Sat 15 Mar ’25 10:30
Writing Workshop: Transforming Historical Fiction with Dr Joanne Rush
Curious Minds Festival

Writing Workshop: Transforming Historical Fiction with Dr Joanne Rush

Curious Minds Festival
Bath Arts Collective
Sat 15 Mar ’25 10:30
Sat 15 Mar ’25
10:30
  • Sat 15 Mar ’25
    10:30
    Persephone Bookshop, BA1 2EE
  • £30 (exc. fees)


Ever dreamed of writing historical fiction that shines a light on untold stories or reimagines the past to inspire a better future? Whether you have a story already on the go or you’re just curious to give historical fiction a try, this workshop is for you!


Join Dr Joanne Rush for an inspiring session exploring how historical fiction can challenge traditional narratives and bring forgotten lives to the foreground. In the first part of the workshop, Joanne will take you on a whirlwind tour of pioneering historical fiction and art, showing how your own ideas can join this exciting movement.


Next, we’ll dive into some creative writing exercises, using famous historical novels and artwork as inspiration. Don’t worry if you’re new to writing – this is a relaxed space to experiment, whether you’re starting from scratch or developing a story idea you’ve been mulling over. 


For the final half hour, you’ll have the chance to share your ideas or get feedback on a short piece of writing. Have a work-in-progress? Bring it along!

Joanne Rush is a Bath based novelist, a short story writer and a poet. Her fiction focuses on hidden histories: Dancing on Knives (Honno Press, 2025) follows a young woman rebuilding her life after the Bosnian War, while The Girl in the Locket (Weatherglass Books, forthcoming) uncovers the lives of Black Tudors in a gripping art history detective story. 

Joanne has a PhD in English Literature from Cambridge University, and recently completed a second PhD in Creative Writing. She is the founder of The Writing Set – a creative writing consultancy that runs courses across South West England and online.

Suitable for all levels. Tea and biscuits are included in your ticket price.

Please note this venue has no step-free access.