Mystery Writing

Picture of Mystery Writing
Quick Facts
  • Delivery Method Online
  • Professional Certificate
  • 24hrs Suggested Study Time
  • 3 Months Access
  • Tutor Support
  • Study On Any Device
  • 2792 Students

Using vivid examples from bestselling mystery novels, this course will teach you the techniques you need to become a successful author.

What makes a mystery?

If you consider the books you've read most recently, you may be surprised to discover that many--if not all--are mysteries. From Dan Brown to Dennis Lehane, mysteries are hot items on today's best-seller lists.

This course will teach you the techniques you need to know if you want to become a best-selling mystery author.

Mystery Writing begins by introducing the four story types and then explains how they relate to mysteries. It then reveals the three-act story structure, which is any story's key to success. Next, it shows you how to propel the action forward to a climax, followed by a catharsis in which your readers feel the release of tension that accompanies a great finish.

The difference between story and plot is one of the most important distinctions in fiction writing--and one that many professional authors don't fully understand. But you will have mastered it by the end of this course. You'll also get a chance to experiment with viewpoints and see which one works best for your mystery. And you'll write a complete scene from your story and learn the internal structure that makes every scene feel right.

Finally, you'll delve into the special techniques that apply to mysteries, including crime scene description, MacGuffins, and the use of red herrings to misdirect your readers and create suspense.

Examples from real mystery novels will show these techniques in action. Then, following each lesson, you'll get to practice on your own story. And when you have questions or insights to share, you can join your instructor and classmates in a dynamic, interactive discussion area.

This information-packed online course combines the best advice of many writing professionals, tempered with the instructor's own experiences as a mystery writer. Follow the guidelines taught in this course, and you'll be well on your way to writing a successful mystery of your very own!

Courses are delivered to you through expertly executed lessons, online instruction and interaction with like-minded students. Our courses are designed to deliver all of the benefits of studying in a classroom whilst giving you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit your needs. You can access your classroom 24/7 from any device with an internet connection.

This course has a 3 month duration. You'll complete comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments before submitting your final exam at the end of the course to achieve your certificate. Courses must be completed within the 3 month access period.

You're probably wondering if you can really write a novel or screenplay. You may have already started one—maybe even several—and then run out of steam. In this first lesson, you'll begin finding out the secret that guarantees success. It's the secret of knowing where you're going before you start. We'll also take some time today to discuss what makes a mystery great, and to explore a number of real-world examples.

Did you know that there's a big difference between story and plot? Amazingly, even many professional authors are confused about this. Today you'll learn that plot is physical while story is emotional. Balancing the two is one of the keys to writing fiction that will satisfy your audience.

This lesson is about the dramatic elements at the heart of every story: <em>passion, theme, character</em>, and <em>premise</em>. Your passion is what drives you to tell your story and the theme is the underlying message it carries. To convey your theme, you create characters that represent it—either positively or negatively. Put these elements together and you've got your premise.

Character is what story is all about. Without a character—and a change in him or her—there can be no story. Today, you'll discover why the best characters are flawed. We'll explore you main character—the protagonist—and the opposing force of the antagonist. And then we'll look at tricks and techniques for creating characters that are memorable.

In this lesson, we'll explore the structure underlying almost every great story. That's right: Nearly every successful story has the same structure—a structure that virtually guarantees success! Like Sherlock Holmes, we'll examine each element of it under our writer's magnifying glass. Then we'll test our theories against some well-known mysteries. By the end, we'll have solved the mystery of story structure.

This is the first of three lessons in which you'll construct your story outline, act-by-act. In Act 1, you'll hook your readers. Then you'll fill them in with some character history called <em>backstory</em>. Finally, you'll exit Act 1 with a bang by triggering a traumatic event in the life of your protagonist.

Today, we work on Act 2 of your mystery. If Act 1 ended with a bang, Act 2 starts with a whimper. Your protagonist begins in crisis—an emotional state brought on by his or her flaw. And because of that flaw, your protagonist will struggle throughout the act as the antagonist deals setback after setback. Fortunately, at the conclusion of Act 2, your protagonist finally figures out the source of all this emotional distress and overcomes it.

The epiphany that ended Act 2 has prepared your protagonist for triumph in Act 3. So it's time to devise a plan. The result will be a final confrontation with the antagonist. This lesson looks at the best way to defeat the antagonist—it's not what you might guess. Then, with that dramatic climax behind you, you'll be ready to tie up all your story's loose threads in the ending.

We've accomplished a lot and you've gotten pretty comfortable with story structure. This is the lesson where we put it all together. We're going to move from story idea, to story outline, to developing scenes. From these little seeds, we're about to grow a forest.

In this lesson, we'll unravel the internal structure of every piece of fiction you've ever read. This is different from story structure and it's something I bet you never even knew existed. It's called <em>scene</em> and <em>sequel</em>. After today, you'll never forget it.

One of the most important choices an author makes is viewpoint. It affects every aspect of story—from theme, to pacing, to suspense. Today we'll look at the three most common viewpoints: third person omniscient, third person limited, and first person. We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each by considering examples from real-word mystery novels.

Much of what we've talked about in this course applies to all types of fiction, not just mysteries. So, in learning how to write a great mystery, you've also been learning to be a better writer in all genres. But in this final lesson, we'll examine some elements unique to mystery writing. Then we'll wrap up with ideas about how to follow the roadmap you've created and actually reach your goal of a finished novel or screenplay.

Steve Alcorn

Steve Alcorn

Steve Alcorn is the published author of a wide range of fiction and nonfiction works including the mystery A Matter of Justice, the historical novel Everything in Its Path, the romance Ring of Diamonds (under the pseudonym Sha... Read more

 Read Steve Alcorn's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Online learning is a flexible way to study that fits around your schedule, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll have 3 months to complete the course and can take the multiple-choice questions and final exam whenever it suits you.

If you need help, you can contact us anytime. You can also join the discussion area where you can interact with other students. The discussion area for each lesson is open for the entire duration of the course.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

We do not offer extensions or transfers for this self-paced course. However, you will have 3 months to complete the course, and if you need to cancel within the first 10 days of enrolment, we offer a money back guarantee.

What people are saying about our courses

Every person considering writing any type of fiction should take this course with Steve Alcorn. It contained concise information, writing assignments and quizzes, as well as comprehensive review by the instructor. Mr. Alcorn was in his classroom available for instruction and assistance when it was 2:00 a.m. and I was in my pajamas! The class was strikingly beneficial, fun and up-to-the-minute with instructional responses. He has my highest recommendation.
Verified Student
During the course I wrote a mystery using your guidelines. I finished it last week and sent off a query letter. The publisher has requested the complete manuscript!
Verified Student
Having this course being taught by a published author was immensely valuable. It is great to be taught by someone who has the success and experience, yet can still relate to us beginners and cares that we are successful too. Wonderful!!
Verified Student
See More Reviews

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Mystery Writing you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Our Values

Learn At Your Own Pace

We believe in personalised learning. That's why we provide all the tools and support you need to succeed at your own pace. With flexible learning, you'll stay motivated and retain more information. Plus, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments to make your dreams a reality.

We Won't Break The Bank

Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. That's why we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry with payments plans for just $25 per week. Investing in your future is a smart choice and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Industry-Led Courses

There's no better way to learn than from experts with years of experience in your field. That's why each of our 200+ industry-led courses are designed to give you a real-life perspective on your industry. With our expert mentors, you'll learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about sharing it with you.

Get The Personal Support You Deserve

At Vibe Learning, we're real people who are dedicated to providing you with personal support every step of the way. Our industry experts are not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing their expertise with you. With their guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

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Mystery Writing

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Dreamweaver CS6 Fundamentals Online Course | Vibe Learning
 

Dreamweaver CS6 Fundamentals

Picture of Dreamweaver CS6 Fundamentals
Quick Facts
  • Delivery Method Online
  • Professional Certificate
  • 24hrs Suggested Study Time
  • 3 Months Access
  • Tutor Support
  • Study On Any Device
  • 993 Students

Learn to create Web pages, layouts, and websites using CSS formatting options and other tools with Adobe's industry-standard Web design application.

You've taken your first steps into Web design, and your fingers are beginning to cramp from all that typing—but don't panic! Developing your coding skills has not been in vain! You're ready for Dreamweaver—Adobe's preeminent Web development application—which has been designed from the ground up to make developing websites easier.

You'll begin by touring the Dreamweaver workspace and configuring it for your specific site-management needs. You'll learn how to use Dreamweaver's intuitive tool set to structure text, and investigate the myriad formatting options CSS provides. Along the way, you'll work with images, build navigation elements, discuss effective layout methods, learn where and when to use tables, and examine successful site planning strategies.

By the end of the course, you'll have successfully built a website and know how to use Dreamweaver's built-in FTP tools to upload to the server of your choice.

Courses are delivered to you through expertly executed lessons, online instruction and interaction with like-minded students. Our courses are designed to deliver all of the benefits of studying in a classroom whilst giving you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit your needs. You can access your classroom 24/7 from any device with an internet connection.

This course has a 3 month duration. You'll complete comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments before submitting your final exam at the end of the course to achieve your certificate. Courses must be completed within the 3 month access period.

Your first lesson will introduce you to one of Dreamweaver's greatest strengths: its clean, simple interface. Not only will you learn the primary interface elements, you'll also find out how to preview your work in multiple Web browsers&mdash;because rigorous testing is the key to a successful website. By testing and adapting your site documents across multiple browsers, you'll ensure that every site visitor, regardless of their browser, has a positive user experience.

Dreamweaver is a site creation and management tool, not just some glorified HTML editor. While you're building a site, Dreamweaver has the ability to track each color you assign, every image and multimedia file you insert, every Web address you refer to, as well as every step you take while working on a specific document. Dreamweaver then keeps all this information right at your fingertips to use again and again. In today's lesson, you'll learn the steps you need to take to put these features to work for you.

The two most important aspects of any website are what it says and how it looks. In this lesson on structuring text, you'll learn how to group blocks of text into elements such as headings, paragraphs, and lists. In certain respects, structuring text with Dreamweaver is very similar to working in your word processor. It's important to understand, however, that Dreamweaver is not a word processor. And perhaps more importantly, word processing and Web design are totally different worlds. This lesson also includes an introduction to HTML, which stands for <i>HyperText Markup Language</i>.

When HTML was first created, nobody thought the Web would become what it is today. HTML was simply meant to be a fast and easy way for folks to format simple documents (black text on a white page). <i>Cascading Style Sheets</i> take us beyond that. Today you'll get a short introduction to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS for short), and you'll gain an understanding of how to implement CSS using Dreamweaver. We'll explore the basics behind how CSS works and how to use it to format, or style, your page text.

Believe it or not, early Web browsers couldn't display images. It's doubtful the Web would have become so popular if that were still true today. In this lesson, you'll learn how to use Dreamweaver to insert and format images within your documents. Even though Dreamweaver isn't a true image-editing application, it does offer some very impressive editing tools, and we'll explore these features today as well.

Well-structured navigation elements are the backbone of every successful website. In the past, designers attempted to make their navigation elements stand out using various image and JavaScript-based effects, more often than not guaranteeing that their navigation was anything but well structured. Fortunately, there's a cure: list-based navigation elements. In this lesson, you'll expand your CSS horizons and discover how to format your structured lists any way you like.

We use tables to display data&mdash;columns and rows of information with headings and borderlines, just like the typical spreadsheet. In the dark ages before WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) HTML editors, digging through the long and complex code required to render a table on screen was mind-bending at best. With a tool like Dreamweaver, table editing becomes a snap. And in this lesson, you'll see just how true that statement is.

You've probably filled out a Web form before. Forms allow site visitors to input their information and send it to the Web server. For the Web server to use the data visitors enter, there must be a processing script on the server. This script, or groups of scripts, accepts the data and does something with it. But in order to use a form, you first need to build it. In today's lesson, we'll focus on the creation of form pages, their formatting, and their layout.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are the core of modern Web design. In this lesson, we'll examine some Web design principles and explore page layout using CSS. In the process, you'll get acquainted with the tools Dreamweaver uses to do some of our coding.

In today's lesson, we'll explore ways to speed up your work flow and easily reuse content with the help of Dreamweaver's Assets and History panels. You'll learn how to use the Assets panel to quickly access elements and get them into new pages, so you don't have to go hunting through your site for previously used content. When we explore the History panel, you'll learn how to undo anything you wish you hadn't done, as well as repeat formatting procedures throughout your site.

In the life cycle of a website, the design and development period is the most fun. It's also the shortest. You spend much more time managing and maintaining your site. Dreamweaver appreciates this reality and has put as much thought and effort into its site management and maintenance tools as it has into its development tools. In today's lesson, you'll learn how to use Dreamweaver's site management tools to connect to your Web server and to upload and download files. You'll also find out how to use Check-In and Check-Out, which let workgroups develop sites together without overwriting content. And you'll discover how to attach design notes to your files, so you and fellow workers can communicate across conflicting work schedules.

You now have an introductory knowledge of Dreamweaver, and you know just enough to be dangerous. We'll spend our last lesson together going over site planning. You'll learn the five basic questions that you'll need to answer before starting any website project. We'll discuss where and how to gather your site content (text, graphics, and other media), as well as different strategies for organizing that content once you have it. By the time you finish this lesson, no matter what type of website you need to build, you'll know exactly how to plan for its success!

Robert Fuller

Robert Fuller

Robert Fuller is a veteran Web developer, educator, and author. His corporate experience extends from Silicon Alley to Silicon Valley, where he has held almost every post from intern to senior developer. He has logged tens of thousands of classroo... Read more

 Read Robert Fuller's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Online learning is a flexible way to study that fits around your schedule, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll have 3 months to complete the course and can take the multiple-choice questions and final exam whenever it suits you.

If you need help, you can contact us anytime. You can also join the discussion area where you can interact with other students. The discussion area for each lesson is open for the entire duration of the course.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

We do not offer extensions or transfers for this self-paced course. However, you will have 3 months to complete the course, and if you need to cancel within the first 10 days of enrolment, we offer a money back guarantee.

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Dreamweaver CS6 Fundamentals you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Our Values

Learn At Your Own Pace

We believe in personalised learning. That's why we provide all the tools and support you need to succeed at your own pace. With flexible learning, you'll stay motivated and retain more information. Plus, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments to make your dreams a reality.

We Won't Break The Bank

Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. That's why we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry with payments plans for just $25 per week. Investing in your future is a smart choice and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Industry-Led Courses

There's no better way to learn than from experts with years of experience in your field. That's why each of our 200+ industry-led courses are designed to give you a real-life perspective on your industry. With our expert mentors, you'll learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about sharing it with you.

Get The Personal Support You Deserve

At Vibe Learning, we're real people who are dedicated to providing you with personal support every step of the way. Our industry experts are not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing their expertise with you. With their guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

Still looking?

Check out the following courses related to Dreamweaver CS6 Fundamentals:

Discover more online courses

Recently viewed products

Picture of Dreamweaver CS6 Fundamentals

Dreamweaver CS6 Fundamentals

$599
$389AUD
Save 35%