Writing Mystery and Suspense with Carol Goodman (via Zoom)

Mystery is at the heart of every story.  Whether you want to write mystery, suspense, general fiction—or you don’t know what you’re writing yet—mystery provides the engine to drive a compelling narrative. We will look at the basic elements of storytelling—voice, characterization, setting, imagery, dialogue—and examine how each element can work to create conflict, tension, and suspense to keep the reader turning the page. Short outside readings and guided exercises illustrate issues of craft.  Students’ work is critiqued in a supportive and constructive workshop environment. Six weeks on zoom. Plus one one-hour individual consultation available during or at the end of the session.

NB: This six-week class will be taught on Zoom and will be capped at 15 students. Registrants will receive the Zoom link to the email address they use to register. It will also be sent the day before class as a reminder. Please review the course policies page before registering for any classes. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Carol Goodman is the author of twenty-five novels, including The Lake of Dead Languages, The Seduction of Water, which won the 2003 Hammett Prize, The Widow’s House, which won the 2018 Mary Higgins Clark Award, and The Night Visitors, which won the 2020 Mary Higgins Clark Award. She has taught creative writing for over twenty years at The New School and for ten at SUNY New Paltz. She lives in the Hudson Valley.