The Course

Dive deep into the spine-tingling world of suspense and horror in this pulse-pounding course designed for aspiring storytellers with a flair for the macabre. You'll explore the fundamentals of crafting narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats and afraid to turn off the lights. Through analyzing the works of masters like Stephen King and Shirley Jackson, you'll learn how to build tension, develop complex characters, and employ a range of literary devices to create an atmosphere of dread. We'll break down the essential components of horror, from psychological thrills to supernatural chills, ensuring your stories not only unsettle and entertain but linger in the minds of your audience.

Put theory into practice with interactive workshops where your most haunting tales will take shape. As you pen your own works of horror, you'll receive personalized feedback and engage with a community of fellow writers to refine your voice and technique. Whether you're aiming to craft gripping short stories, terrifying novels, or eerie screenplays, the skills you hone here will prove invaluable. Plus, understanding the mechanics of suspense can enhance writing across genres and mediums, making this a killer skill set for anyone in the storytelling biz. Ready to embrace the dark side? Your readers are waiting.

What you will learn

I started crafting this course with the understanding that dipping your toe into a new genre like this can be as daunting as it is thrilling. So, I've meticulously organized our sessions to guide you step by step through the elements that make readers' hearts pound and palms sweat. Think of it as your roadmap through the twisting paths of tension and release. With each lesson, you'll gain valuable insights into building atmosphere, creating compelling characters, and mastering the art of pacing. Whether you've already dabbled with dark tales or you're just starting to explore the shadowy corners of your imagination, you'll find the structure here to support your journey. By the end, not only will you have a collection of your own chilling narratives, but you'll also have honed your storytelling skills to a fine edge, ready to carve out your unique space in the realm of suspense and horror.

Curriculum

  New section
Available in days
days after you enroll

Choose a Pricing Option

Your instructor

Steve Alcorn is the USA Today best-selling author of more than twenty books across various genres – from mysteries and thrillers to writer's guides like the acclaimed How to Fix Your Novel.

With over two decades of mentoring over 100,000 students, many of whom are now published authors, Steve’s teaching is deeply rooted in his passion for helping students bring their ideas to life and get published.

In his role as a teacher for the "Suspense and Horror Writing" course, Steve channels his deep-rooted passion for storytelling into empowering aspiring writers to delve into the macabre with confidence and creativity. He understands the delicate balance between tension and release, the importance of character development in eliciting emotional responses, and the art of crafting scenarios that linger with readers long after the last page is turned. Steve's connection to the subject matter is palpable; his enthusiasm for exploring the unknown and the frightening is both infectious and inspiring. Under his guidance, you are encouraged to not only learn the mechanics of suspense and horror but to also embrace their own unique voices as they contribute to the enduring legacy of these thrilling literary genres.