What’s a surefire way to hook your audience on page one? Start with a mystery. Whether it’s a gruesome whodunit or a surprising white lie, we can’t resist a question mark.
In this workshop, you’ll explore the mechanics of this tried-and-true storytelling device through craft lectures, examples and in class writing exercises. Whether your genre is cozy, hard-boiled or procedural you’ll find your fluency with Chekhovian guns, red herrings and Macguffins! HBO’s PERRY MASON writer Elizabeth Baxa, takes you through the paces to build scintillating suspense and terrifying tension into your narrative. By the end, you’ll leave with a suite of literary devices to transform the unknown into a source of maximum drama and conflict for your lead. Trench coat and fedora not included.
After studying with us, our alums have landed 402 staff writing positions on shows including FARGO, PERRY MASON, AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, THE BROTHERS SUN, FRASIER and DAVE and won 173 fellowships/staffing program spots at organizations including Disney, NBCU, WB, Paramount & Disruptors.
Note: This is primarily a lecture class with some in-class exercises but not everyone will get to share their writing for feedback due to the seminar format.
This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.
Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.
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