Meet the Authors: Debbie McGee and Jen Winsor


Date: Nov 12
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre

Celebrating the release of two anticipated works of non-fiction from Breakwater Books, join authors Debbie McGee and Jen Winsor in conversation about the ups and downs of writing about personal relationships and representing real life in print. Debbie McGee’s intimate memoir Cautiously Pessimistic is one woman’s personal account of her husband’s death and what it means to die in the public eye. Jen Winsor’s collection Ship Moms tells the beautiful, complicated, behind-the-scenes stories of the lust, love, and pregnancy of cruise ship crew members and the babies they brought into the world.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Presented in partnership with Breakwater Books. Books will be available for sale in The Rooms Giftshop on Level 1.

About the Authors:

Debbie McGee made her first film in Vancouver in 1983, and her last film in St. John’s in 2013. In between those markers, she worked as a writer and director of short dramas and NFB documentaries before joining the Media Unit at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador as Producer/Director. She has been an active volunteer with arts organizations throughout her career, serving on many boards, juries, and councils. Debbie is a mother and a grandmother. She lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with her adorable puppy, Cammie.

Jen Winsor is an arts administrator who has worked in the Newfoundland and Labrador arts scene for almost 20 years, focusing on music and literature. Jen left the province to travel with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Arts and Entertainment Division, but her plans were cut short when she got pregnant, with a crew member 12 years younger than her. Returning to her home province, she happily became the Executive Director of WritersNL. When she’s not lost in a book or typing up funding applications, you’ll find her hiking the East Coast Trail, enjoying a drag show, or experiencing some live music. Jen lives in St. John’s with her son, Gabriel, and his Brazilian dad, Luiz.

Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:30 am

TOTS: Big Fun for Little People is filled with laughter, wonder, and precious bonding time for you and your tot! Specifically designed for toddlers aged 1–4, this program invites younger siblings to join in the fun as well.

What to Expect:

  • Engaging Songs
  • Enchanting Stories
  • Playful Free Play

Cost: $60 plus HST for the six-week session (registration includes 1 caregiver and up to 2 children). 10% discount for Rooms members. Includes admission to exhibitions.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Register online to secure your spot now for our 6-week program packed with excitement and learning.

Program Schedule:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 No TOTS
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 16, 2025

With support from Tom and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Playdate

Join us for a delightful afternoon at The Rooms! Bring your little ones to our enchanting Harbour View Room for unguided playtime surrounded by an array of toys and books tailored for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4.

No prior registration is necessary; simply pay your admission at The Rooms front desk and drop in anytime between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that caregivers must accompany their children throughout the session. While our program room can accommodate up to 20 adults with their little ones, if it reaches capacity, we kindly ask caregivers to momentarily step back to make room for others to join in the fun.

The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members. 

With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.