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Course Description

Writing Mystery Fiction

Discuss different types of mystery fiction from cozies to noir to thriller in this short course. Delve into writing fundamentals including characterization, setting, plot, and pacing. Write an outline for and workshop the first 4000 words of a mystery novel or short story. Collaborating with your instructor and fellow classmates, learn about the mystery genre, its market, publishing opportunities, and gain skill through practise.

Course Details

By completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

  • identify the various subgenres of mystery writing
  • apply the structural elements of mystery fiction to their own work
  • create an outline and 4000 words of mystery fiction
  • compare the structure of well-established text with their own work
  • contribute in collaborative writing workshops
  • identify avenues for publication

Course Topics

  • Elements of mystery writing such as setting, characterization, point of view, style and tropes like red herrings
  • Discussion of different subgenres like cozies, crime, espionage, paranormal, and hardboiled
  • Discussion topics include: publishing, editing, creating a series, and the Canadian and US markets
  • Structure, pitches, and outlines

Applies Towards the Following Program(s)

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Type
Online Asynchronous
Dates
Jan 21, 2025 to Mar 18, 2025
Hours
15.0
Delivery Options
Online Asynchronous  
Course Fees
Flat Fee non-credit $329.00
Potential Price Adjustments
Instructor(s)
Reading List / Textbook

Title: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Authors: Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner Book Company
ISBN: 1982159375

Visit the UCalgary Bookstore at www.calgarybookstore.ca.

Section Notes

Students may want to consider taking WRI 140 Creative Writing Exploration prior to taking this course.

This course uses Desire2Learn (D2L), an online learning management system. The instructor will post your course outline and other materials in D2L. For more information about D2L, please visit our Online Learning Resources.

Unless notified, all online courses are available at 9 am MT the day before the start date. Students who register on (or after) the start date will receive access within one day of registration.

Students who are unfamiliar with online learning are recommended to take our free Digital Skills for Learning Online course.

Unless otherwise stated, notice of withdrawal or transfer from a course must be received at least seven calendar days prior to the start date of the course.

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