor's Daughter for its winter activity. Photo posted of the author and some of the members at their October meeting in historic Beacon Hill Park. http://www.victorialbc.com/photos.html
- [Tango Workshop in Crofton with Roland Grittani, October 20th](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-workshop-in-crofton-with-roland-grittani-october-20th/) - Teaching a Musicality class with our visiting tanguero, Roland Grittani, on Sunday, October 20th. Roland has lived and danced extensively in Paris, Buenos Aires, and lately, Montreal. During the milonga following, he will share more musical inspiration by playing a few numbers on accordion. Class begins at 4:30 pm, "Meet in the Middle" dinner milonga
- [Review quote on the cover of Rupert's Land](https://vanessawinn.com/review-quote-on-the-cover-of-ruperts-land/) - I was honoured to have the opportunity to write a review comment for the back cover of Rupert's Land, the new novel by award-winning author Meredith Quartermain. https://newestpress.com/books/ruperts-land
- [The Chief Factor's Daughter reviewed by the Jane Austen Society, Vancouver ](https://vanessawinn.com/the-chief-factors-daughter-reviewed-by-the-jane-austen-society-vancouver/) - A member of The Jane Austen Society, Vancouver Region, reviewed The Chief Factor's Daughter at their June meeting. The book was also suggested reading by The Puget Sound Chapter of JASNA. http://www.jasnavancouver.ca/news-notes/ http://www.austenps.com/newsletters/JASNA-Puget-Sound-June-13-Newsletter.pdf
- [Technique Class at Tango Vita, Saturday, July 13th](https://vanessawinn.com/technique-class-at-tango-vita-saturday-july-13th/) - I'm looking forward to teaching a tango technique class, focusing on contra-body rotation and footwork, this Saturday, 8 pm, at Tango Vita's Upstairs Studio, 1303 Broad St. I'll also be the DJ at the milonga following, 9 pm.
- [March 15, 2012 Book Club appearance](https://vanessawinn.com/march-15-2012-book-club-appearance/)
- [Book Club Meeting, at Point Ellice House, September 26th](https://vanessawinn.com/book-club-meeting-at-point-ellice-house-september-26th/) - Delighted to be discussing The Chief Factor's Daughter, and its connections to Point Ellice House, at this national heritage site.
- [Book Club meeting at Point Ellice House, January 16th](https://vanessawinn.com/book-club-meeting-at-point-ellice-house-january-16th/) - Meeting with the Victoria Women's Newcomers group, to discuss the early history of the House and its connections to The Chief Factor's Daughter. From the Activities Report of the VWNC's February newsletter: On January 16th several VWNC members took part in a very interesting tour of Point Ellice House followed by tea with Vanessa Winn,
- [Book Club Meeting at Point Ellice House, April 25th](https://vanessawinn.com/book-club-meeting-at-point-ellice-house-april-25th/) - Meeting with the Saanich Newcomers' Club at this National Heritage Site, to discuss the eventful early history of Point Ellice House and its connections to the Work family portrayed in The Chief Factor's Daughter. This is an ongoing opportunity for Book Clubs; scheduling is flexible. For further details, please use the Contact Form above or
- [Tango Workshop in Crofton, Sunday, June 2nd](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-workshop-in-crofton-sunday-june-2nd/) - Looking forward to teaching another workshop in Crofton, on Technique and Fitting Embellishments to the Music. 4:30 - 5:30 pm, Sunday. Followed by the "Meet in the Middle" Milonga at 6 pm. http://dancenanaimo.com/dancenanaimo2/
- [News:  The Chief Factor's Daughter studied at SFU](https://vanessawinn.com/news-the-chief-factors-daughter-studied-at-sfu/) - The Chief Factor's Daughter is on the reading list of a History seminar at Simon Fraser University. http://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/history/Course%20Outlines/2012/fall%202012/Hist%20436b%20FALL%202012.pdf I am looking forward to meeting the instructor and class in November!
- [Review by British blogger](https://vanessawinn.com/great-review-by-british-blogger/) - A "thoroughly enjoyable and interesting read... " http://penandpencilgirls.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/what-to-read-when-youre-not-reading-pride-and-prejudice/
- [Discussion of Work family at SFU, February 18th](https://vanessawinn.com/discussion-of-work-family-at-sfu-february-18th/) - Pleased to speak to a Social History class at Simon Fraser University, about the fur-trade family of Chief Factor John Work and Josette Lagacé.
- [The Chief Factor's Daughter added to the HBC Heritage bibliography](https://vanessawinn.com/the-chief-factors-daughter-added-to-the-hbc-heritage-bibliography/) - Listing on the Hudson's Bay Company heritage website, Learning Centre bibliography. Review coming soon! http://www.hbcheritage.ca/hbcheritage/learning/bibliography/
- [Opportunity for Book Clubs:  Meet the author at Point Ellice House](https://vanessawinn.com/opportunity-for-book-clubs-meet-the-author-at-point-ellice-house/) - I am delighted to be partnering with Point Ellice House museum, to offer book clubs the opportunity to meet at this national heritage site and discuss its connections to characters in The Chief Factor's Daughter. Learn about the story behind Point Ellice's first owners! Includes a tour of the House, discussion with the author, and refreshments,
- [At The Mike, Cadboro Bay Books, October 16th](https://vanessawinn.com/at-the-mike-october-16th-cadboro-bay-books/) - I will be exploring the world of fiction with authors Marlyn Horsdal and Mel Dagg, on Tuesday, October 16th, 7 pm at 3840B Cadboro Bay Road.
- [Tango Workshop in Crofton, Sunday, October 28th](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-workshop-in-crofton-sunday-october-28th/) - Exploring technique with the ocho cortado, including variations. Crofton Community Centre, Musgrave at Robert Street. Class 5 - 6 pm, followed by buffet dinner at 6, and "Meet-in-the-Middle" milonga at 7 pm.
- [Dancing in the Aisles at Munro's, Saturday, September 22, 3-4 pm.](https://vanessawinn.com/dancing-in-the-aisles-at-munros-saturday-september-22-3-4-pm/) - To help celebrate the launch of David Gurr's new novel, The Charlatan Variations, I will be dancing tango with David at historic Munro's Books! http://munrobooks.com:80/events/
- [CFUV Radio interview, June 17th 2010, podcast](https://vanessawinn.com/thursday-june-17th-10-radio-interview-podcast/) - Thursday, June 17th '10, 1 - 2 pm CFUV Radio Interview, University of Victoria Podcast Link
- [Fort Nisqually, June 19th 2010, Tacoma WA](https://vanessawinn.com/saturday-june-19th-10-reading-tacoma-wa/) - Saturday, June 19th '10, 12 & 2 pm, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Tacoma, WA USA Author presentation and signing www.metroparkstacoma.org Vanessa in period dress for the Fort Nisqually readings
- [St. John the Divine Anglican Church, July 25th 2010, Reading](https://vanessawinn.com/sunday-july-25th-10-reading-victoria-bc/) - Sunday, July 25th '10, 12 pm, Point Ellice Historic House and Gardens, Victoria, BC 150 year anniversary of St. John the Divine Anglican Church Book reading and signing
- [Oak Bay Library, October 30th 2010 Reading](https://vanessawinn.com/saturday-october-30th-reading-oak-bay-bc/) - Saturday, October 30th, 1:00 PM Oak Bay Branch, Victoria Public Library, Victoria, BC Reading and signing Poster PDF
- [Overleaf Bookshop, March 5th 2011, Reading, Victoria BC](https://vanessawinn.com/saturday-march-5th-reading-victoria-bc/) - Saturday, March 5th, 1:30 pm Overleaf Café-Bookshop 1105 Pandora Avenue Book Reading
- [Fort Nisqually, May 21st 2011, Tacoma, WA](https://vanessawinn.com/event-saturday-may-21st-300-pm/) - Saturday, May 21st, 3:00 PM Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Tacoma, WA Queen Victoria's Birthday event Discussion of ongoing book research
- [Point Ellice House, August 21st 2011, Victoria BC](https://vanessawinn.com/event-sunday-august-7th-victoria-bc/) - Sunday, August 21st, 1:00 PM Point Ellice Historic House and Gardens, Victoria BC 150 year anniversary event Discussion of Pt. Ellice's early years
- ["Summer Afternoon -- 1862"  Centennial Square, August 26, 2012.](https://vanessawinn.com/summer-afternoon-1862-centennial-square-august-26-2012/) - Speaking at 2 pm about dancing in 1862, as depicted in The Chief Factor's Daughter, followed by some easy dances of the era for everyone to join in. This Community Arts Council event celebrates the City of Victoria's 150th anniversary.
- [Argentine Tango](https://vanessawinn.com/argentine-tango/) - Argentine Tango Vanessa comes from a family of dancers. Immigrating from the U.K., her parents co-founded the local international folk dancing club, and Vanessa grew up with an awareness of musical diversity. She also took classes throughout childhood in ballet, tap, highland dancing, and music. She later continued to explore other forms of dance, such
- [News: The Chief Factor's Daughter now being studied at VCC](https://vanessawinn.com/news-the-chief-factors-daughter-studied-at-vcc/) - The Chief Factor's Daughter is being studied at the Vancouver Community College.
- [Tango Panopticon](https://vanessawinn.com/tango-panopticon/)
- [Past Event: November 28 '09 Signing, Parksville BC](https://vanessawinn.com/november-28-09-signing-parksville-bc/) - November 28 '09, Book signing at The Mulberry Bush Book Store, Parksville, BC.
- [BC Studies: The BC Quarterly Review](https://vanessawinn.com/bc-studies-the-bc-quarterly-review/) - BC Studies: The BC Quarterly - Reviewed by Mark Diotte "What impresses me most about Winn’s novel is how she uses the characters of Margaret Work and her sisters to unobtrusively foreground the injustices they faced in terms of race, class, and gender...In fact, it is in Winn’s examination of the intersections of race, class,
- [BC BookWorld Cover Review](https://vanessawinn.com/bc-bookworld-cover-review/) - BC BookWorld - Spring 2010 cover article and review by Joan Givner "Vanessa Winn’s debut novel explores pride and prejudice in Victoria... [and] recalls the familiar opening of a novel by Jane Austen... [Winn] deftly weaves together history and fiction to form an informative and engrossing story... The book conveys a vivid sense of the
- [LibraryThing.com Review](https://vanessawinn.com/librarything-com-review/) - Reader Review on LibraryThing.com "Winn has crafted a highly readable and enjoyable recreation of the people and events that have shaped Victoria and British Columbia's history." Read the full review...
- [Coquitlam Public Library Review](https://vanessawinn.com/coquitlam-public-library-review/) - Coquitlam Public Library - Review by Deborah "If you have ever wondered about the lives of women in early British Columbia, this is the book for you! The Chief Factor’s Daughter is a recreation of the lives of real people living in 1850s Victoria... Margaret is a charming, intelligent narrator, who introduces us to the
- [January Magazine Review](https://vanessawinn.com/january-magazine-review/) - January Magazine - Review by Linda L. Richards "...the rhythms of the lives of Winn’s characters sweep you along, if you let them. Winn has worked closely with history and it shows. Her detail has a rich and authentic feel... The Chief Factor’s Daughter is a quiet, elegant book. It deals with an important piece
- [Storycircle Book Reviews](https://vanessawinn.com/storycircle-book-reviews/) - Storycircle Book Reviews - Review by Sharon Wildwind "This is a novel of marriage and manners, in the style of Jane Austen, set in an intricate and fascinating social background where, after almost two hundred years, the HBC monopoly is yielding to the English-led settlement of Victoria. The prose is restrained and a little old-fashioned,
- [Past Event: November 7 '09: Book Signing, Victoria BC](https://vanessawinn.com/november-7-09-book-signing-victoria-bc/) - November 7 '09: Book Signing Chapters Bookstore, Victoria BC Saturday Nov. 7, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- [Past Event: February 14 '10, Signing, Victoria BC](https://vanessawinn.com/february-14-10-signing-victoria-bc/) - February 14 '10: Book signing at the Victoria Tea Festival. Sunday, February 14th at the Crystal Gardens, Victoria BC, in the Cadboro Bay Books booth. www.victoriateafestival.com
- [Monday Magazine "M" Awards](https://vanessawinn.com/monday-magazine-m-awards/) - The Chief Factor's Daughter was runner up in the Monday Magazine "M" Awards for Favorite Fiction Book mondaymag.com
- [ReLit Awards nomination](https://vanessawinn.com/relit-awards-nomination/) - The Chief Factor's Daughter was longlisted for the ReLit Awards. therelitawards.blogspot.com/2010/08/2010-relit-longlist.html
- [Past Event: October 3, '09: Book Launch](https://vanessawinn.com/46/) - October 3, '09: Book Launch Historic Point Ellice House Victoria BC
- [Past Event: October 20 '09: At the Mike, Victoria BC](https://vanessawinn.com/october-20-09-at-the-mike-victoria-bc/) - October 20 '09: At the Mike Fort St. Cafe, Victoria BC
- [Past Event: November 19 '09: Fall Author Celebration, Victoria BC](https://vanessawinn.com/november-19-09-fall-author-celebration-victoria-bc/) - November 19 '09: Fall Author Celebration Heritage Group Publishers presents readings by eight authors including Vanessa Winn The Chief Factor's Daughter (7:30 - 8:30 PM) Maritime Museum of BC, 28 Bastion Square, Victoria BC
- [Past Event: January 14, 2010, Reading, Sidney BC](https://vanessawinn.com/january-14-2010-reading-sidney-bc/) - January 14, 2010, Reading for the Peninsula Newcomers, at the Pier Hotel, Sidney, BC.

## Pages

- [Novels](https://vanessawinn.com/) - Based on real people and events in history's margins, Trappings is a story of first love and second chances, in a time when women were only given one chance. Born to the Western fur trade and married at 18, Kate Work knows little of her husband's family in Nova Scotia or the reasons they fled
- [Argentine Tango](https://vanessawinn.com/argentine-tango/) - Vanessa comes from a family of dancers. Immigrating from the U.K., her parents co-founded the local international folk dancing club, and Vanessa grew up with an awareness of musical diversity. She also took classes throughout childhood in ballet, tap, highland dancing, and music. She later continued to explore other forms of dance, such as Flamenco,
- [Events & Media](https://vanessawinn.com/past-events-readings/) - The Chief Factor's Daughter was longlisted for the ReLit Awards. therelitawards.blogspot.com/2010/08/2010-relit-longlist.html Saturday, October 30th, 1:00 PMOak Bay Branch, Victoria Public Library, Victoria, BCReading and signing Sunday, July 25th '10, 12 pm,Point Ellice Historic House and Gardens, Victoria, BC 150 year anniversary of St. John the Divine Anglican Church Book reading and signing Saturday, June 19th
- [Contact & Subscribe](https://vanessawinn.com/contact-form/) - Please leave a comment below to contact me directly. Your message will not be public unless requested. To be notified by email when a new blog post is uploaded, subscribe in the footer below.
- [Reviews](https://vanessawinn.com/reviews/) - You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this book – not if you enjoy stories about women; women helping other women, women helping themselves in a world full of men’s laws.Trappings is the kind of book that pulls you in slowly but surely. If the historical customs and events don’t suck you in,
- [About](https://vanessawinn.com/about/) - Vanessa Winn’s debut novel, The Chief Factor’s Daughter, was longlisted for the ReLit Awards and runner up for Monday Magazine's "Favourite Fiction" award in 2010. As a manuscript, it won a Heritage Group prize for new voices in Western Canadian history and culture. The book has been studied in BC universities and colleges. Vanessa's non-fiction and
- [Poetry](https://vanessawinn.com/poetry/)

## Categories

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## Tags

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