Duration:
14 hrs
Crime Writing Diploma
Crime Writing Diploma
This course on Crime Writing is ideal for those with an existing interest in the crime fiction genre, as either a reader or amateur writer, looking to master the detailed and specific skills that they need to begin a rewarding and successful writing career in this thrilling field.
The wide-ranging and varied course is split into ten interactive and intuitive modules and covers all of the knowledge and skills that you need to get started and make an impact as an author in the crime fiction market.
What you will learn
This course covers these key areas in detail, plus much more:
- The qualities and characteristics of a great crime fiction writer and some of the benefits and rewards that you can enjoy as a writer in this varied field
- An overview of some of the key sub-genres within crime fiction and a closer look at the fascinating careers and writing styles of some of the world’s best-selling crime authors
- Deciding on your own particular writing style and identifying your all-important target readership groups
- Tried and tested techniques to plan and build a gripping plot for your crime story
- Great ways to structure and pace your story, including how to effectively build suspense and intrigue by using clues, red herrings and other techniques to keep your readers guessing
- How to choose the setting of your crime novel, including deciding on a great location for your book and the best time period in which to base your novel
- The importance of writing a thrilling and compelling start to your book and how to do it, including an overview of the use of prologues and backstories
- How to create thrilling, intriguing and believable characters for your crime novel, with a particular focus on creating interesting detective characters
- The different roles that dialogue can play in your novel and how to write exceptional dialogue, both creatively and grammatically
- How to write thrilling descriptions using a variety of stylistic devices to add interest and enrich your writing
- Factors to consider when deciding on your crime scene and how to craft a superb ending to your novel that will both satisfy and intrigue your readers
- How to generate new ideas for your story, including great tips on how to tap into your own creative reserves and how to use automatic plot generators
- Choosing a title, front cover and blurb for your novel which will hook potential readers to find out more
- How to make mainstream and niche publishing houses sit up and pay attention to your novel
- The rise of self-publishing and great ways to build a successful online presence for your e-book.
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All major devices and browsers Course FAQ
What is the structure of the course?
The course has 10 modules and should take 14 hours. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to complete, although students can spend as much or as little time as they feel necessary on the modules.
Where / when can the course be studied?
The course can be studied at any time and from any internet-connected device.
Is there a test at the end of the course?
Once you have completed the course there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken at a time and location of your choosing.
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