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
Posts
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
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
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
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
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 …
Read the full post →“Salt Spring Island March Tango Workshop”
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
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.
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
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