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‘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.

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

Join Pamela Cook, author of five page-turning novels, 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

1. Participants will be able to identify a lack of tension in a piece of writing.
2. Participants will understand the variety of ways tension can be increased.
3. Participants will learn to improve the level of tension in a manuscript using various techniques.

Participant Requirements

This course is suitable for anyone working on a fiction manuscript in any genre.

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. 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. On the day this course starts by 10am, you will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom.

• 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. Some assignments will receive tutor feedback if completed by the deadlines provided.

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.

Get to know the tutor

Get to know our fabulous tutor Pamela Cook by reading her recommendations for page-turning reads here. Pamela Cook also co-hosts the podcast, Writes4Women. Click here to listen to Pamela discuss her latest novel, Cross My Heart.

More from Writing NSW

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