What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you go from vague, generic ideas about mystery characters to knowing how to use each type of character role in your story. You’ll know what to emphasize for each character role and how to work that role into your mystery seamlessly.
You’ll engage your reader in the mystery story as you move through the plot, because your reader understands the characters.
We won’t be looking at character background or deep wounds. You need those in your character background. We’ll look at how each character plays a role in moving the story forward.
What's Inside
You’ll know how the big 3 - detective, victim, and villain - and all the other characters. The suspects and supporting characters.
And you’ll get a downloadable Workbook to walk you through each character role - detective, victim, villain, suspects, supporting characters.
By the end of the course you’ll have a thorough understanding of how to use each character role in your story to get the most impact for reader engagement as your mystery comes alive.
B. Adam Richardson, Detective, Law Enforcement Technical Adviser, Host Writer's Detective Bureau, Student
She really knows her writing. She knows her stuff!
Nicolas Simonin. - Writer/Director, Derailed Entertainment
Working with Zara has been a tremendous experience. I got so much help from a creative standpoint. She is very detailed oriented, thorough and passionate person. She will help you get to your highest creative potential. Go for it.
Lora Lewis - Writer, Student
I love your class. I'm so glad I found it! I've taken classes before, but they all focus on the same thing.
Inside the Course
Why Do I Need This Course?
You’ll understand the role of every character in your mystery
Your characters will function to deliver the tropes readers expect
Character relationships will add tension
You’ll know how to keep the villain hidden until the end
Your detective will be unique and three-dimensional
Meet Zara Altair
I've been helping hundreds of writers of screenplays and stories since 2007 as The Story Bodyguard. These stories covered the spectrum from science fiction to adventure to thriller.
But, my favorite writing genre is mysteries.
When I published my mysteries. Two things happened.
I began getting 4 and 5 star reviews.
And, readers started sending personal messages about how they enjoyed the story. I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling that is for an author.
There are many courses out there on novel writing. The mystery genre has specific tropes and reader requirements.
This course is designed to help you understand the way characters work in a mystery
See you soon in Mystery Characters.
Write A Killer Mystery
Ready to write your mystery? Readers come for the plot—the mystery puzzle—but stay for the characters.
Learn how to write a mystery from story idea to The End in Write A Killer Mystery.
Get individual attention to you and your mystery with personal coaching.
