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 …
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, …
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
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.
“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/
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/
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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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