You will be guided in the production of a novel-length work of crime or thriller fiction and also in critical reflection of your own work and that of other writers. The course tutors and guest speakers are all established literary professionals and there will be the opportunity to meet representatives from the world of publishing.
Who is the course designed for?
• anyone who wants to write a crime novel or thriller - whether they are as yet unpublished or have already published, or self-published, in this genre;
• a published crime writer who wants to improve their craft;
• An established writer who is considering moving into the crime/thriller genre.
Aims of the programme
By the end of the course students should have
- Developed their own writing and self-editing skills within the crime and thriller writing genres
- Developed a solid and substantial understanding of the history (in terms of innovative developments) of crime and thriller writing and of critical, analytical and narrative theory
Teaching and learning
The MSt is structured around four modules, each of which includes a residential session at Madingley Hall that students must attend. In the first year, each of the four residential sessions is preceded by guided preparatory reading and other activities, and followed by one or more writing assignments.
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers learning support to students while they are on the programme, including learning resources, peer-to-peer and student-to-tutor discussion between modules to build a virtual community of practice.
Year 1
In the first year students will be guided through the various stages of writing a crime or thriller novel, from beginnings to the conclusion. Students will be encouraged to build on their existing strengths but also to explore unfamiliar territories.
Module 1:Beginnings and Origins (13-16 January 2020)
In this module students explore the heritage and traditions of crime writing, and will consider their own creative project and where it sits within the genre, and explore and analyse the various challenges of starting a work of crime fiction in the best possible way.
Module 2: The Plot Thickens (16-19 March 2020)
This module explores plot, balance and structure, with specific reference to developing a novel-length work of crime fiction. Students will learn about the expectations and demands of the literary marketplace, develop their 'inner editor', and acquire the skills and confidence they need to forge ahead with their creative work.
Module 3: The Difficult Middle Section (18-21 May 2020)
This module explores the technicalities of writing, including how to incorporate research, and covers the various issues that might arise at the halfway point: consistency, pace, narrative direction, setting and fulfilling narrative expectations, and planning for redrafting, finishing and publishing your novel.
Module 4: Endings and Conclusions (27-30 July 2020)
This module brings together and develops the content of the previous three modules, preparing students to realise, fully and confidently, their own novel-length projects. It also concentrates on effective ways to end a crime novel or thriller, and how to know when a book is finished and ready to submit. Sessions on study and research skills will prepare students for Year 2. Visiting speakers for this module will include professionals from the world of publishing.
Year 2
Students will work independently to explore further and develop their own literary and critical skills. They will aim to complete a novel-length work of crime or thriller fiction, and will work under the supervision of an expert in their chosen field with whom they will have regular contact.
Students will have five supervisions in the second year, including one with the Course Director, Sophie Hannah. Supervision dates will be arranged between students and supervisors (these can be face-to-face or via Skype). The fifth and final supervision will usually take place at Madingley Hall at the time of the only residency in the second year, the Presentation and Discussion of Portfolios, on 26-27 April 2021.
It is essential that students attend all residential modules on the dates given above as their ability to complete the course will be severely compromised by missing any of these.
Contact time
- Lectures, seminars and classes: 4 x 4-day residential sessions in Year 1; a 2-day residential session in Year 2.
- Supervisions and tutorials: students each have a tutor to whom they will have several one-to-one sessions during the first year. During the second year, students have 5 x 1-hour sessions with their supervisor.
Open Morning Monday 1st April 2019
On Monday 1 April 2019, 10.30am - 12.30pm, we will hold an Open Morning specifically for this course. This is an informal occasion to find out more about the course and meet the Academic Director for Creative Writing, Midge Gillies and the Course Director, Sophie Hannah.
If you would like to attend the Open Morning, please register your interest by contacting: creativewriting@ice.cam.ac.uk
