Writing the Mystery/Thriller Novel

Whodunits and thrillers command a large, devoted readership. In this course you will learn the art of laying and concealing clues, creating believable detectives and villains, and misleading the reader with red herrings. If you are writing a thriller, you will learn how to complicate your plot, put suspense on every page, and build toward an ending that satisfies on all levels, including the emotional. Through lectures, discussions, and exercises, you will learn the basics of creating great settings, realistic dialogue, rounded characters, and tight plotting. Your goal will be to develop a plot and start the first chapter for a mystery or suspense novel.

Note: Course is designed for beginners but is open to writers of all levels.

Course Number: WCWP-40017   Credit: 3 units

There are no sections of this course planned for the current quarter. Please contact the Arts, Humanities & Languages department at (858) 964-1051 or ahl@ucsd.edu for information about when this course will be offered again.