Writing Horror: Books, Film & TV
Learn the skills of writing horror stories for books, movies and television with our writing short courses online and in Sydney! Discover amazing insights and methods for writing horror stories and scripts for film, books and TV. Write compelling scary stories and scripts that break new ground in this well-known and popular genre. Work with your own characters and scenarios to create captivating tales of terror. See how to apply horror character archetypes in your own way. The course also covers techniques for writing the supernatural genre.
Horror writing is more than jump scares and shock value; it’s about atmosphere, psychology, and the careful manipulation of reader and audience expectations. In this course, you will explore how fear operates on emotional and intellectual levels, and how writers use language, pacing, and structure to provoke unease and suspense. You will learn how to craft tension slowly, escalate stakes effectively, and decide when to reveal or withhold information for maximum effect.
Through guided exercises and examples, you'll examine various horror subgenres such as psychological horror, supernatural horror, body horror, and suspense thrillers. You will analyze what makes iconic horror stories memorable and explore how modern writers are redefining the genre. This course encourages you to test ideas and refine your personal writing style in a supportive environment.
Course Outline
- Each class includes reading script excerpts, watching video clips, lectures, and writing workshops.
- Explore the different demands and techniques for writing horror across movies, books, and television.
- Gain insights into the genre’s subtypes and learn how to apply tricks of the trade effectively.
Schedule & Pricing
- March Intake: Thursdays 26 Mar - 2 Apr 2026, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Online via Zoom)
- October Intake: Thursdays 1 Oct - 8 Oct 2026, 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Online via Zoom)
- Fee: $199
Details
You will learn
- Apply principles of suspense, tension, fear and surprise
- Use proven techniques to build unique horror stories
- Craft tension and escalate stakes for emotional impact
You will get
- Simple and practical writing handbooks by Tim Ferguson
- Guided horror writing exercises and workshops
- Instructor feedback in a supportive online environment
Appropriate for
Creative writers, authors, and screenwriters aged 18 and over.
Preparation
What to bring
- Notebook and writing tools
- Prepared story ideas or character concepts
- Stable internet and access to Zoom
What to wear
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney 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.
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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Writing Horror: Books, Film & TV
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