2018 Mystery and Thriller Virtual Conference Series
In April 2018 Writer's Digest hosted an online conference designed exclusively for mystery and thriller writers. When you buy this package you'll receive all of the sessions presented in the conference. You'll get insights and advice from SIX award-winning and best-selling experts in the industry. Hone your craft and take your mystery and thriller novel to the next level!
Opening Salvo: Writing a First Chapter That Guarantees Readers (and Editors) Keep Reading
Web Seminar Download
Every portion of a novel is important, but there is no more crucial chapter than the first one–because if it fails, it could very well be the last one the reader bothers to read. In this presentation, author Adam Sternbergh looks at openings that really work, ones that really don't, pitfalls to avoid and tips to implement.
How to Differentiate Characters
Web Seminar Download
Everyone talks about strong characterization in the industry, but very few people offer tools or a methodology to accomplish it. In this presentation, writers learn how to use tools such as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator and Keirsey Temperament Sorter to craft 16 distinct character types that resonate true to real life, and build character profiles that will help prevent "personality drift" and "a cast of clones" in your fiction.
How to Write Realistic Action Thrillers
Web Seminar Download
Writing a military action thriller that will keep readers up late at night and waiting eagerly for the next book in your series involves far more than just researching what kind of guns your guys and girls will carry. In this presentation, author Jeff Wilson discusses how tactical decisions are really made, basic combat maneuvering, and what the men and women who work in this world are really like (Superman vs. the guy who takes the garbage to the curb on Thursday night).
Writing the Mystery Series
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It's one thing to write a book, but how do writers get a series going? In this presentation, writers learn how to keep a mystery alive through multiple books, whether like Sue Grafton through 25 novels or a simple trilogy. Learn the science of character arcs, not just in the book but throughout the entire series; how to keep a series familiar yet fresh and new at the same time; the importance of designing a theme that is worthy of multiple books; and knowing when to stop a series when that theme has run its course.
6 Steps to Writing Unputdownable Suspense
Web Seminar Download
In this presentation, writers look at psychological thrillers and unlock how to write suspense that readers can't put down. Author Karen Dionne discusses characters, explores writing techniques writers haven't used before, examines how writers can listen to their gut, mind for emotion, elevate universal themes, and more. In the end, writers learn how to write suspense that readers feel compelled to finish.
Plotting a Thriller
Web Seminar Download
Plot is essential to a good thriller. Not only do you need to have a good story, but your twists and turns need to be organic and fair to the audience (and the characters). Bestselling author Catherine McKenzie talks about how to craft a compelling thriller that will leave your audience guessing and turning the pages to find out what happened and why.
