How to Plot a Fictional Murder

Develop the plot of your own crime novel and gain the tools and confidence to progress your ideas independently. From noir to young adult fiction, we’ll explore the essential ingredients of compelling crime writing and what makes readers keep turning the pages.

Each week we’ll consider topics including who should tell the story (victim, killer, detective, or other), and where should it take place; what makes a good victim or victims. We’ll look at how to build a three-dimensional killer (and give them skills that mean they can’t get caught until the end!) and detective.

The course will be taught by Caroline Dunford, an Edinburgh based novelist and playwright who is best known for her historical crime fiction. There will be lots of room for questions and sharing ideas whilst in between classes you will work on developing your own stories. At the of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to present your book plot to the group and receive feedback from both the teacher and your fellow learners.

Please note that this course includes material and / or discussion of sensitive and potentially challenging topics that some learners may find upsetting.

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Explore basic techniques for creating a plot  
• Experiment with psychological insights to create plot and characters  
• Practice how to both give and receive supportive feedback  
• Evaluate what readers and publishers seek in this genre.

This course is for anyone wishing to write a crime novel. No previous writing experience is necessary or expected, but you need to be open to discussing and sharing your ideas.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.