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Course Description

Whether you're working on something traditional or hard-boiled, a thriller or police procedural, this course will help you develop a compelling opening to your book. You'll deepen your knowledge of the genre and accelerate your reading. Weekly discussions and assignments will focus on the hero's journey, antagonists and other characters, point-of-view, dialogue, setting, plot, outlining, revision and more. Your first chapter will be reviewed in a supportive, constructive way by your instructor and your peers.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand what makes a good mystery or suspense novel - and what it takes to write one.
  • Adopt practical techniques to research, outline and draft a story.
  • Emerge with the opening chapter of a book and a proposed outline for further development.
  • Gain a better idea of what agents and publishers want.

This course may be applied towards the SCS Certificate(s) in

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Language of Delivery
English
Type
Online with Real Time Meetings
Days
T
Time
6:30PM to 9:00PM
Dates
Oct 27, 2026 to Dec 15, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
20.0
Delivery Options
ON-LINE  
Course Fees
Flat Fee non-credit $699.00 Click here to get more information
Instructors

Section Notes

You will receive login information for your online classroom, Quercus (UofT Learning Management Engine) via email.

Go here for information on when you will receive your access information.

  • This course has a webinar component which will be recorded for review.
  • Webinars will be held on Tuesdays, 6:30pm - 9:00pm ET.

For technical requirements, please go here.

Language of Delivery
English
Section Schedule
Date and Time TBA
Delivery Options
ON-LINE  
Course Fees
Flat Fee non-credit $699.00 Click here to get more information

Section Notes

You will receive login information for your online classroom, Quercus (UofT Learning Management Engine) via email.

Go here for information on when you will receive your access information.

Webinar dates are not yet posted, please refer back to the website two weeks prior to the start of your course.

For technical requirements, please go here.

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