Date/Time
Date(s) - Mon 7th Apr - Wed 30th Apr, 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm
A first stab at crime fiction
Ever fancied a career in crime?
Unlock the secrets to writing compelling crime fiction in this engaging and intensive course led by crime writer Abir Mukherjee. Perfect for new writers, this course dives into the essentials of crafting suspense, building complex characters, and creating gripping plots that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. You’ll learn how to develop intricate storylines filled with mystery, deception, and unexpected twists, and explore key elements like pacing, dialogue, and scene structure to enhance the tension in every chapter. Through interactive workshops and real-time feedback, you’ll discover the tools and techniques to bring your voice to this thrilling genre. Whether you’re interested in detective novels, psychological thrillers, or dark suspense, this course will provide you with the foundation needed to write stories that intrigue, thrill, and satisfy readers. Prepare to transform your ideas into gripping crime fiction narratives!
Moniack in a Month: Crime Fiction includes:
- a short introductory welcome session
- four stimulating online workshops, preceded by optional drop-in social time
- one 30-minute tutorial
- a final ceilidh session – sharing of work
- Contact and support from your community of writers via Google Classroom (optional)
- Drop-ins before each workshop to help you get to know your group (optional)
- Support from your Moniack Mhor host
Abir’s workshops will focus on the following themes:
Workshop 1 – Heroes and Villains
Great novels revolve around great characters – in this session we’ll discuss the craft of creating interesting, three-dimensional, memorable characters.
Workshop 2 – The plot thickens
Master the art of crafting suspenseful, twist-filled crime fiction plots. Learn how to build intrigue, develop complex motives, and keep readers guessing until the very end.
Workshop 3 – Getting the setting
Learn how to create atmospheric settings that heighten suspense and pull readers deep into your crime fiction world. This tutorial workshop covers techniques to build memorable locations that add depth and tension to your scenes.
Workshop 4 – Everything and the kitchen sink
In this section we’ll cover a range of things from research to dialogue to the nuts and bolts of getting published – and anything else the class wants to talk about.
Timetable
Week 1 Monday 7 April 18:30–21:00 Welcome Session and Workshop 1
Week 2 Monday 14 April 19:00–21:00 Workshop 2
Week 3 Monday 21 April 19:00–21:00 Workshop 3
Week 4 Monday 28 April 19:00–21:00 Workshop 4
Week 4 Wednesday 30 April 19:00–21:00 Ceilidh
Tutorials
Your one-to-one tutorial with Abir will be scheduled when the course starts and will most likely take place in weeks 2 or 3.
Tutor
Abir Mukherjee is the Times bestselling author of the Wyndham & Banerjee series of crime novels set in colonial-era India. His books have been translated into 15 languages and won various awards including the CWA Dagger for Best Historical Novel, the Prix du Polar Européen, and the Wilbur Smith Award for Adventure Writing. He also co-hosts the Red Hot Chilli Writers podcast which takes a wry look at the world of books, writing, and the creative arts, tackling everything from bestsellers to pop culture.
Fees
The full fee for this online course is £360. A deposit of £100 is required to secure your place, which is non-refundable after a 14-day cooling-off period. The balance payment of £260 is due six weeks before the course begins.
Bursaries are available, and you also have the option to pay in instalments, please email online@moniackmhor.org.uk to enquire.
All activity takes place on Zoom, and workshops include a short break. Moniack Mhor staff will be on hand to support you during your course.
For more information please email online@moniackmhor.org.uk.
Access
Please let us know in your booking form if you have any access requirements when working online so we can do our best to support you. For more information about access to our courses, please visit our Access page.
Terms and Conditions
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.