Create fresh and compelling stories by mastering the key conventions of the world’s most loved genres
This course is ideal for: Writers of all levels who seek to create impactful cross-genre stories
You will explore:
How to write a compelling cross-genre story
Which rules you can break
Unique storytelling patterns and structures
Balancing actual history and fiction effectively
And much more.
“This course exceeded my expectations. The presenter had a touch of magic to inspire. I loved her presentation, patience and connection. Just jump in, it’s well worth the leap!”
– Marcia Tomaras, History, Mystery and Magic graduate
See more reviews
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[description] => Explore the key conventions
- Do you want to write novels filled with the romance of the past?
- Or with the page-turning compulsion of a suspenseful mystery?
- Maybe you want to tell a story with that extra twist of magic and wonder?
Explore the key conventions
- Do you want to write novels filled with the romance of the past?
- Or with the page-turning compulsion of a suspenseful mystery?
- Maybe you want to tell a story with that extra twist of magic and wonder?
Combine genres with confidence
You’ll learn how to use techniques drawn from different genres to create compelling stories. Many writers have leapt into the bestseller lists with their cross-genre tales of history, mystery, romance and magic. These include authors such as Geraldine Brooks, Philippa Gregory, Ken Follett, C. J. Sansom, Ursula le Guin and Marcus Zusak. They write stories that stir the imagination, touch the heart and keep readers turning the pages long into the night. Amy Hutton completed History, Mystery and Magic and is now a published author of two rom-coms.The rules of the game
Each genre of fiction has its own conventions and characteristics, which can sometimes seem like unbreakable rules. By combining different elements of different genres, however, the writer can create ground-breaking novels of great freshness and originality. Whether you are writing a supernatural thriller, or a time travel romance, or exploring the cobwebby corners of forgotten history and mythology, you’ll discover a whole new world of writing in this course. In fact, if you are interested at all in genre fiction then Kate Forsyth can help you discover your story.Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The key conventions of the world’s most popular literary genres (including historical fiction, crime and mystery, romance, horror, fantasy and magic realism).
- What rules to keep and what rules can be broken.
- Storytelling patterns and structures.
- What kind of research you need to do to make your story credible.
- The importance of voice, and how to find it.
- Suspense and the art of surprise.
- And much more!
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The key conventions of the world’s most popular literary genres (including historical fiction, crime and mystery, romance, horror, fantasy and magic realism).
- What rules to keep and what rules can be broken.
- Storytelling patterns and structures.
- What kind of research you need to do to make your story credible.
- The importance of voice, and how to find it.
- Suspense and the art of surprise.
- And much more!
Reviews of History, Mystery and Magic
“This course profoundly changed the way I think and work as a writer for the better and made me feel I could finally complete my troublesome work in progress.” – Anna Thomson “I feel immensely enriched by this course. I am already utilising Kate's guidance to deepen my current WIP, extend my research and enrich the overall tone of my writing.” – Jeynelle Vidotto “I thoroughly enjoyed Kate's teaching style, her warm and approachable delivery, and her beautiful slide decks. I felt as though I was part of a community of engaged and knowledgeable learners. I absolutely loved this course.” – Deanna Wong “Don't hesitate to do this course, because if you're a writer of any genre you will learn something from Kate. She's a master of storytelling.” – Anne Sengstock SEE MORE REVIEWSYour presenter
Dr Kate Forsyth is an award-winning author, poet, and storyteller. Her most recent books are Psykhe, a new telling of the classic myth, Kate Forsyth’s Long-Lost Fairy Tales, a collection of lost fairy tales from around the world, and The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of ‘The Minotaur in the Labyrinth’ myth, set in Crete during the Nazi invasion and occupation of World War II.
Kate’s other historical novels include The Blue Rose, set during the French Revolution and the first British embassy to Imperial China; Beauty in Thorns, a reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ told in the voices of four women of the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists and poets; The Wild Girl, the story of the forbidden romance behind the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales which was named Most Memorable Love Story of 2013; and Bitter Greens, a retelling of ‘Rapunzel’ which won the 2015 American Library Association award for Best Historical Fiction.
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