Write a Successful Mystery

Online Creative Writing Course: Mystery Writing

There's a reason why there are always mysteries on the bestseller list.

Mystery stories fascinate readers, appealing to their sense of curiosity. In this 8-week course, you'll learn how to write a mystery that readers will love. You'll...

•   go step-by-step through the process of planning a mystery

•   develop a cast of characters and lay down a trail of clues

•   learn strategies to make your mystery stand out.

Since the course is taught by e-mail, you can learn from anywhere, studying when you have time in your schedule.

What you'll learn

• Week 1: Introduction to Mystery Writing
Make essential decisions about the kind of mystery you want to write. Generate ideas for your mystery.

• Week 2: Background Stories
Make mystery writing much easier by developing background stories ahead of time. Learn how to use red herrings and create false trails.

• Week 3: Investigation
Plan the investigation that will form the spine of your story. Lay a trail of clues. Learn how this information trail can create its own momentum to carry your story forward.

• Week 4: Rules of the Game
Discover some “rules of the game” that will make your mystery more satisfying. Choose the right narrative viewpoint for your mystery. Learn how to maintain your readers' trust.

• Week 5: Puzzle Pieces
Prepare the puzzle pieces that will fit together into a solution to your mystery. Learn about special ways to use dialogue in mystery stories. Prepare a timeline to organize clues and alibis.

• Week 6: Structure and Movement
Learn how to structure a mystery plot from beginning to end. Find out how to write scenes, how to use cliffhangers, and how to control the pacing of your mystery.

• Week 7: Sleuths, Sidekicks, Villains, and Victims
Round out your sleuth, build your cast of characters, and learn how to use subplots in a mystery novel.

• Week 8: Setting and Color
Add interest to your mystery through your setting and subject matter. Learn how to do research. Discover a step-by-step strategy for writing your mystery manuscript.

Your teacher

Mystery Writing is taught by Nancy Strauss, the Online Courses Director at Creative Writing Now. Nancy has an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan, where she has also taught creative and expository writing.

What you get in the course

Mystery Writing includes:

•   eight e-mail lessons (one lesson a week for eight weeks. The first lesson will normally be sent to you within an hour after you confirm your course registration.)

•   weekly exercises included in the lessons

•   the chance to e-mail any questions about the lessons to a writing teacher.*

•   the chance to publish your writing on the class blog.

*Note: Please note that feedback on your writing assignments is not included in this course, which has been designed for self-study. While teachers will be available to answer general questions, they will not be able to read or comment on your fiction.

We guarantee the value of this course. If you change your mind any time during the first 20 days, you can ask for a refund.

Feedback on our courses

“I have found that after only 30 days, my writing is now more focused and it certainly flows easier. Sometimes now, I have to staunch the words pouring out of me, just so I can get some sleep. I no longer compare writing to bleeding a rock and for that alone Nancy, you have my absolute gratitude! Thank you so much for enabling me through your knowledge, to gift myself writing!”
– Jessica Clarke

"Thank you for a course that builds writing skills with direction to excellence. Everything was included, possibly more than college courses can offer."
- Janett Lee Wawrzyniak

"I am so enjoying the course. I have always wanted to write and have found, over the years, every excuse under the sun to not write. After reading through your material and the wonderful tips and suggestions I began on my three characters. I actually had to drag myself off to bed, reluctantly. I just couldn't stop."
- Laura McCarthy

“This course totally taught me how to be a writer. It was the best investment I have ever made.”
- Mary Jean Westerlund

“Let me put it like this Nancy. For a long time I dabbled around with a few ideas in my mind but never could get it down on paper because of lack of confidence or no discipline. I was like someone in an Art Museum up close to the painting and only seeing the dots of paint. Nancy you directed me to stand back and see the picture in a whole new light. My ideas have been moulded into something new and now I am the artist. I have gotten to know my characters so well I look forward to meeting them when I sit to write. Thanks for helping me develop this gift.”
- Agnes McWey

“I find my writing flows better and ideas seem to flood into my brain. Since starting the course I have a new confidence when starting a piece of writing."
- Christine Henderson

“This has been the most productive, creative month I’ve had.”
- Nancy Pazner

"I really have learned many things that have changed the way I think about writing. I've taken many college, even Masters level writing courses, and must tell you that I have learned much more from your courses than I have from any of those classroom courses.

I work for a college, and often teach adjunct in technology and other subjects, I have even taught developmental writing. However, in discussions with my coworkers who teach beginning college level writing, and who are themselves creative writers, I have had positive input in our conversations about writing that they have never heard, or thought about writing. Ideas and techniques I have gotten from your courses. I have enjoyed the learning I have received, and look forward to taking future courses from you."
- Prue Prentice

"I saw that my writing had improved 100%."
- Jill Gairdner

"One of my stories, "Bubble", has been published. If I hadn't taken your course I couldn't even imagine that. Many, many thanks for inspiring me."
- Rasheed

"Must say I'm SOO glad I opted into this class, it's been eye-opening on many levels."
- Courtenay Schurman

"I want to thank you for all of your support and the wonderful writing lessons that you provide. I have learned so much about the craft of writing and I am finally doing what my heart desires."
- Dorothy Anderson

Sign up now

Mystery Writing - Includes 8 e-mail lessons, weekly assignments, the chance to publish on the course blog, and the chance to ask a teacher general questions. Feedback on assignments is currently not available for this course.
Total price - $32

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to questions you may have about the course:

Q: How/when will I get my lessons?

A: Your lessons will be sent to you by email, once a week for eight weeks. Here's how it works: when you purchase the course, you will be asked for an email address. After your purchase is complete, you will normally receive the first lesson within one hour.

Q: How much time will I need to complete the assignments?

A: The lessons are specially designed so that you can read and absorb them quickly. And the writing assignments can also be completed fast. But as with most things, what you get out of this course depends on what you put into it. So we suggest making time to revise your weekly assignments and do some additional writing. Ideally, try to schedule a regular time for your writing at least five days a week -- even if it is only ten minutes per day.

Q: Will I have to buy any books or additional materials?

A: There are no additional materials required for the course. The online format will also save you money versus an offline course, where you would have logistical expenses such as transportation, parking, childcare, and so on.

Q: Is the course just for fiction writing, or will it help me write plays, screenplays, essays, articles, poetry, etc.?

A: The course is focused on fiction writing (short stories or novels). If you are mainly interested in writing screenplays, articles, poetry, or another genre, this course may not be right for you.

Q: What if I don't understand something in one of the lessons?

A: No worries. You can email us, and a teacher will answer your questions about the course.

Q: How do I get feedback on my writing assignments?

A: We currently do not offer a teacher feedback option for this course. However, you will have the chance to publish your fiction on the course blog, where other students might leave comments.

Q: How soon do I have to decide?

A: If you're really interested in taking this course, it is safer to sign up now while it's still open.

Q: What if I change my mind after I purchase the course?

A: No problem! You can request a refund any time in the first 20 days after you purchase the course. Just send us an email saying you've changed your mind, and we'll refund 100% of your payment. No hassle; no hard feelings. So you actually have nothing to lose by signing up for the course now.

Q: What if my question was not answered here?

A: Please just send us an e-mail, and we'll be delighted to answer all your questions.

P.S. Still not sure? Give it a test run. You have 20 days to decide if it's for you or ask for a refund.

Questions? Please contact us