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

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Key information
Key information:
This is an online self-paced course
Duration 1 This is an online self-paced course

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Course Creator:
Kate Forsyth
Course Creator:
Kate Forsyth

$395
This online self-paced course is coming soon! To hear as soon as it's available for purchase, sign up to the waitlist above.

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!

Amy Hutton completed History, Mystery and Magic and is now a published author of two rom-coms.

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!

Amy Hutton completed History, Mystery and Magic and is now a published author of two rom-coms.

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!

Kell Woods completed History, Mystery and Magic and is author of After the Forest.

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!

Kell Woods completed History, Mystery and Magic and is author of After the Forest.

How our “self-paced courses” work

This is one of AWC’s 35+ “self-paced” online courses. But what does that mean? Allow us to explain:

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 self-paced course
Duration 1 This is an online self-paced course

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Course Creator:
Kate Forsyth
Course Creator:
Kate Forsyth

$395
This online self-paced course is coming soon! To hear as soon as it's available for purchase, sign up to the waitlist above.

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