Person writing horror story notes in notebook for creative writing course
AU$199.00
Next: Thu, 01 Oct 6:00PM (AEST)

How to Write Horror


Learn the skills of writing horror stories for books, movies and television in this engaging online course. Discover powerful insights and practical methods for creating compelling scary stories and scripts that break new ground in this popular genre.

Horror writing is more than jump scares and shock value. It is about atmosphere, psychology, and the careful manipulation of reader and audience expectations. Explore how fear operates on emotional and intellectual levels, and how writers use language, pacing, and structure to provoke unease and suspense. Learn to craft tension gradually, escalate stakes effectively, and decide when to reveal or withhold information for maximum impact.

Through guided exercises, script excerpts, videos and workshopping, you will examine key horror subgenres including psychological horror, supernatural horror, body horror and suspense-driven thrillers. Analyse what makes iconic horror stories memorable and experiment with your own characters and scenarios in a supportive learning environment.

Course Content

  • Reading script excerpts, videos, lectures and workshopping
  • Techniques for writing horror for film, books and television
  • Understanding genre conventions and how to innovate within them

Schedule & Pricing

  • Duration: 2 sessions (6:00pm–8:00pm)
  • Delivery: Online via Zoom
  • Course fee: $199

Details

2 hours

You will learn

  • Apply practical techniques for writing effective horror
  • Build suspense, tension, fear and surprise in your stories
  • Create original horror concepts using proven genre methods

You will get

  • Guided writing exercises and structured workshopping
  • Practical horror-writing handbook by Tim Ferguson
  • Insights into writing for film, TV and books

Appropriate for

Creative writers, authors and screenwriters aged 18+


Preparation

What to bring

  • Notebook and pen or digital writing device
  • Your own story ideas or draft material
  • Stable internet connection and Zoom access

What to wear


Your Teacher

Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors

The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.

We do this by:

  • Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
  • Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
  • Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
  • Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
  • Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.

Terms & Conditions

At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.  

At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably.  Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:

Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

 Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued.  If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.

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