Writing workshop with Joanna Quinn: Exploring the House
Join bestselling writer Joanna Quinn as she leads a creative writing workshop at Greenway, exploring the idea of the house.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
What makes a fictional house memorable? How can you bring it to life in writing?
Many stories take their inspiration from a single house. From Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca to Julian Fellowes’ Downton Abbey, and of course Agatha Christie used Greenway as inspiration and setting for several books.
Perhaps you’re already working on a writing project, and you’d like the chance to explore the idea of the house in your own fiction. Maybe you've been meaning to put pen to paper and now seems like a good time.
Suitable for beginners and those with some experience of writing, the workshop will include investigating a few famous fictional houses alongside fun writing exercises to spark your own creativity.
Paper and pencils provided. Spaces are limited so booking is essential.
Joanna Quinn was born in London and grew up in Dorset, where her first novel The Whalebone Theatre is set. Published in 2022 it was an instant bestseller in the UK and the US. Shortlisted for Best Debut Fiction at the British Book Awards, it was chosen by HM Queen Camilla for her book club The Reading Room.
With a background in journalism, Joanna occasionally reviews books for The Guardian and teaches creative writing at universities and on writing retreats. Joanna worked in partnership with the National Trust and University of Exeter on HistoryScapes, bringing Greenway to life through an immersive audio trial, and it's thanks to the University of Exeter for funding this free workshop.
Times
The basics
- Booking number
Call 0344 249 1895
- Accessibility
Accessible entrance to the house is at the rear.
- Meeting point
The workshop will take place in the House Kitchen. Please show your booking confirmation on arrival to the Welcome Team.
- Suitability for children
This event is not suitable for children.
- What to bring and wear
Writing materials will be provided. Please note the workshop takes place inside the house with close proximity to collection items so we are unable to allow food or drink to be consumed.
- Other
If travelling by car, please book a parking space in advance via the website.
Upcoming events
Hidden Treasure at Greenway: The silk jacket
As seen on the television show Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, a 100 year old silk jacket worn by Agatha Christie's mother is now on display to visitors for the first time.
'Voices of the garden' immersive audio trail at Greenway
Step back in time on an exciting new trail, 'Voices of the garden' as, HistoryScapes, an immersive audio app, brings Greenway’s garden to life.
Gardening for nature at Greenway
On this guided tour by the Head Gardener, gain insight into how the teams are working hard to restore nature at Agatha Christie's former holiday home.
Summer of play at Greenway
Join us for a jam-packed summer that's full of ways to play at Greenway, with all the trimmings of a traditional garden party. Summer of Play is on every day from 18 July - 2 September. Normal admissions apply.