Mystery Writing

Quick Facts

Delivery Method Online
Professional Certificate
24hrs Suggested Study Time
3 Months Access
Tutor Support
Study On Any Device
2792 Students

Using vivid examples from bestselling mystery novels, this course will teach you the techniques you need to become a successful author.

What makes a mystery?

If you consider the books you've read most recently, you may be surprised to discover that many--if not all--are mysteries. From Dan Brown to Dennis Lehane, mysteries are hot items on today's best-seller lists.

This course will teach you the techniques you need to know if you want to become a best-selling mystery author.

Mystery Writing begins by introducing the four story types and then explains how they relate to mysteries. It then reveals the three-act story structure, which is any story's key to success. Next, it shows you how to propel the action forward to a climax, followed by a catharsis in which your readers feel the release of tension that accompanies a great finish.

The difference between story and plot is one of the most important distinctions in fiction writing--and one that many professional authors don't fully understand. But you will have mastered it by the end of this course. You'll also get a chance to experiment with viewpoints and see which one works best for your mystery. And you'll write a complete scene from your story and learn the internal structure that makes every scene feel right.

Finally, you'll delve into the special techniques that apply to mysteries, including crime scene description, MacGuffins, and the use of red herrings to misdirect your readers and create suspense.

Examples from real mystery novels will show these techniques in action. Then, following each lesson, you'll get to practice on your own story. And when you have questions or insights to share, you can join your instructor and classmates in a dynamic, interactive discussion area.

This information-packed online course combines the best advice of many writing professionals, tempered with the instructor's own experiences as a mystery writer. Follow the guidelines taught in this course, and you'll be well on your way to writing a successful mystery of your very own!

Courses are delivered to you through expertly executed lessons, online instruction and interaction with like-minded students. Our courses are designed to deliver all of the benefits of studying in a classroom whilst giving you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit your needs. You can access your classroom 24/7 from any device with an internet connection.

This course has a 3 month duration. You'll complete comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments before submitting your final exam at the end of the course to achieve your certificate. Courses must be completed within the 3 month access period.

You're probably wondering if you can really write a novel or screenplay. You may have already started one—maybe even several—and then run out of steam. In this first lesson, you'll begin finding out the secret that guarantees success. It's the secret of knowing where you're going before you start. We'll also take some time today to discuss what makes a mystery great, and to explore a number of real-world examples.

Did you know that there's a big difference between story and plot? Amazingly, even many professional authors are confused about this. Today you'll learn that plot is physical while story is emotional. Balancing the two is one of the keys to writing fiction that will satisfy your audience.

This lesson is about the dramatic elements at the heart of every story: passion, theme, character, and premise. Your passion is what drives you to tell your story and the theme is the underlying message it carries. To convey your theme, you create characters that represent it—either positively or negatively. Put these elements together and you've got your premise.

Character is what story is all about. Without a character—and a change in him or her—there can be no story. Today, you'll discover why the best characters are flawed. We'll explore you main character—the protagonist—and the opposing force of the antagonist. And then we'll look at tricks and techniques for creating characters that are memorable.

In this lesson, we'll explore the structure underlying almost every great story. That's right: Nearly every successful story has the same structure—a structure that virtually guarantees success! Like Sherlock Holmes, we'll examine each element of it under our writer's magnifying glass. Then we'll test our theories against some well-known mysteries. By the end, we'll have solved the mystery of story structure.

This is the first of three lessons in which you'll construct your story outline, act-by-act. In Act 1, you'll hook your readers. Then you'll fill them in with some character history called backstory. Finally, you'll exit Act 1 with a bang by triggering a traumatic event in the life of your protagonist.

Today, we work on Act 2 of your mystery. If Act 1 ended with a bang, Act 2 starts with a whimper. Your protagonist begins in crisis—an emotional state brought on by his or her flaw. And because of that flaw, your protagonist will struggle throughout the act as the antagonist deals setback after setback. Fortunately, at the conclusion of Act 2, your protagonist finally figures out the source of all this emotional distress and overcomes it.

The epiphany that ended Act 2 has prepared your protagonist for triumph in Act 3. So it's time to devise a plan. The result will be a final confrontation with the antagonist. This lesson looks at the best way to defeat the antagonist—it's not what you might guess. Then, with that dramatic climax behind you, you'll be ready to tie up all your story's loose threads in the ending.

We've accomplished a lot and you've gotten pretty comfortable with story structure. This is the lesson where we put it all together. We're going to move from story idea, to story outline, to developing scenes. From these little seeds, we're about to grow a forest.

In this lesson, we'll unravel the internal structure of every piece of fiction you've ever read. This is different from story structure and it's something I bet you never even knew existed. It's called scene and sequel. After today, you'll never forget it.

One of the most important choices an author makes is viewpoint. It affects every aspect of story—from theme, to pacing, to suspense. Today we'll look at the three most common viewpoints: third person omniscient, third person limited, and first person. We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each by considering examples from real-word mystery novels.

Much of what we've talked about in this course applies to all types of fiction, not just mysteries. So, in learning how to write a great mystery, you've also been learning to be a better writer in all genres. But in this final lesson, we'll examine some elements unique to mystery writing. Then we'll wrap up with ideas about how to follow the roadmap you've created and actually reach your goal of a finished novel or screenplay.

Steve Alcorn

Steve Alcorn is the published author of a wide range of fiction and nonfiction works including the mystery A Matter of Justice, the historical novel Everything in Its Path, the romance Ring of Diamonds (under the pseudonym Sha... Read more

Read Steve Alcorn's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Online learning is a flexible way to study that fits around your schedule, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll have 3 months to complete the course and can take the multiple-choice questions and final exam whenever it suits you.

If you need help, you can contact us anytime. You can also join the discussion area where you can interact with other students. The discussion area for each lesson is open for the entire duration of the course.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

We do not offer extensions or transfers for this self-paced course. However, you will have 3 months to complete the course, and if you need to cancel within the first 10 days of enrolment, we offer a money back guarantee.

What people are saying about our courses

Every person considering writing any type of fiction should take this course with Steve Alcorn. It contained concise information, writing assignments and quizzes, as well as comprehensive review by the instructor. Mr. Alcorn was in his classroom available for instruction and assistance when it was 2:00 a.m. and I was in my pajamas! The class was strikingly beneficial, fun and up-to-the-minute with instructional responses. He has my highest recommendation.

Verified Student

During the course I wrote a mystery using your guidelines. I finished it last week and sent off a query letter. The publisher has requested the complete manuscript!

Verified Student

Having this course being taught by a published author was immensely valuable. It is great to be taught by someone who has the success and experience, yet can still relate to us beginners and cares that we are successful too. Wonderful!!

Verified Student

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The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Mystery Writing you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Our Values

Learn At Your Own Pace

We believe in personalised learning. That's why we provide all the tools and support you need to succeed at your own pace. With flexible learning, you'll stay motivated and retain more information. Plus, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments to make your dreams a reality.

We Won't Break The Bank

Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. That's why we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry with payments plans for just $25 per week. Investing in your future is a smart choice and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Industry-Led Courses

There's no better way to learn than from experts with years of experience in your field. That's why each of our 200+ industry-led courses are designed to give you a real-life perspective on your industry. With our expert mentors, you'll learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about sharing it with you.

Get The Personal Support You Deserve

At Vibe Learning, we're real people who are dedicated to providing you with personal support every step of the way. Our industry experts are not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing their expertise with you. With their guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

Still looking?

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Mystery Writing

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$389AUD

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Teaching the Adult Learner

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$599 AUD

Quick Facts

Delivery Method Online
Professional Certificate
24hrs Suggested Study Time
3 Months Access
Tutor Support
Study On Any Device
1535 Students

Learn powerful techniques for reaching and motivating adult learners in today's student-centered classroom.

If you're excited about the challenge of reaching and teaching adult learners, you're in the right place! In this course, you'll discover how to use the newest educational methods to create a student-centered classroom that's perfectly suited for adult learners.

First, we'll explore the unique needs and motivations of adult students and find out just what they're expecting from your class. After that, we'll examine your students' different learning styles and multiple intelligences and look at how you can teach to each learner's strengths. We'll also talk about ways to get misbehaving or under-achieving students back on track.

Next, we'll delve into a host of innovative teaching techniques that will turn your students into active learners and set them up for success. We'll also look at high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech educational tools you can use to capture and hold your students' attention.

We'll follow that up by tackling a challenging topic: how to organise your material effectively and design strong lesson plans. We'll also talk about creating a warm, welcoming classroom environment and preparing a fun orientation.

In addition, we'll look at how to create effective tests and how to teach your students good study skills. We'll also check out a wide range of assessments that will help you grade anything from a hairstyle to an ESL essay. And finally, we'll talk about making your classroom accessible and enjoyable for students with disabilities.

If you're training to teach adults, the information and hands-on activities in this course will give you the confidence you need to succeed—and you'll know all the tricks and techniques for winning over this fun, exciting, and very demanding group of students.

A great classroom starts with a great teacher—and that’s you! In this lesson, we’ll look at how you can grow in your job as an adult educator by enhancing your professionalism and managing your time effectively. In addition, we’ll look at ways to boost your confidence and establish your authority in the classroom.

Adult students are different than kids, and understanding those differences can help you reach and teach them. Today we’ll look at what makes adult learners tick and how you can best meet their needs. In addition, we’ll talk about preparing for that big first day by getting your paperwork in order. Finally, we’ll look at seven different seating arrangements and the pros and cons of each.

Jill is a risk-taker who loves testing the rules. Germaine is a shy bookworm. Claire is an artist, while Dave’s your most popular student. All of these adults have different learning styles and intelligences—and to win them over, you’ll need to teach to their strengths. In this lesson, we’ll explore two different models of learning styles, and take a look at the eight intelligences you’ll want to factor into your lesson plans.

Zzzzzzz. That’s the sound of Darren snoozing in the corner as you’re trying to lecture. Meanwhile, Emily and Sherelle are too busy gossiping about their weekend dates to pay any attention to you. Does this sound like your classroom? If so, you’ll enjoy today’s lesson, where you’ll learn loads of tricks to get misbehaving students back on track. We’ll also talk about ways to get shy violets to participate, and look at an effective conflict management technique.

Remember the old days, when teachers lectured for hours while students took notes or dozed? Those days are gone—and good riddance! Today, we’ll talk about a host of innovative techniques, from window paning and role-playing to mnemonics and visualization, that work like magic in a student-centered classroom. But we’ll also take a peek at lectures and other classic teaching techniques, and see what part they can play in a modern-day learning environment.

"Proper prior planning" may be a cliché, but it’s also an excellent idea. In this lesson, we’ll look at the up-front work that can set you up for success in the classroom. First, you’ll discover the 12 steps for creating a dynamite course outline. After that, we’ll delve into lesson planning—and finally, we’ll talk about laying the groundwork for a welcoming orientation.

Just as an interior decorator accents a room with bright colors and great fabrics, you can accent your classroom presentations with the right audiovisual aids. Today, we’ll look at high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech educational aids and technology you can use to capture and keep your students’ attention. In addition, we’ll talk about setting up your classroom so that everyone can benefit from videos and other on-screen material.

What motivates your students to learn? Today, we’ll look at the 10 needs and desires that bring learners to your classroom—and you’ll discover how to tap into those motivators during your presentations. We’ll also look at how to create powerful presentation openings, content, and closings. Then we’ll explore the art of questioning and talk about the best way to ask and answer questions in your classroom.

In this lesson, we’ll discuss the A-B-C’s of grading and talk about ways to write top-notch test questions. In addition, you’ll discover great tools for assessing any type of skill, from cake-baking to hairdressing. You’ll also find out how to avoid the most common mistakes teachers make when they assess students, so you can achieve the Goldilocks standard of grading: not too harsh, not too easy, but just right.

You want every student to feel welcome in your classroom—so today we’ll look at making your class accessible and enjoyable for students with disabilities. First, we’ll look at the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and you’ll learn how to comply with this law. Next, we’ll talk about learning disabilities—in particular, dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And finally, we’ll explore ways to show courtesy and respect to students with any type of disability.

Even if you create great lessons, your students will succeed only if they’re good studiers and efficient test-takers. In this lesson, we’ll explore ways to beef up your students’ study skills and look at strategies for test-taking. In addition, we’ll discuss test anxiety and talk about tailoring your tips on studying to each learner’s strengths.

Enough about your students—today's lesson is all about you! Whether you're a brand-new teacher or an experienced educator looking for new classroom opportunities, you'll find tips here on how to power up your job search. We'll start by talking about two keys to a successful job hunt: a great résumé and a winning portfolio. After that, we'll discuss how you can target the right schools and wow them with your letter-writing and interview skills.

James Thompson

Dr. James Thompson holds a Ph.D in Instructional Communications and has over 25 years of experience as a teacher. His distance learning courses, workbooks, and videotapes have been used to train more than 250,000 educators in the art of student di... Read more

Read James Thompson's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

What people are saying about our courses

I enjoyed the humor and interesting supplemental articles that were included
in the instruction. The course content was up-to-date and the examples were
realistic. I learned something new from each lesson.

Verified Student

Excellent class for beginning instructors. Covered all essential materials
for running one's classroom and then some. Excellent!

Verified Student

I am a long-time instructor, but it is refreshing to take a course and
perhaps learn some new tricks!!!

Verified Student

See More Reviews

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Teaching the Adult Learner you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Ready to get started?

Enrol Now