Historical fiction author Jill G. Hall will be offering a book talk about how photographs have influenced her writing. Hall’s debut novel The Black Velvet Coat was a finalist in the International Book Awards and a #1 Amazon bestseller. Her most recent dual-timeline historical novel The Silver Shoes was recently selected as a Distinguished Favorite in the Big New York City Book Awards. The latter is a story that follows two women bound by a pair of vintage dance shoes worn by their original owner, a fallen debutant who tries to save her family from post-stock market crash ruin by becoming a burlesque dancer. Weaving seamlessly from past to present, Hall explores what it means to be a woman, artist, and lover in a world filled with expectations that are often at odds with one’s true self. The modern-day character in The Silver Shoes also appears in The Black Velvet Coat, the story of a struggling San Francisco artist who discovers a vintage coat that unlocks secrets and reignites her creativity. In addition to being a novelist, Hall is a poet and visual artist. Her poems have appeared in a variety of publications, including A Year in Ink, San Diego Poetry Annual, The Avocet and Wild Women, Wild Voices. On her blog, Crealivity, she shares personal musings about the art of practicing a creative lifestyle. She co-curates the exhibitions for San Diego Writers, Ink and chairs the Creative Catalyst Program for the San Diego Foundation. Hall also creates whimsical mosaics and collages, practices yoga, tap dances, and enjoys spending time in nature.