BritCrime Festival Opportunity
Monday 13 July-Sunday 9 August
Start writing with BritCrime!
Start writing with BritCrime!
You could win a personal critique from Sarah Hilary
Always wanted to write a crime novel, but not sure how to get started?
We have teamed up with the Professional Writing Academy to bring you the BritCrime Summer School. This introduction to writing crime fiction is an online course that starts Monday 13th July and is open internationally, with a special festival discount for BritCrime readers using the code BRITCRIME when booking.
You will get an introduction to crime fiction in four modules from author Tom Bromley (teaches on the Faber Write a Novel course), using examples from masters of the craft, such as Henning Mankell and Stieg Larsson, and featuring exclusive interviews and tips from Sarah Hilary. Sarah will drop into the virtual classroom at the mid-course point to chat to students.
At the end of the course, one BritCrime Summer School student will be chosen to receive a personal critique from Sarah Hilary for a piece of fiction written during the course.
Short teasers of BritCrime Summer School students’ work will be showcased on the BritCrime blog in September, if students feel ready to share it with us.
♠ Sarah Hilary is the bestselling author of Someone Else’s Skin and No Other Darkness. Someone Else’s Skin was a Richard & Judy Bookclub bestseller in 2014. In 2015 it has been shortlisted for the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year, and nominated for a Macavity Award. No Other Darkness is the second book in the Marnie Rome series, and has been shortlisted for the Dead Good Readers Most Recommended Book Award. The series is being developed for television.
♠ Tom Bromley writes crime fiction under the pseudonym Thomas Black. His first book, Dead on Arrival (2013) was described by Scott Griffin as ‘a darkly funny and twisted killer for the 21st century.’ His second, Hammerhead (2015) was described by Louise Voss as 'A fast, funny, quirky read you won't be able to put down. Foster is a memorable anti-hero — I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next one.’ Under his own name, Tom has also published eight works of fiction and non-fiction, and as a ghostwriter has written a further ten books, including Sunday Times top ten bestsellers. He teaches novel and genre writing for the Faber Academy, as well as teaching and mentoring for the Professional Writing Academy, the Literary Consultancy and Falmouth University among others. He lives in Salisbury.
The Professional Writing Academy's introduction to writing courses normally cost £129, but BritCrime readers can book the BritCrime Summer School using the code BRITCRIME to receive the special festival rate of only £99/$159.
To book at this price, please use the special BritCrime festival discount code BRITCRIME.
There are a limited number of places available. We expect this course to sell out quickly, so please book early to avoid disappointment. We will contact you if we have to put your name on a waiting list.
BritCrime Summer School: Your questions answered
Who are The Professional Writing Academy?
The Professional Writing Academy provide specialised online writing courses taught by experienced practitioners. They work with respected institutions and individuals including the Faber Academy and former Controller of BBC Drama Production, John Yorke. More about the Professional Writing Academy here
I’m midway through a novel. Is this course for me?
Probably not. This is an introduction to the basics of crime fiction and is suitable for someone who is just starting out writing. Professional Writing Academy offer a variety of courses and mentoring for writers, including the Faber Academy's Write A Novel course and John Yorke's Into the Woods for screenwriters. They are planning other courses featuring BritCrime authors as guest authors. Please email us to receive an alert when these are available.
I love the idea of a written critique from Sarah Hilary! What if I’m not chosen to receive this?
Students can opt to receive a personal critique from a BritCrime author on up to 2,000 words of fiction written during the course for £99.
Will you showcase my work on the BritCrime blog after I have completed the course?
We would love to do that! We will publish 100-word teasers of BritCrime Summer School students’ work on our blog in September, if you would like to share it with us.
I have finished a crime novel. I don’t really need to do the course but I’m desperate for some feedback. Shall I just sign up anyway?
Congratulations on finishing your book! Why don’t you try pitching it to Madeleine Milburn as part of our Pitch the Agent session at the BritCrime Festival? Details here. The Professional Writing Academy also offers mentoring and other support for writers. Please contact them direct for more information.
I don’t live in the UK. Can I still join the BritCrime Summer School?
Yes, of course! We're proud to have readers around the world. You are welcome to join in, wherever you live.
I can’t start this course on 13th July. Can I start later and work at my own pace?
No, unfortunately this won't be possible. One of the reasons we’re working with The Professional Writing Academy is that we’re impressed by the way their courses are structured, with peer support and a virtual classroom for students. Though you can complete each module at your own pace, all the students will start and finish the BritCrime Summer School together. That way you can offer mutual support and learn from each other.
I can't believe I'm going to miss out on this! Are you going to run another one of these?
Professional Writing Academy offer a variety of courses and mentoring for writers, including the Faber Academy's Write A Novel course and John Yorke's Into the Woods for screenwriters. They are planning other courses featuring BritCrime authors as guest authors. Please email us to receive an alert when these are available.
I would like to buy this course for my friend/family member/co worker. Can I do that?
How lovely of you! Yes. Just let us know the name of the person you are booking for when you get your confirmation email. We hope they enjoy this remarkable gift!
I’m not in the UK. How do the prices work?
Course fees are charged in British pounds and include taxes. If you are not in the UK, your credit or debit card will be charged in British pounds and converted at the current exchange rate by your card provider when you book. US$ prices quoted are approximate. We used the online world currency converter to provide you with an approximate cost in US$, but please be aware that there are usually variations between best rates quoted and actual rates used by banks and other financial institutions: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
