History, Mystery and Magic

Create compelling stories in cross-genre tales that draw on history and mythology

This course is ideal for: Writers of all levels who seek to create impactful cross-genre stories with historical or magical themes

You will explore:
How to write a compelling cross-genre story
Which rules you need to break
Unique storytelling patterns and structures
Balancing actual history and fiction effectively
And much more.

“This course exceeded my expectations. The presenter had a touch of magic to inspire. I loved her presentation, patience and connection. Just jump in, it’s well worth the leap!”
– Marcia Tomaras, History, Mystery and Magic graduate

See more reviews
Key information
Key information:
This is an online tutor-led Zoom course
This is an online tutor-led Zoom course

Starts:
To be announced

Starts:
To be announced

Duration:
5 Monday evenings

Duration:
5 Monday evenings

With:
Kate Forsyth
With:
Kate Forsyth

$495
Can’t make this one? Just fill out this form and we’ll be in touch when there’s a course date that suits you.

*Kate will conduct the first four sessions of this course live on Zoom and will also provide a pre-recorded session covering how to write compelling prose that’ll keep your readers riveted. For week five, you will be treated to a dynamic Live Zoom Q&A with best-selling authorPamela Freeman (also writing as Pamela Hart), who has written over 40 novels for all ages including several award-winning fantasies and mysteries. This is exclusive to students of this course only. 

Explore the romance of history, mystery and magic in your writing

  • Do you want to write novels filled with the romance of the past?
  • Or with the page-turning compulsion of a suspenseful mystery?
  • Maybe you want to tell a story with that extra twist of magic and wonder?

Stories set in the past can take your readers into another world. But what tools and techniques can you use to capture their imagination? If you want to explore the romance of history, mystery and magic … this is the course for you!

Learn Online LIVE with Kate Forsyth

In this unique course, you will spend five evenings with internationally best-selling author Kate Forsyth. You will have an incredible opportunity to learn from one of Australia's best novelists.

With our Online LIVE courses, you participate online from the comfort of your own home in a live Zoom video-based classroom. Kate and your classmates are right there with you in real time.

Combine genres with confidence

You’ll learn how to use techniques drawn from different genres to create compelling stories. Many writers have leapt into the bestseller lists with their cross-genre tales of history, mystery, romance and magic. These include authors such as Isabel Allende, Philippa Gregory, Diana Gabaldon, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Joanne Harris and Juliet Marillier.

They write stories that stir the imagination, touch the heart and keep readers turning the pages long into the night.

The rules of the game

Each genre of fiction has its own conventions and characteristics, which can sometimes seem like unbreakable rules. By combining different elements of different genres, however, the writer can create ground-breaking novels of great freshness and originality.

Whether you are writing a medieval supernatural thriller, or a time travel romance, or exploring the cobwebby corners of forgotten history and mythology,  you’ll discover a whole new world of writing in this course. In fact, if you are interested at all in history, mystery and magic, then Kate Forsyth can help you discover your story.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • The key conventions of the world’s most popular literary genres (including historical fiction, crime and mystery, romance, horror, fantasy and magic realism).
  • What rules to keep and what rules can be broken.
  • Storytelling patterns and structures.
  • What kind of research you need to do to make your story credible.
  • The importance of voice, and how to find it.
  • Suspense and the art of surprise.
  • And much more!

Reviews of History, Mystery and Magic

“This course profoundly changed the way I think and work as a writer for the better and made me feel I could finally complete my troublesome work in progress.”

– Anna Thomson

“I feel immensely enriched by this course. I am already utilising Kate's guidance to deepen my current WIP, extend my research and enrich the overall tone of my writing.”

– Jeynelle Vidotto

“I thoroughly enjoyed Kate's teaching style, her warm and approachable delivery, and her beautiful slide decks. I felt as though I was part of a community of engaged and knowledgeable learners. I absolutely loved this course.”

– Deanna Wong

“Don't hesitate to do this course, because if you're a writer of any genre you will learn something from Kate. She's a master of storytelling.”

– Anne Sengstock

Enjoy exclusive access to our AWC Graduates’ Club

Want to know where all the cool kids hang out? The Graduates’ Club of course! Now, calm down – there are no cigars, leather armchairs or loud ticking grandfather clocks here. But it IS exclusive invitation only (on completion of a course) and it’s free! Meet other writers online and share successes, seek help or just get something off your chest. Many students believe this ‘legacy learning’ is one of the most valuable things about our AWC community, and who are we to argue? So if you want to receive feedback, support and a heads-up on opportunities … join the Club!

Key information
Key information:
This is an online tutor-led Zoom course
This is an online tutor-led Zoom course

Starts:
To be announced

Starts:
To be announced

Duration:
5 Monday evenings

Duration:
5 Monday evenings

With:
Kate Forsyth
With:
Kate Forsyth

$495
Can’t make this one? Just fill out this form and we’ll be in touch when there’s a course date that suits you.
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