A killer plot is only half the story. No matter what kind of fiction you’re writing, knowing how to build and exploit suspense is crucial. Suspense quickens the pace of your narrative, adds thrilling elements of mystery and unpredictability, and makes the difference between a potboiler and a pulse-quickening page turner.

Tutor Claire McGowan, author of the acclaimed Paula Maguire crime series, is an expert in the finer points of suspense. She will teach authors of any genre of fiction how to use different elements of writing to create dramatic tension, as well as ways in which to provide a satisfying conclusion to a suspenseful plotline.

You’ll learn how to use every part of your writing – from your characters to your narration – to keep your readers on the edge of their seats. You’ll also find out how to provide powerful conclusions to every build-up, which will leave your readers satisfied – if emotionally exhausted.

Course Content

The two key questions your reader should pose
Four types of suspense
Techniques for adding suspense
The importance of characterisation in adding tension
Adding tension while editing

This course is for…

Fiction authors who wants to inject excitement and drama into their writing.
People that have completed a first draft of a novel which they feel lacks pace or drama.

Tutor Profile

Claire McGowan published her first novel in 2012 and has followed it up with many others in the crime fiction genre and also in women’s fiction (writing as Eva Woods). She’s had three radio plays broadcast on Radio 4 and two number 1 bestsellers on Kindle. She ran the UK’s first MA in crime writing for five years and regularly teaches and talks about writing. She was shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year award in 2019 and also writes scripts, articles and short stories.

Course Details

Date: Saturday 1 April and Sunday 2 April 2023
Time: 2pm-5pm (BST) both days

A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

2pm BST | 3pm CEST | 6am PDT | 9pm EDT

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

Creating suspense in fiction: A weekend creative writing masterclass