This course is for anyone interested in beginning to write crime genre stories.  Crime, including thrillers and mysteries, is the most popular form of fiction.  It is also very flexible and wide-ranging, enabling writers to explore their areas of interest while keeping the reader gripped throughout with great storytelling.

During this course, we will explore the main strands of the crime genre together.  You will learn about the ‘rules’ of writing crime fiction, how they vary between different types of story and where they can be stretched - or ignored altogether!  We will look at how to quickly set a scene, how to develop your characters and how to develop tension.

This course is aimed at beginners, but also writers who have experience in other forms, but who have yet to experiment with authoring crime.  We will consider novels, but also how crime can be used in short stories and other forms to keep readers compelled and entertained.

What students need to bring

A laptop and/or notepad and pen

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions