Gillian Fletcher Books
Mijn Boek / My Book
Mijn Boek offers two hour writing sessions inside the oldest book museum in the world. During the session, participants will explore the collection, find something in it that stops them, and write about it in whatever language they choose. The only request: something on the page should be in Dutch. Een woord. Een titel of een zin. You bring a blank book. You leave with pages in it. Most workshops end when the session ends. Mijn Boek ends when your book is full.
A writing program inside Huis van het Boek
Je hoeft geen schrijver te zijn om iets de moeite waard te schrijven.
Het programma is vernoemd naar de meest persoonlijke verhouding die je met een boek kunt hebben: mijn boek.
Each session is divided into three parts:
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Bezoeken / Visit: A bilingual walk through the house, taking in the collection, the objects, the books that survived everything. You are looking for something that stops you. You will know it when you find it.
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Schrijven / Write: You disperse. Forty‑five minutes to write or illustrate in response to what you found. Tell its story. Tell your own. Use whatever language is yours. The only request is that something on the page be in Dutch. A word is enough. So is a sentence.
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Delen / Share: We gather in the museumatelier for refreshments and reading aloud. There are no grades. There is no wrong answer. There is cake.
What to bring
Bring a blank book and a pen. Any notebook will do. If you don’t have one, paper will be available on site.
Who this is for
Mijn Boek is for anyone who wants to write, or who wants to want to write. For anyone who has always meant to build a practice and never quite started. For anyone who finds it easier to begin somewhere beautiful. There are no assignments. There are no craft lectures. There is a remarkable collection, two hours, and a blank page.
Practical details
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Where: Huis van het Boek, Prinsessegracht 30, Den Haag
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Duration: Two hours
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Session fee: €5.50 (incl. 9% VAT)
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Museum entry: Scan your Museumkaart at the door, or purchase a ticket at the museum desk. Museum entry is not included in the session fee.
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Walk‑ins: Available at the door, subject to availability.
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Facilitated by: Gillian Fletcher, Gillian Fletcher Books
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Questions: info@gillianfletcherbooks.com
FAQ
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No. The session is facilitated bilingually in Dutch and English. You are welcome to write in any language. The only request is that something on the page be in Dutch. A single word counts.
Do I need writing experience?
None at all. Mijn Boek is not a class and there are no assignments. If you have always wanted to write but never known where to start, this is a place to start.
What should I bring?
A blank book or notebook and a pen. Paper will be available on site if you don't have one.
What does the session fee cover? The 5.50 euro session fee covers facilitation and refreshments, including cake. Museum entry is separate and paid at the door.
Can I drop in without registering?
Advance registration is preferred so we can plan accordingly. If you would like to join on the day you'll be more than welcome, subject to availability. Sessions are capped at 20 participants.
Who runs the program?
Mijn Boek is developed and facilitated by Gillian Fletcher of Gillian Fletcher Books, in partnership with Huis van het Boek. Gillian is an American-born writer and immigrant based in Den Haag, writing in English and Dutch.