Course Description

Mastering the Art of Mystery Writing

Dive into the suspenseful and thrilling world of mystery writing with this comprehensive course tailored for both budding and experienced authors. Whether you've always yearned to pen down a captivating mystery or you're an established writer wishing to venture into a new genre, our meticulously designed course will elevate your storytelling craft.

Why Mystery Writing?

Mystery novels have always held a significant position in literary history. In 2023, mystery and detective fiction represented a whopping 20% of book sales in the fiction category. Readers are inherently drawn to the allure of the unknown, the suspense of the narrative, and the intellectual challenge of solving the puzzle. Now, imagine being the architect of such a gripping tale!

Course Journey

  1. The Mystery Genre
    Dive deep into the nuances that define this genre. Explore successful mystery narratives and the elements that make them tick.

  2. Starting Out
    Every story starts with a spark. Identify your source of inspiration and lay down the foundation of your narrative.

  3. Research
    Behind every compelling mystery is a trove of research. Discover techniques to make your story both captivating and believable.

  4. Storytelling - Plot and Sub-Plot
    Craft a riveting central plot and complement it with intricate sub-plots that enrich your narrative.

  5. Storytelling - Characters
    Construct multifaceted characters that readers root for. Learn the importance of motives, backstories, and development.

... [Continuing through Lessons 6-13 with similar detailed structure]

Exclusive Features

  • Innovative Writing Exercises: These exercises are engineered to channel your creativity, challenging you to think outside the box and foster fresh ideas.

  • Knowledge Checks: At the end of each lesson, reflect on your learnings with thought-provoking questions that solidify your understanding.

  • Continuous Challenges: Irrespective of your age or experience, this course will persistently push your boundaries, ensuring your writing evolves with each lesson.

Key Takeaways

  1. Deep Genre Understanding: Understand the backbone of mystery writing, from its historical roots to its modern-day evolution.

  2. Craftsmanship: Equip yourself with a versatile toolkit to create compelling settings, characters, and plots that resonate with readers.

  3. Sustained Motivation: Writing is as much about consistency as it is about inspiration. Learn techniques to stay motivated and overcome writer's block.

  4. Revision Techniques: Master the art of redrafting and refining your narrative to perfection.

Who is this Course For?

For those with a novel idea but not sure where to start, we'll guide you from a blank page to a compelling mystery. And for the seasoned writer, we offer insights, techniques, and challenges to refine and expand your existing skill set.

Conclusion

The world is full of stories waiting to be told, and the realm of mystery holds some of the most intriguing tales. With the guidance of this course, you're not just learning to write a mystery; you're setting yourself on a path to captivate the minds and hearts of readers. Join us on this thrilling journey and leave an indelible mark in the world of mystery writing.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Identify and compare characteristics of various sub-genres within mystery fiction, such as hard-boiled, cozy, and historical mysteries, using well-known works for illustration.
  • Define the key elements of a mystery story, including the mystery itself, the solver, and the setting, with examples from classic and modern media.
  • Demonstrate the ability to design a structured mystery plot with coherent storylines by employing detailed character development and narrative pacing techniques.
  • Identify and apply foundational strategies for generating creative ideas for a mystery narrative, including freewriting, brainstorming, and idea collection.
  • Define the role of immersive research in enhancing the authenticity of a mystery narrative by accurately incorporating historical and contemporary details.
  • Describe the process of utilizing digital tools, such as virtual tours and online archives, to craft realistic settings in mystery writing.
  • Analyze the role of sub-plots in enhancing thematic depth and character development by examining their interplay with the main plot and symbolic motifs.
  • Define key elements of a compelling mystery plot, including the introduction of a captivating crime, effective use of clues, and a relatable detective character.
  • Create and maintain a character notebook with at least five entries documenting observations and inspirations for future characters, including photographs or descriptions of intriguing real-life individuals.
  • Define the multiple layers of a mystery character by developing a character profile that includes at least three unique traits and a detailed backstory.
  • Demonstrate the ability to select an appropriate narrative perspective for a mystery story by applying criteria for choosing between first-person, third-person, and omniscient viewpoints.
  • Identify the impact of narrative perspective on story suspense by recognizing how first-person and third-person viewpoints alter reader engagement.
  • Recognize the role of red herrings in a mystery narrative to create suspense and engage readers.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
An Introduction 1 points
Lesson 1 Review Exam 19 points
Lesson 2 Assignment 15 points
Lesson 2: Starting Out 12 points
Lesson 3 Assignment 15 points
Lesson 3 Review Exam 11 points
Lesson 4 Assignment 15 points
Lesson 4 Review Exam 16 points
Lesson 5 Review Exam 20 points
Lesson 6 Review Exam 20 points
Lesson 7 Review Exam 20 points
Lesson 8 Assignment 15 points
Lesson 8 Review Exam 15 points
Lesson 9 Assignment 15 points
Lesson 9 Review Exam 10 points
Lesson 10 Assignment 15 points
Lesson 10: Mysterious Elements; Realism 10 points
Lesson 10 Review Exam 12 points
Lesson 11 Assignment 15 points
Lesson 11 Review Exam 16 points
Lesson 12: Redrafting a Mystery 10 points
Lesson 12 Review Exam 18 points
Lesson 13A Assignment 15 points
Lesson 13B Assignment 15 points
Lesson 13: Overcoming Mystery Writer's Block 10 points
Lesson 13 Review Exam 6 points
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