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How to write compelling crime fiction with Dreda Say Mitchell in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival 2015
Date and time
Location
Stratford Artshouse
The Civic Hall 14 Rother Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU United KingdomRefund Policy
Description
Crime fiction should be as fun to write as it is to read. If you’re struggling to get started on your novel or short story, this course will help you to build your confidence and practical skills. You’ll learn how to use plot, character and story to best effect, as well as how to build suspense and narrative tension. You’ll also get involved in fun practical exercises, with plenty of opportunities for positive, solution-based feedback.
Whether you’re new to crime writing or have attempted it before, this course offers an essential guide to the key components of the genre. Using her vast reserves of experience and enthusiasm, award-winning author Dreda Say Mitchellwill cover everything from how to write a great opening to how to create exciting characters. After the course, you’ll be able to recognise the key elements of truly effective crime writing and have the confidence to start crafting your own page-turner.
This course is for you if…
- You are keen to approach crime writing, or have attempted it before and struggled to get it right
- You are new to writing and want a grounding in the key elements of crime fiction
- You are a writer who would like to move into crime fiction
- You have started work on a crime novel and want guidance on how to improve factors such as story, plot, character and suspense
Course description
This fun and informative course teaches a small group of people how to write effective crime fiction. The course focuses on plot, character and story development, as well as offering tips on how to build suspense and narrative tension. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive solution-based feedback during creative writing exercises carried out during the class. Topics covered on the day include:
- How to write a great opening
- Building outstanding lead characters
- An overview of the different models for creating a sustainable and exciting story
- Tips for creating effective plot devices
- How to build structure effectively around plotlines
- Creating suspense and narrative tension
- Practical creative exercises with opportunities for feedback
- Q&A and group discussion with Dreda Say Mitchell
Tutor profile
Dreda Say Mitchell is a novelist, journalist and motivational speaker. She received the CWA John Creasey Dagger for her debut novel Running Hot. Other books include Killer Tune, Vendetta and the Gangland Girl series. As well as being a crime writer and educator, Dreda is well known as a broadcaster, having presented BBC Radio 4’s Open Book and contributed to programmes such as Front Row and Woman’s Hour. Dreda has written for the Guardian, The Independent and The Observer newspapers on a wide range of social and educational issues. As a crime novelist, she is known as a master of suspense, with Lee Child describing her work as ‘Breathless from the first word and thrilling to the last’. Read more about Dreda on her website.
Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website
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