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 acclaimed crime novels The Fall and The Dead Ground, is an expert in the finer points of suspense. In this intensive one-day course, 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. The day also includes a guest session with literary agent Diana Beaumont, making this an unmissable opportunity for authors who are serious about improving their craft.
This course is for you if...
- You're a fiction author who wants to inject excitement and drama into your writing
- You've completed a first draft of a novel which you feel lacks pace or drama
Course description
Taught by novelist Claire McGowan, this course teaches 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. Topics covered on the day include:
- 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
- Guest session with literary agent Diana Beaumont: what do agents look for in a manuscript?
Tutor profile
Claire McGowan is the author of three acclaimed crime novels, including The Dead Ground, currently in production as a BBC drama. Previously director of the Crime Writers' Association, Claire is now senior lecturer on the crime thriller MA programme at City University London. Read more about Claire on her website.
Guest speaker profile
Diana Beaumont spent nine years as a senior commissioning editor at Transworld where she published a number of bestselling authors (fiction and non-fiction). Earlier, she read English Language and Literature at Oxford University, then went on to work at Thames & Hudson and Hodder & Stoughton. She started agenting with Rupert Heath Literary Agency in 2011, and in 2012 was chosen as one of the Bookseller's Rising Stars. Her particular interests include quality women's commercial fiction, historical fiction, crime fiction, accessible literary fiction, lifestyle, cookery and memoirs.
Book now
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Details
Date: Saturday 15 November 2014
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £249 (includes VAT, booking fee, lunch and refreshments)
Event capacity: 16
Dress code: There is no dress code for Masterclasses. Please dress however you feel comfortable.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 7 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
