What is Writing Crime and Thriller Novels?
Join bestselling author and former police Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett on our dedicated, genre-specific Writing Crime and Thriller Novels course. Over six weeks, you’ll learn the art of creating complex characters, building suspense and crafting thrilling plots. From understanding criminal psychology to mastering twists and red herrings, you’ll finish with the tools you need to captivate readers, keeping them on the edge of their seats.
What is included in the course?
Each week, you’ll complete a writing exercise and receive feedback from both Graham and your course mates. You’ll also join a live webinar, where you’ll dive deep into the week’s key topic, ask questions and share ideas. At the end of the course, you’ll submit the first 5,000 words of your manuscript and receive personalised feedback from Graham on your writing. In addition, you’ll have the chance to submit your work for inclusion in the Jericho Writers anthology, which is sent to hundreds of literary agents, and receive a free one-to-one session with either Graham or a literary agent, where you can receive feedback on your submission pack.
Are there live calls included in the course?
There will be a live call each week with the tutor and other course students. All calls will be held in the evening (GMT/BST) on Zoom, and will be recorded.
What support will be available to me?
You’ll get regular support from your tutor and course mates, who will offer constructive feedback on your work every week. You’ll be able to ask questions during the live weekly seminars and can reach out to the Jericho Writers team at any time if you need anything else. We’re always happy to help!
What feedback can I expect to receive during the course?
Weekly feedback on your course assignments will be shared in an online forum, where your tutor and peers will contribute their thoughts. To help ensure everyone can learn from discussion of one another’s work, comments will be visible to all students currently studying on the course. At the end of the course, you’ll get a one-to-one session with Graham or a literary agent (whichever you’d prefer), where you’ll receive feedback on your submission pack. You’ll also get personalised feedback from Graham on the first 5,000 words of your crime or thriller manuscript, which you’ll be able to use to refine your writing further.
What will I get from the course?
After completing the course, you’ll have:
- A deep understanding of the structures unique to crime and thriller novels.
- The ability to assess whether your work-in-progress or book idea has a compelling hook and page-turning plot.
- A strong awareness of the key components of writing in these genres – twists, suspense and big reveals – plus knowledge of how to employ techniques effectively.
- An understanding of how to use research and expert input for world-building, and to enhance the authenticity of your work.
- Knowledge of how to refine and edit your own writing.
You’ll also get:
- One-to-one feedback on your submission pack from an industry expert – either Graham or a literary agent.
- Personalised feedback from Graham on the first 5,000 words of your manuscript.
- The chance to submit your work for inclusion in the Jericho Writers anthology, which is sent to hundreds of literary agents.