Online Class: Mystery Writing

Designed for both novice and seasoned writers, this course explores the art of mystery writing by examining genre specifics, storytelling techniques, and deep research processes. Participants will learn to construct compelling plots and relatable characters, honing their skills to create impactful, saleable mysteries.
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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 26
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,804
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

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.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • 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
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,075 votes)

  • Lesson 1. Unlocking the Secrets Within: A Deep Dive into the Mystery Genre

    Sub-genres like historical mysteries and police procedurals offer distinct flavors within the mystery landscape, blending educational content with narrative intrigue. From the art of creating authentic historical settings to detailing forensic methods, these stories educate as they entertain, pulling readers into meticulously constructed worlds.

  • Lesson 2. Mystery Unveiled: The Path to Creating Suspenseful Narratives

    Drawing inspiration from various sources, mystery writing involves crafting complex, immersive plots with relatable, dynamic characters. Utilize brainstorming and character development to maintain a balance between suspense and realism.

  • Lesson 3. Building Suspense Through Precise Detail

    In mystery writing, research acts as a bridge to past eras or distant locales, enriching stories with vivid authenticity. Whether through dusty libraries or digital archives, meticulous research ensures a believable narrative that immerses readers in a captivating journey.

  • Lesson 4. The Detective’s Craft: Building a Compelling Mystery

    Utilizing sub-plots strategically enhances thematic depth and character development, providing perspective and relaxation amid the main narrative's tense progression. Through revision and adaption, writers maintain a seamless, engaging story, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

  • Lesson 5. The Intricacies of Characters in Mystery Narratives

    Mystery writing thrives on the interplay of relatable and compelling characters like the in-depth sleuth and the intriguing victim, each with relatable backstories and traits. A well-balanced narrative weaves these complex personas into a tapestry that readers yearn to unravel through every twist and revelation.

  • Lesson 6. Narrative Perspectives: Sculpting Story Suspense

    Choosing the right narrative perspective is crucial in crafting a mystery, as it shapes the tone and guides the reader through suspenseful revelations. Through different lenses like first-person intimacy or third-person omniscience, storytellers can engage readers in the intricate dance of unraveling secrets.

  • Lesson 7. Writing Craft: Exploring Deceptive Clues in Mysteries

    Mastering the art of red herrings turns readers into eager sleuths, blurring lines between reality and fiction with false clues woven seamlessly into the story. This technique captivates readers by adding complexity and inviting them to question everything, enriching their journey to the final revelation.

  • Lesson 8. Captivating Crime: The Art of Balancing Violence in Mystery Stories

    Mystery novels seamlessly blend crime with character intrigue, using violence and murder to enhance narratives while avoiding sensationalism. This balancing act captivates a wide audience, preserving story integrity and allowing readers to explore the intricacies of human behavior and conflict.

  • Lesson 9. Secrets of Suspense

    Suspense is the art of finely tuning narrative pace, ensuring readers remain perpetually engaged without losing focus or interest. Mastering this involves crafting a captivating leap through an intriguing maze of woven mysteries and concealed truths.

  • Lesson 10. Anchor Your Story: Realism in Mystery Writing

    To craft an engaging mystery, balance imagination with authenticity by portraying genuine human behaviors and motives that resonate with readers. This realism not only sustains suspense but also rewards the audience's investment with a believable narrative journey enriched by intricate plot and setting.

  • Lesson 11. Suspense and Satisfaction: A Guide to Revealing Mysteries

    Carefully executed climaxes are vital; rushing them can diminish reader satisfaction by undermining the narrative's intricacies. Allow protagonists to shine with deductive prowess, rewarding readers' emotional investment and maintaining story authenticity without forced or deus ex machina solutions.

  • Lesson 12. Perfecting Your Plot: Elevate Your Mystery Narrative

    Mystery redrafting is about weaving clues and crafting suspense, turning challenges into narrative enhancements. Strong grammar anchors your story, allowing creative innovation to shine through for a captivating read.

  • Lesson 13. Conquering Writer's Block: Mastering the Art of Mystery Writing

    Creative stagnation is conquered by diversifying writing environments and employing techniques like brainstorming and free association. Patience and structured creativity, combined with inspiration from real-life events, propel mystery writers past blockades.
 

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.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Mystery Writing
Course Number: 9770556
Lessons Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars (2,075 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: January 2024
CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "My instructor is a great teacher. I learn a lot. The feedback is helpful. The exams and assignments. They test my knowledge. I love completing it." -- Deserae H.
  • "I really enjoyed this course. The lessons were well written and gave practical advice and useful exercises to improve one's writing. I learned so much more than I had expected going in to it!" -- Reagan F.
  • "A wonderful experience." -- Lenora F.
  • "It was challenging, but very educational." -- Hubert G.
  • "The explanation on the parts of the actual mystery story were very helpful. The instructor was superb." -- Anita K.
  • "Instructor and course were excellent. Hope to take more courses with this instructor." -- Kyle B.
  • "I found the overall experience to be excellent. The almost instant response of the instructor to questions, to assignments, and to exams was very helpful, as were her suggestions." -- Vincent H.
  • "Ms. Merritt is an excellent instructor. She is very helpful and encouraging." -- Donna N.
  • "Each aspect was helpful, I liked doing the bits of writing for the course. Stimulating and interesting." -- Joan H.
  • "All of it was helpful. All of it was helpful." -- Cherie T.
View More Testimonials...
 

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