Heather Conn

For author readings and media coverage of Gracie’s Got a Secret and related events, please see the Events section of my Gracie website.

For a schedule of my SoulCollage workshops, please see Sunshine Coast SoulCollage.

NEWS & EVENTS — 2013

Some of my audience members from my reading in Gibsons

SATURDAY, FEB. 9

Author reading of my children’s book Gracie’s Got a Secret at Gibsons Public Library in Gibsons, BC. The event, hosted by children’s librarian Heather Evans-Cullen, includes puppets and an opportunity for hands-on crafts.

Click here to see photos of the event.

NEWS & EVENTS — 2012

NOVEMBER 15 to DECEMBER 10

The Gibsons Public Art Gallery in Gibsons, BC will feature the creative works of 40+ members, including me, at a show honouring Leonard Cohen. I will be exhibiting a collage that features the chorus of Cohen’s song Anthem.

The gala reception for Hallelujah!: a Tribute to the Songs of Leonard Cohen in Art, Music & Poetry is on Sat. Nov. 17th, from 4 to 7 pm. I look forward to seeing what lyrics participants have chosen.   

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Gracie and I had fun at Vancouver’s Word on the Street Festival. Sponsored by KidsBooks, the largest children’s bookstore in western Canada, I gave a brief reading and then a Q&A. One little girl asked me if there was a beaver in the story. I suggested that might be a good idea for a character in a sequel.

It was encouraging to see so many people still attentive to the printed word. I’ve been attending Word on the Street for years, so it was a thrill to be a featured author at the event. Thank you to all of the hard-working volunteers who make this annual festival a success.

TUESDAY, MAY 9

The Chapters store on Robson in Vancouver featured me on their Facebook Wall page, with a write-up about my book Vancouver’s Glory Years, co-authored with Henry Ewert. A day earlier, I had just asked a young store clerk whether I could add the book to their display of Vancouver history books. He then asked me to sign some books, took a photo of me on his phone and voila, I had some free PR. This was a pleasant, unexpected surprise.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27

SPECIAL EDITION WRITERS’ CAFE, The Arts Building, Gibsons, BC

I’m joining a host of local Sunshine Coast writers who will give five-minute readings on the topic of “family.” I’ll be reading the opening pages of my memoir-in-progress No Letter in Your Pocket.

Doors open at 7 p.m., readings begin at 7:30 p.m. The Arts Building is at 464 South Fletcher in lower Gibsons, next to the library and easily accessible by bus or bike.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

STORY, STORY, STORY: Creating the Blueprint for a Short Film

I’m covering screenwriting for short drama and documentaries (personal narratives and issues-based videos) for grade 12 students at Powell River Digital Film School, Powell River, BC. 9 to 3 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

Author reading of Gracie’s Got a Secret

Want to meet Gracie the goldfish and the author of Gracie’s Got a Secret? Don’t know how to keep the kids busy during March break? Come to Woods Showcase at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons, BC on Tuesday, March 20. Heather Conn will be reading from her new book, starting at 10:30 a.m.

She’ll chat with the children and their parents and ask for several kid volunteers for her reading. Heather will have some fun puppets to help tell her story, thanks to the participation of her husband Frank. This free event is aimed at kids age 4+.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

Writing the Inner Way with SoulCollage®

Want to inspire a flurry of words? Like the idea of choosing from dozens of symbols and images to spark your subconscious? Through the creative process of SoulCollage®, you’ll explore a fun, intuitive way to deepen your relationship with words and produce powerful art at the same time. Enjoy two forms of storytelling through a series of writing exercises that respond directly to your personalized images. No art experience necessary. Each participant will leave with 1-3 SoulCollage® creations. All supplies provided.

Trained SoulCollage® Facilitator Heather Conn is excited to offer this workshop, inspired by one that she took on SoulCollage® and Journalling. To register, call 604-886-6520. For more information, see sunshinecoastsoulcollage.ca.

Yoga by the Sea, Moon Studio, in the Heart of the Creek, 1 to 6 p.m.

$65 + HST; $60 + HST if you bring a friend

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

Celebrate Your Shadow Self

Control Freak. Little Miss Perfect. Inner Bitch. Some parts of ourselves are hard to love, but have you ever thought that they’re here to help? Find out how through fun writing exercises and a short introduction to the power of the SoulCollage® process.

Wheatberries Bakery, 818 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, BC, 6 – 8 p.m. By donation. All but 1% of the proceeds will go to provide school supplies and desks for 100 children in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

San Francisco, spring 2008: an image from my Pecha Kucha presentation in 2012

FRIDAY, JAN. 20

THREE PROTESTS: Free Speech on the Street

I’ll present 20 of my photographs, with 20 seconds of story-telling for each one, as part of a Pecha Kucha night in Gibsons, BC at the Arts Building on South Fletcher (on the corner beside the library). Eleven different presenters will be sharing their images, starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10. You can find out more about this presentation format at pecha-kucha.org.

EVENTS — 2011

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

BOOK LAUNCH: GRACIE’S GOT A SECRET

I’m excited to have Sunshine Coast entertainer John Conway do a fun storytelling session, with puppets and sound effects, for my Gracie’s Got a Secret book launch. I’ll be hosting a discussion with the audience afterwards.

The launch is at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt, BC from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. It’s a free event, ideally suited for children ages seven to nine. Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

To stay informed about my Gracie-related book events, become a Facebook friend of Gracie’s Got a Secret and check out my Gracie website.

Nov. 26 and 27

I’ll be hosting a book table for Gracie’s Got a Secret at the Christmas Craft Fair at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt. I’ll be available from 9 a.m. on, both days. (On Saturday, Nov. 26, I’ll be leaving at 4:15 to get ready for my book launch that evening.)

Nov. 18 and 19

Christmas Craft Fair, Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons, BC

Gracie is coming to Gibsons. I’ll have a display table on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Christmas Craft Fair at Sunnycrest Mall, running from 4 p.m. to closing. The next day, I’ll be back at the mall all day, from 9 a.m. to closing. I’ll have books for sale and will provide autographed copies. Hope to see you there.

Oct. 23 and 24

THE WRITERS’ HUB: Roberts Creek

As part of the Sunshine Coast Arts Crawl, I joined 14 local writers at the Gumboot Cafe in Roberts Creek, BC for mini-readings and book sales. It was fun to introduce my new children’s book Gracie’s Got a Secret and read to a young audience. See my blog post “Writers’ Hub: Local authors share their words” for more about this event and photos.

Thursday, July 14

CREATIVE IN THE CREEK: Author Reading

I will be one of several presenters as part of the Creative in the Creek Salon. The focus of the event is on food, as a tribute to Robin Wheeler. All of the night’s proceeds will go to Robin’s support fund. David Roche is hosting and “Farmer Dave” Ryan and Aaron Joe will be among the presenters.

The Gumboot Cafe, Roberts Creek, BC
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Doors open: 7:00 p.m.

The Art of Blogging

A one-day workshop, designed for non-techies, teaches beginners the fun basics of WordPress blogging. You’ll learn how to write catchy posts, create links, “brand” your web presence and more. Includes in-class writing and group exercises. Note: This covers the creation & maintenance of content on a newly established or existing blog, not how to set up and launch a blog site from scratch. Prerequisite: Basic familiarity with computers and use of a browser.

Time: 9:30-4:00pm
Note: ½ hour lunch break. Please bring your own lunch.
Location: Capilano University (Sechelt campus)
$154

Please register online at www.capilanou.ca/ce/registration-information.html#sunshine-coast

Wednesday, OCTOBER 12 to NOVEMBER 2

(four Wednesdays)

Seasons of the Self: Writing as a Meditative Practice

Nature’s four seasons offer powerful metaphors for the human journey or spiritual quest. This fun and creative workshop will prompt you to explore the joys and challenges of your inner world, using symbols and words that “speak” to you. Celebrate your life. Discover the techniques of top authors of contemplative writing. In-class exercises and provocative discussions are guaranteed to stretch you as both a writer and seeker.

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Capilano University (Sechelt campus) – Continuing Education
Cost: $219

Please register online at www.capilanou.ca/ce/registration-information.html#sunshine-coast

Saturday, September 24 and October 1

Sensitive and Aware: 10 Steps to Sucessful Travel Writing

Are you a traveller who seeks offbeat or deep encounters and wants to write compelling prose? Forget tourist fluff and hotel reviews. This workshop will help you create thoughtful content that honours and respects the events and practices of foreign cultures. It combines the nuts and bolts of travel writing – query letters, storytelling techniques and freelance markets – with the ethics and responsibilities of writing as an outsider.

Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Capilano University (Sechelt) – Continuing Education
$189

Please register online at www.capilanou.ca/ce/registration-information.html#sunshine-coast

WED., JUNE 15 TO AUG. 3

Photography and Writing for the Digital Age

A comprehensive eight-week course designed for emerging writers and digital photographers. It’s co-facilitated by writer Heather Conn and photographer Josh Hite.

Learn to take compelling photos and create short non-fiction narratives to promote your passionate cause or personal journey. Ideal for writers who want to improve their photography skills and photographers who want to complement their photos with creative prose.

JULY 17

NEW PICTURE BOOK COMING THIS FALL

MW Book Publishing of Garden Bay, BC will be releasing my first children’s book, Gracie’s Got a Secret, in the fall of 2011.

In Gracie’s Got a Secret, an impatient and feisty little goldfish named Gracie escapes her fishbowl and leaves her family, determined to share a secret with the outside world. Along the way, she befriends a weepy alligator who’s stuck in the sewer and a circus elephant with dreams of freedom. By helping her new pals, Gracie learns to slow down and go with the flow, gaining remarkable results and a clear way back to a loving home.

This uplifting story, which comes with engaging questions to prompt discussion, invites children to believe in themselves, dream big, support others, and find their inner stillness.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2 and WED., MARCH 3

A Journey Through Life & the Self: Writing Your Way to a Short Film
Powell River Digital Film School
Powell River, BC

This two-day workshop for grade 12 students is designed to motivate them to greater creativity, using writing and group exercises, film screenings, informal presentations, and a hands-on introduction to SoulCollage. Students will learn the differences in writing dramatic and documentary short films, how to present first-person narratives, and many aspects of film storytelling, including the use of archetypes.

2010

NOVEMBER 20

Author’s Book Signing

Woods Christmas Store, Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons, BC
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

OCTOBER 3

Prose on the Road: The Art of Travel Writing
1 to 5 p.m., Capilano University, Sechelt campus

Do you spin tales of your global adventures but never write them down? This fun workshop helps you move your passion for travel from the road to the page. Through in-class exercises and lively discussion, you learn techniques of top writers in this field and read published samples of what works and what does not. Discover the different types of travel writing and gain helpful tips and resources on potential markets

Please click here to register online.

SEPTEMBER 23 – NOVEMBER 11

Photography and Writing for the Digital Age

A comprehensive eight-week course designed for emerging writers and digital photographers. It’s co-facilitated by writer Heather Conn and photographer Adam Myhill.

Learn to take compelling photos and create short non-fiction narratives to promote your passionate cause or personal journey. Ideal for writers who want to improve their photography skills and photographers who want to complement their photos with creative prose.

JULY 17

Reading Think globally. Read locally! Gumboot Cafe, Roberts Creek, BC
Nine writers based in Roberts Creek, including me, will share an evening of readings in many genres.
Time: Saturday, 7 to 11 p.m.
Click here to read my blog account of the event (“Nine Creeker readers”)

MARCH 11 – APRIL 19

Exhibition Words and Image, Gibsons Public Art Gallery, Gibsons, BC

“Writers who’ve inspired me: a SoulCollage homage”

My entry in a juried art exhibition, titled: “Writers who’ve inspired me: a SoulCollage® homage,” features six of my SoulCollage images and accompanying dialogue that I wrote to each writer (Mark Twain; Anne Frank; Maya Angelou; Helen Keller; Opal Whiteley; and Deena Metzger).

The heading included on the piece is “Bring a voice to what lies hidden.” In my view, each of these writers has shared wisdom and addressed aspects of life, from social and political hypocrisy (Twain) to sexual abuse (Angelou), that would often otherwise remain unarticulated. This theme has appeared in a variety of my creative work, including my current memoir-in-progress The Goose Girl: Twenty Years Chasing a Family Secret.

MARCH 18

Front-page photo and coverage of my Author Reading in weekly newspaper The Local, Sechelt, BC
Click here to view the photo and article

MARCH 13

Author Reading
As part of the Words and Image exhibition at Gibsons Public Art Gallery (GPAG) in Gibsons, BC, I will read from my memoir-in-progress and other short writing excerpts and give a brief presentation of slides from India.
Time: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Place: GPAG, 287 Gower Point Road, Gibsons, BC
Contact gpag@dccnet.com or phone 604-886-0531

FEBRUARY 20

Author’s Book Signing
2 p.m., Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons, BC

FEBRUARY 17

Live radio interview
5:30 p.m. PST
On-air Interview, by telephone, with host Jamie Dean of Toronto’s radio station Indie Love
Discussed the Olympics, its impact on Vancouver and the Downtown Eastside, and my blog coverage

JANUARY 16

Introduction to MEMOIR WRITING: Share Your Story

Do you feel compelled to write about your life, but don’t know where to begin? Does the idea seem both overwhelming and exciting? Maybe you’ve already got pages of material, but they seem to have no direction.

This fun workshop will inspire you to start or restart your nonfiction narrative, whether it’s book length or an essay. You’ll learn about themes, story structure, point of view, characters, and how to create a chronology and timeline. Explore different approaches through writing exercises and lively discussion. Handouts and a bibliography will give you plenty of examples of successful published memoirs. This workshop is open to writers of all abilities.

Time: Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m.

Place: Arts Building, 464 South Fletcher (old library), Gibsons, BC

Class size Limit: 12; minimum 4 people

Fee: $55

To register: Visit www.artsbuilding.org or call Ann-Marie at 604-886-7062 604-886-7062

JANUARY 30

Prose on the Road: The Art of Travel Writing
1 to 5 p.m., Capilano University, Sechelt campus

Do you spin tales of your global adventures but never write them down? This fun workshop helps you move your passion for travel from the road to the page. Through in-class exercises and lively discussion, you learn techniques of top writers in this field and read published samples of what works and what does not. Discover the different types of travel writing and gain helpful tips and resources on potential markets

Please register online at www.capilanou.ca/ce/registration-information.html#sunshine-coast. Course #10157

2009

Saturday, November 21
Author’s Book Signing
1 to 3 p.m., Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons, BC

Saturday, October 3
Prose on the Road: The Art of Travel Writing
1 to 5 p.m., Capilano University, Sechelt campus

Please register online at www.capilanou.ca/ce/registration-information.html#sunshine-coast.

Friday, June 5
Memoir Writing Workshop
Gabriels on Gambier Retreat, Gambier Island, BC, 1 to 5 p.m.

March 16 – April 27, 2009 (six Saturdays; no class April 13)
Creative Nonfiction Writing
7 – 9 p.m., Capilano University, Sechelt Campus

March 28 (Saturday)
Writing Erotica: The Language of Desire
1 to 5 p.m., Capilano University, Sechelt campus

April 18 (Saturday)
Prose on the Road: The Art of Travel Writing
1 to 5 p.m., Capilano University, Sechelt campus

For more details on my writing workshops, please see Teaching. For writing coaching or to request a workshop not listed, please contact me directly at 604-886-6520 or by email at hconn@dccnet.com.

2008

NEWS

MAY 2008

The American Immigration Law Foundation, which acted as my sponsor while I worked in the U.S. in 2008, profiled me in its newsletter:

http://www.ailf.org/exchange/tom.shtml

Heather Conn Explores the Art of Being an American through Cinema
Heather Conn (British Columbia, Canada) says movies help people understand other nations and their cultures.

The Exchange Visitor Program is pleased to announce Heather Conn as May’s Exchange Visitor of the Month. Each month, we select an exchange visitor who has made an effort to get involved in his/her community and explore American Culture.

If there’s one person who has thoroughly explored American culture through cinema, it’s Heather Conn.

Conn, a native of British Columbia, is a trainee at Sierra Magazine in San Francisco. A veteran movie buff, Conn has attended dozens of film festivals and has been a movie fan all her life. From Vancouver International film festivals, which she has faithfully attended for 20 years, to film festivals in Toronto, Conn knows the ins and outs of movie magic.

Here in the U.S., Conn has attended independent film festivals, the Asian film festival, Buddhist film festival, Tiburon film festival and the San Francisco International film festival. And she doesn’t just screen films, she occasionally reviews. “Since being in San Francisco, I have reviewed the environmental DVD Garbage Warrior for the website of my host company, Sierra Magazine.”

One of the wonderful things about movies is that its value, beauty and significance all lie in the eye of the beholder. For Conn, movies not only are made to be enjoyed, but also to be appreciated in a cultural context. Movies bring people together and help us understand certain cultural nuances and values of the country in which they were filmed.

“I think that the kinship of movie fans and filmmakers overrides nationality,” Conn said. “Watching U.S. films-documentaries, in particular-enables me to see how Americans view their nation, culture, and leaders. It enriches my viewpoint on issues from the Iraqi war to presidential candidates. I have met lots of interesting people at film festivals and have enjoyed hearing the U.S. filmmakers speak at screenings. I particularly enjoyed the San Francisco film festival screening of the documentary 1,000 Journals. A San Francisco graphic designer sent blank journals around the world and invited people to write, draw, and add whatever they liked within them, then return them to him. The designer spoke after the screening and invited the audience to leaf through two of the original journals that had been in many countries. I really enjoyed that and the sharing of creativity.”

Much like food, art speaks its own universal language through sound, action and imagery. And although watching a movie may be an independent activity, talking about the movie afterward is not. Conn connects to her community through the cinema. If you have a hobby or passion, share it with your coworkers and ask them to participate. You might be surprised by the friends you make along the way and the people who share your interests.

2007

FEBRUARY 21 – MARCH 25

Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, Sechelt, BC

Maya on the Playa: Burning Man — “Local photographer Heather Conn displays images from the last two Burning Man Festivals on the Playa of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. She documents this eight-day annual Festival which is held as an experiment in community, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance; the attendance has grown from 20 participants in its first year (1986) to an estimated 39,100 in 2006.2005″

DECEMBER 2005

I gave a luncheon talk on A Spiritual Workplace: Reality or Utopia in downtown Vancouver for the Workplace Centre for Spiritual and Ethical Development. I am now a member of the Centre’s board.

http://www.workplacecentre.org/page133.htm

2003

DECEMBER 18

Following publication of my book Vancouver’s Glory Years (co-written with Henry Ewert), the West Ender ran a front-page interview in its Urban Legends section (Dec. 18-23, 2003): “A historian and author recreates Vancouver’s boom, and early fascination with transit.”

Book reviews of Vancouver’s Glory Years appeared in the following publications (see Books for excerpts):

• Coast Reporter, June 12, 2004
• WestWorld magazine, summer 2004
• Victoria Times Colonist, Dec. 21, 2003
• TREK Magazine, winter 2003