Many people have a brilliant idea for a compelling, suspenseful novel, but very few of them actually put in the work to produce a full-length novel that not only does their ideas justice, but is marketable. One of the root reasons for this is that writing fiction takes a lot of work, but in truth, the key elements of the process are things that anyone can learn - including how to stay motivated when you’re feeling creatively bunged up.

If you have an idea for a killer crime novel, but feel overwhelmed or underprepared to get your brilliant ideas onto the page, Claire McGowan’s new masterclass in crime writing is your tonic. Under the expert guidance of this number one bestselling crime author, you will look at the essential elements of writing a marketable novel, including concept, structure, suspense, character and viewpoint, as well as critical elements of the genre.

Beyond the key ingredients to a successful novel, you will also discover essential information about the current market, and the available routes into publishing your finished work - meaning this masterclass is unmissable for anyone with a desire to start writing their crime novel, and then keep writing it to the suspenseful, twisty end.

Course Content

What is crime fiction, and what is the current market for it?
The essential elements of crime writing
Workshopping your crime idea
Getting published
Why write crime fiction: advantages of the genre
Q&A

You will be sent a link to the webinar 2hrs before the start time of 2pm (BST)

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 has had three radio plays broadcast on Radio 4, and her last two thrillers both went to number one on Kindle. She ran the UK’s first MA in crime writing for five years, and regularly teaches and talks about writing. In screenwriting, Claire was selected as the 2018 International Fellow on the Nickelodeon Comedy Writers’ Program, working in LA for six months. She was also a finalist in the Sundance Episodic Lab, BBC3’s The Break, the Dancing Ledge writer in residence scheme, and the BBC Drama Room. She has also written a play, many articles in the national press, short stories, and a true crime audiobook for Audible. She has three scripts in development with production companies, and her true crime novel series is also in development for TV.

Course Details

Date: Saturday 17 July - Sunday 18 July
Time: 2pm-5pm (BST)

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.

You will be sent a link to the webinar two hrs before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have not received the access link within one hour of the scheduled start time.

All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Write your crime novel: A masterclass in going from idea to publishing deal