Suspense & Horror Writing
What’s Included
28 Video Lectures
Over 5 hours of focused instruction covering every stage of the novel-writing process.
Personal Feedback from Steve
Post your writing in the discussion areas and get direct feedback from Steve Alcorn, not a TA, not a bot. Steve reads every post and responds personally.
Manuscript Evaluation Checklist
The same 25-point checklist Steve’s students use to evaluate protagonist, story structure, plot, and writing quality.
What You’ll Learn
Plan Your Story
Learn the essential elements of suspense and horror: fear, tension, dread, and the unknown. Build a premise that grips readers from the opening line.
Create Your Characters
Build a protagonist in genuine danger, an antagonist who terrifies, and a cast that amplifies the stakes. Make readers care before you scare them.
Structure Your Plot
Master suspense structure: escalating tension, false safety, the point of no return, and a climax that delivers on every promise you’ve made.
Write Your Manuscript
Pacing for maximum dread, atmospheric description, dialogue under pressure, and the art of revealing just enough to keep readers terrified.
Polish Your Manuscript
The “Write Big” and “Write Well” techniques that turn a flat draft into a sparkling, publishable manuscript.
Get Published
Navigate the thriller and horror market: subgenres, reader expectations, agents, self-publishing, and building your platform.
What Students Say
Rich
Anna
Jeffrey
Cheryl
Blaine
Michelle A.
Enroll Today
Buy This Course
- Lifetime access to all 28 video lectures
- 28 discussion areas with personal feedback from Steve
- Downloadable handouts and exercises
- Manuscript Evaluation Checklist
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Get All 20 Courses
- Everything in Suspense & Horror Writing, PLUS
- 19 additional courses across every genre
- Story structure, scene craft, editing, screenwriting, publishing
- Over $3,000 worth of courses
- Personal feedback from Steve on every course
- Cancel anytime
Your Instructor
Steve Alcorn is a USA Today best-selling author of 29 books including mysteries, young adult novels, children’s books, and the acclaimed writer’s guide Writing Suspense and Horror. He founded Alcorn McBride Inc., the company behind the audio and video systems in nearly every major theme park in the world. For over 25 years, he has taught more than 100,000 aspiring authors how to structure their stories and get published.
The Companion Book
📚 Want a reference you can keep on your desk? Writing Suspense and Horror is the companion to this course, covering the same material in a format you can keep on your desk and reference anytime. Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Steve’s Writing Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
Anyone who wants to write a novel, whether you’re just starting, stuck in the middle, or revising a finished draft. No experience required.
How long do I have access?
If you purchase the course, you own it for life. If you subscribe to the bundle, you have access to all of our courses for the duration of your subscription.
Do I really get personal feedback?
Yes. Every lesson has a discussion area. Post your work and Steve responds personally, usually within hours.
What if I’m not happy?
30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. If the course isn’t right for you, you get a full refund.
Can I just get this one course?
Yes. Enroll above for lifetime access to this course. Or, if you want all 20 Writing Academy courses, the Author’s Success Bundle gives you everything for one low monthly fee.
Enroll Today
Buy This Course
- Lifetime access to all 28 video lectures
- 28 discussion areas with personal feedback from Steve
- Downloadable handouts and exercises
- Manuscript Evaluation Checklist
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Get All 20 Courses
- Everything in Suspense & Horror Writing, PLUS
- 19 additional courses across every genre
- Story structure, scene craft, editing, screenwriting, publishing
- Over $3,000 worth of courses
- Personal feedback from Steve on every course
- Cancel anytime
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