Online: Plotting and Suspense

JP Pomare

Wednesday 2 to Tuesday 8 August 2023, online

Full Price: $210
Member: $155
Conc Member: $135

This course is now finished. Sign up for our waitlist here to find out when it’s running again. In the meantime, check out our list of current courses or sign up for our Newsbite weekly newsletter for updates.

Join this online writing course about plotting and suspense with JP Pomare.

Many writers have brilliant story ideas but don’t know where to begin. In this online workshop with bestselling author JP Pomare, you’ll learn different approaches to building a story and crafting narrative tension in fiction.

Is this online workshop right for you? Read our FAQ before enrolling>>

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. This interactive online course has limited places. Book early to avoid missing out. 

This course is constructed in a way to help develop early novel ideas by finding and pursuing potential narrative avenues, and building a convincing story world replete with strong characters and a setting that draws readers in. We will look closely at the individual elements of fiction with a focus on how these interact with plot, and establish techniques for building and maintaining tension throughout an entire novel.

You’ll undertake a variety of exercises to help you move from the initial big idea toward a developed draft full of twists that keep readers turning the pages.

This course involves submitting short writing exercises, and giving and receiving peer feedback. Participants will receive limited tutor feedback.

Expected Learning Outcomes 

  1. Learn how to develop a story idea and complete early drafts with an eye for strong narrative structure.
  2. Discover how elements of fiction interact, and find conflict and tension in character, setting, dialogue and plot.
  3. Master self-editing techniques to make your prose gripping and keep the read turning the pages.

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. There are no live meetings. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom by 10am on the day the course starts.

  • Participants will work through several lessons, which will open sequentially over the first few days of the course (see course dates in the blue box above).
  • You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
  • This course includes short writing assignments and the opportunity to give and receive peer feedback and some tutor feedback.

Please expect to spend a minimum of six hours on the course, noting that the amount of time needed to read, respond to discussions, write, revise and critique will vary from person to person. We recommend allocating an hour a day to the course while it is running. By setting aside this time, you will get the most out of the course, and be able to engage with other participants and the tutor.

You can find out more about the course by reading our frequently asked questions.  If you have any questions, please contact us.

Reviews

‘JP’s feedback was so prompt and he went above and beyond … and being very precise and constructive.’ – Kate, 2021

‘I found the material presented by JP excellent and stimulating. His feedback was very constructive and encouraging.’ – Robyn, 2021


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This course has already taken place.