How to write successful crime fiction: A weekend workshop

Learn how to write a crime novel that readers and publishers will love, at this comprehensive course with author William Ryan and literary agent David Headley

So you want to write a juicy crime thriller? Let leading crime novelist William Ryan and literary agent David Headley guide you through the key stages of writing a page-turner. This fun and highly informative masterclass covers the building blocks of great crime fiction – from how to craft compelling plots, settings and storylines, to how create tension and pace.

Suitable for writers of all levels, the course also includes advice on researching your story, and practical exercises to help you improve your writing skills. Plus, you’ll learn what publishers and agents tend to look for in crime fiction, and gain invaluable advice on getting your book into print. Book your place now – and spend the weekend learning how to write a crime novel that both readers and publishers will love.

Content

• Researching ideas and contexts for your story
• How to craft compelling characters, settings and dialogue
• Creating plots, suspense and narrative tension
• An agent’s view – what publishers want to see in submitted crime novels
• The commercial realities of publishing a crime novel
• Practical writing exercises with opportunity for feedback on work carried out during the class
• Q&A and group discussion

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Tutor profiles

William Ryan is the author of three crime novels set in Soviet Russia and a historical novel set in World War Two Germany, which will be published in 2016. His novels have been shortlisted for awards including The Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year, The Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award and the Irish Crime Novel of the Year (twice). Find him on Twitter here.

David Headley is the managing director of Goldsboro Books, an independent bookseller based in central London, and the founder of the DHH Literary Agency. He represents a number of crime writers and has a reputation for championing debut authors, both as an agent and bookseller. Find David on Twitter here.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website