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
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/
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
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.
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
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 …
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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.
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 …
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