July 6 - 31, 2009
"Knock 'em Dead: Writing Mystery & Suspense"
by Stephen D. Rogers
Do you lie awake at night punching your pillow while you stew about that ex, that boss, that too-busy-to-even-send-a-form-rejection agent or editor? Wouldn't it be great to kill that person, throw suspicion on someone else, and then step forward to save the day? You can. And readers will pay to see how it all plays out.
(Note: While all characters and situations mentioned in class will be treated as fictional, students may elect to attend using an assumed name.)
By taking this course, you'll learn how to:
* Understand the different sub-genres
* Create the story tripod
* Develop a cast of characters
* Describe settings (macro and micro)
* Plant clues and red herrings
* Research the specifics
* Handle sex, language, and violence
* Produce an ending that sells your NEXT manuscript
Derringer winner Stephen D. Rogers is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Private Eye Writers of America, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Sisters in Crime. He has judged the Daphne duMaurier contest every year since 2004. Over 500 of his stories and poems have appeared in more than 200 publications, and the police have yet to come knocking at his door. Except at work, since he's the computer guy at a police department.
To register for the "Knock 'em Dead: Writing Mystery & Suspense" course, click HERE.