Meet the lost historian
I bring a new way of exploring hidden histories to your collections and audiences
I come to you
To mark the publication of my novel The Girl in the Locket and the accompanying documentary, in 2027 I will be partnering with museums, galleries, heritage sites and cultural organisations across the UK.
Through an Arts Council-funded programme of talks, film screenings and creative workshops, I will invite audiences to explore for themselves the stories that history left untold.
Author talk & documentary screening
How do you imagine a life that barely left a trace?
In this illustrated talk, I shine a light on the remarkable true stories behind The Girl in the Locket and the accompanying documentary film.
I piece together the traces of Black Tudor lives hidden in the archives, discuss the unique collaboration that grew out of my novel, and explore what a story can become when it leaves the page and takes its place on a museum wall.
To enrich the talk, I bring with me both the finished portrait miniature and the traditional Tudor materials used to create it.
If preferred, this can be adapted to an "in conversation" event with a curator or host. I’m also happy to discuss bespoke talks – if you have a particular audience or focus in mind, please get in touch.
Creative Writing Workshops
Details that light up the page: finding stories in objects and portraits.
Authors have long used historical objects – a jewel, a pot, a painted portrait – as keys to hidden lives.
I tailor my creative writing workshops to your audience – either inviting a fresh look at a museum or heritage collection, or empowering participants in community settings to write about the stories held within a treasured object of their own
For my longer workshops I collaborate with an artist, including visual craft activities that explore how words and images combine to bring lost histories to life. I can also tie workshops in with an exhibition, significant date or seasonal theme.
Audience responses
“I’d always loved my mum’s old charm bracelet, but had never really contemplated why it meant so much to me. You created a really warm environment, and having the chance to sit down and write about it with your expert support was such a powerful experience - thank you.”
Toby Farrow“I really liked how the creative writing exercises in this workshop built together. The whole session has been delightful, challenging and surprising.”
Lynnie Burkinshaw Donkin“Joanne is inspirational, quietly nurturing and supportive, plus extremely talented.”
Cath RipleyPractical details
Talks and workshops can be booked either separately or as a package.
VENUES
Ideal for museums, galleries, heritage sites, community organisations, libraries, educational organisations.
AUDIENCE
Adaptable for adults, young people (14+), mixed-age audiences, writers and non-writers, and community groups.
PRICING - from £350
Fees vary depending on length and format. Please get in touch to discuss what would work for you, and I'll be happy to provide a quotation.
Thanks to Arts Council England funding, subsidised talks and workshops are available for some organisations.
AVAILABILITY
Available across the UK, from June 2027.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Length: 2 hours, half-day or full-day
Maximum participants: 20
TALK DETAILS
Length: 60-90 minutes
Maximum participants: unlimited
Book an event
If you’d like to discuss booking a talk or workshop with me, please get in touch here. Literary festival representatives, please contact my publisher Neil Griffiths at Weatherglass Books.