Suspense & Horror Writing

Master the art of tension, dread, and terror. Learn to keep readers on the edge of their seats and deliver scares that linger long after the last page. 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.
📹

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.

Steve AlcornWhen 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.
1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Write Your Manuscript

Pacing for maximum dread, atmospheric description, dialogue under pressure, and the art of revealing just enough to keep readers terrified.

5

Polish Your Manuscript

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

6

Get Published

Navigate the thriller and horror market: subgenres, reader expectations, agents, self-publishing, and building your platform.


Woman writing at desk

What Students Say

Over 1,000 students have taken this course.
“If you don’t take this class, you may be one of the 99% who don’t ever reach that goal you dream of. If you do take this course and absorb it, it is far more likely to reach that 1% who do.”
Rich
“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
“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
“I’m learning something that will help me fix my manuscript. This course covers all the basics but does not belabor the points. I got way more value for my buck than I expected.”
Cheryl
“The instructor’s teaching style and the course’s lesson plan is top notch! He provides clear examples and then gives homework that you can apply to your own creations. Lots of useful information.”
Blaine
“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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