This writing course, Turn Up the Tension with Pamela Cook, will take place online.

‘Tension on every page” is, according to literary agent Donald Maass, the secret ingredient that keeps readers coming back for more.

In this interactive online writing workshop, you’ll learn how to hook the reader from page one and keep them turning the pages by creating tension through dialogue, body language, word choice and setting. You’ll learn which details to withhold and when, how to use backstory judiciously, and the importance of characterisation and narrative structure.

Join author, podcaster and teacher Pamela Cook, who will use examples from contemporary fiction to discuss the key elements of writing and sustaining tension. During this one-week workshop, you’ll work through a series of exercises that will hone your skills and give you renewed enthusiasm to work on your manuscript. Regardless of genre, if you want to write a page-turner, this online workshop is for you.

Expected learning outcomes

In this course participants will:

1. Identify a lack of tension in a piece of writing.
2. Understand the variety of ways tension can be increased.
3. Learn to improve the level of tension in a manuscript using various techniques.

Participant requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. Participants would be encouraged to bring a draft essay into the week, or they will need to draft one during the week.

Is this course right for you? Please read our FAQ> for important information before enrolling. 

If you have questions about this course, please contact us.

More Information

The course takes place on a user-friendly website called Wet Ink, designed specifically for writing courses. Participants will have the week to work through the content and post responses to exercises designed to put the theory they’re learning into practice.

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 a week before the course starts.

• Participants will work through several lessons, which will open sequentially over the course.
• You can complete the lesson material in your own time.
• This course includes assignments and participants will give and receive peer feedback on their work. Some assignments will receive tutor feedback if completed by the deadlines provided.

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