Student writing horror story with notebook and candlelight for ambiance

How to Write Horror


Learn the skills of writing horror stories for books, movies, and television with our writing short course offered online via Zoom.

Discover effective methods for crafting compelling horror narratives and scripts that captivate and terrify audiences. Through a combination of reading script excerpts, videos, lectures, and workshopping, you will refine your skills in suspense, tension, character development, and supernatural storytelling. Course materials include simple and practical handbooks developed by Tim Ferguson, guiding your horror writing journey step-by-step.

Course Outline

  • Apply horror writing principles to books, film, and television
  • Work with classic and original horror archetypes
  • Understand core differences and requirements of each medium

Schedule & Pricing

  • March Cohort: Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2026 | Thursdays, 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • October Cohort: Oct 1 - Oct 8, 2026 | Thursdays, 6:00pm–8:00pm
  • Price: $199

Details
2 hours

You will learn

  • Use techniques for writing horror across media
  • Apply suspense, fear, and surprise effectively
  • Create original horror stories based on proven methods

You will get

  • Guided writing workshops with expert feedback
  • Practical horror writing handbooks by Tim Ferguson
  • New insights into horror character archetypes

Appropriate for

Creative writers, authors, and screenwriters aged 18+


Preparation

What to bring

  • Notebook or writing device
  • Personal horror story ideas
  • Enthusiasm for scary storytelling

What to wear


Your Teacher
Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

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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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