Mystery Writing Workshop

From first clue to final twist. Learn to plot whodunits, plant clues, build suspense, and deliver a satisfying ending that plays fair with the reader. With personal feedback from Steve Alcorn.

USA Today best-selling author · 29 books · 100,000+ students · 25 years teaching

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What’s Included

Everything you need to write, polish, and publish your novel.

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28 Video Lectures

Over 5 hours of focused instruction covering every stage of the novel-writing process.

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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.

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Manuscript Evaluation Checklist

The same 25-point checklist Steve’s students use to evaluate protagonist, story structure, plot, and writing quality.

When you post your writing, Steve reads it and responds personally. That’s what makes Writing Academy different from every other online course.Steve Alcorn is a USA Today best-selling author of 30 books and has taught more than 100,000 aspiring authors over 25 years through 1,500+ college partnerships.

Writing workspace overhead view

What You’ll Learn

Six steps from blank page to published book.

Plan Your Mystery

Learn the essential elements of mystery fiction: the crime, the detective, the suspects, and the clues. Build a premise that hooks readers from page one.

Create Your Detective

Build a protagonist readers want to follow, with real motivation, distinctive methods, and enough flaws to be human. Plus a supporting cast of suspects.

Structure Your Plot

Master the mystery plot structure: planting clues, laying red herrings, building suspense, and delivering a twist that plays fair with the reader.

Write Your Manuscript

Scene and sequel, pacing, dialogue, viewpoint, and the art of revealing information at exactly the right moment to keep readers guessing.

Polish Your Manuscript

The “Write Big” and “Write Well” techniques that turn a flat draft into a sparkling, publishable manuscript.

Get Published

Collateral materials, platform building, the pros and cons of agents vs. self-publishing, and how to get publishers to say yes to your mystery.

Woman writing at desk

What Students Say

Over 1,000 students have taken this course.

“This workshop was more comprehensive and helpful than the four years I spent in college as an English/Writing major. The value of this class is literally equivalent to all my student loans. Steve will even answer your questions the same day you ask them.”
Jason

“Wonderful course! The most straight-talking, practical advice on writing I’ve ever experienced. Would highly recommend to anyone who’s keen to write, but just can’t get started.”
Anna

“I’ve been writing since I was a child, own every book on writing known to man, taken numerous classes and seminars. This is by far the easiest, most understandable information on writing I’ve ever heard.”
Kim

“This is an excellent course. After the first couple of lessons, I already knew where I had gone wrong in my writing and how to fix it. I am once again inspired to keep on writing.”
Darcy

“One of the best courses I have taken on writing and has filled in more blanks than any have in the past. Steve’s approach to writing instruction will give you what you need to finally make sense of it all!”
Jeffrey

“It has been my life-long dream to become a published author. I took this course to get help, and I am truly impressed by the amount of information presented. I completed the course in a few months in my free time.”
Michelle A.

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

Lifetime access · Personal feedback · 30-day guarantee

Buy This Course

$199

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

Enroll Now for $199

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