Note: This is primarily a lecture class with some in-class exercises but not everyone will get to share their writing for feedback due to the seminar format.

What’s a surefire way to hook your audience on page one? Start with a mystery. Whether it’s a gruesome whodunit or a surprising white lie, we can’t resist a question mark. In this one-day workshop, you’ll explore the mechanics of this tried-and-true storytelling device through craft lectures, examples and in class writing exercises. Whether your genre is cozy, hard-boiled or procedural you’ll find your fluency with Chekhovian guns, red herrings and Macguffins! HBO’s PERRY MASON writer Elizabeth Baxa, takes you through the paces to build scintillating suspense and terrifying tension into your narrative. By the end, you’ll leave with a suite of literary devices to transform the unknown into a source of maximum drama and conflict for your lead. Trench coat and fedora not included.

After studying with us, our alums have landed 325 staff writing positions on shows including FARGO, PERRY MASON, AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, THE BROTHERS SUN, FRASIER and DAVE and won 161 fellowships/staffing program spots at organizations including Disney, NBCU, WB, Paramount & Disruptors.

Note: This class will be limited to 25 students.