Out With The Old

Looking back (as one tends to do, this time of year), I realize my last few posts were on the dismal, depressed side. Yes, that was where my head was at. Yes, it was a difficult year.

But also, I feel lighter now. Ready to be and do again. And whether it’s the effect of the calendar page turning or the days getting incrementally longer or just my nervous system being ready, I’ll take it. This feels authentic, real. Not just a trick of the season, but a genuine shift.

Mindful not to overwhelm myself, I have plans for this year. Big plans. Thanks for sticking it out with me. I’m hoping the next few months pay back that loyalty!

Every Lovely Gift

Every gift I received over the holidays was France-related. From socks and soaps, to wine and preserves, to baguettes (the Jellycat version) and books, each gift pointed to french in my future.

Coincidence? Definitely not. In fact, it’s the perfect segue into my announcement: I’ll be spending two weeks in Paris this year! You can be sure of getting all kinds of Parisian content in a few months’ time.

A Good Start

On New Year’s Day, I entered my 100-word story to The Welkin Writing Prize just under the wire (January 2 deadline), and then found out the number of submissions had already passed 1000! Would that information have stopped me, had I known beforehand? No. Will I make the long list? Also probably no. Still, I’m grateful for the opportunity, and for the nudge to start the year off with writing. [Update: I didn’t make the list, but that’s okay!]

I did, however, get my first writing credits of the year on January 5! Would you like some fresh, free poetry with your coffee? I’ve got TWO new poems out in the world, courtesy of ManicWorld Magazine.

Sonia Nicholson

Welcome to our Nest

I’ve been a little quiet on my own socials for the past while, but for good reason: I started a thing.

Say hello to Andorinha Press.

(The name is definitely a nod to my Portuguese heritage! The swallow is a significant cultural symbol.)

We’re your safe space. We want to raise the words of unknown and emerging writers from the barn floor up into the rafters. It’s a place where fledglings take flight. Bring your twigs of yearning, nostalgia, and places you return to again and again. Welcome to our nest.

We want you to soar!

We’re not looking for those writers with impressive bios and long publication lists — they’re experienced flyers. Maybe you’re a new writer, just starting out on your journey. Maybe you’ve been circling, searching for a warm place to land. Or maybe you’re still darting after that first, tasty writing credit.

We’ve got you.

• Send us poetry and micro-fiction; for poetry, we especially love free verse and experimental, but we can’t resist a good sonnet. If we had to pick our favourite poet, it would be e.e. cummings. We’re not picky — just give us all the feels.
• Preferred themes: yearning, romance, nostalgia, memory, and place. We lean towards the positive.
• Art is welcome, either as part of your submission, or by itself. Bonus points if it’s bird-related.
• International submissions welcome, but if you’re Canadian, please let us know — we would like to nurture and promote fellow Canadian writers as much as possible.

Complete guidelines on the Andorinha Press Submissions page.

In the Real World

Who says the archives experience is limited to an archives itself?

This summer, I spent a sunny afternoon exploring local places with the aim of linking historical documents and stories from the past with modern locations. This was a fun collaboration with my historian friend, Stephanie Ann Warner, and a way for me to contribute to her community map.

If you’re a local history nerd like I am, it’s an enjoyable way to fill a day! It’s always so different reading about something versus experiencing it in person.

Curious about the background, the map, or my adventures that afternoon? Stephanie’s put together a web story about it.

I’ll also be talking about the Growing Saanich History Map and other resources at my upcoming workshop for the Victoria Genealogical Society, “From Research to Story: Writing and Sharing Your Family History,” on January 31!

Writing About Family History?

This is the last chance to register for my workshop, which will be a hybrid event.

You’ve compiled the names, dates, and places and gathered photographs. But how do you transform those facts and images into an engaging story? 

In this workshop, we will review archival resources and types of materials to enrich your family story. Going beyond basic genealogical information, we will also explore setting, voice, and the use of nostalgia and details to add colour to your writing. We will also look at how to bring these elements together through real examples of strong storytelling from museums and archives, family historians, and other sources. Finally, we will discuss paths and platforms for sharing your story, from digital, no- or low-cost options, to printing and publishing.

Book Mail

Look what came in the mail! 👀

I feel like I leveled up as a writer (and archivist too) by having an article in British Columbia History magazine.

Digital and print copies available on their website. Thanks for supporting local history!

Les Bouquinistes

From Primitive Shack to Premier’s Wife, by Valerie Green

Valerie is a well-known Victoria author, writer, and journalist who has spent decades focused on our rich local history. City Buzz, which recently featured her latest book, writes that it:

explores the significant yet overlooked role of Constance Skinner Davie, who married Alexander Davie, the 8th Premier of British Columbia, during the 1870s. Set against the backdrop of a young Canada emerging from colonialism, the book portrays Constance’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming an influential figure at the heart of political life. Green’s narrative demonstrates how Constance evolved from a quiet observer to a woman who actively championed women’s participation in politics and advocated for Indigenous voices during an era when both groups were systematically silenced.

It’s available at local book stores, and online through Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

I was lucky enough to attend the launch for her previous book, the final installment of The McBride Chronicles. Her books are perfect for fans of historical fiction.

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As always, thanks for reading. Merci!