


Start Your Crime Novel in Five Days – 21 July 2025
Want to learn the art and craft of writing a murder mystery? Start writing your crime novel with expert guidance from novelist Margie Orford.
Level
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Length

Dive into your crime story
How do you turn a story of crime or transgression into a gripping novel? In this intensive five-day course, acclaimed crime novelist Margie Orford will guide you through the key elements of crime fiction, from noir to cosy mysteries, as you begin plotting your own page-turner.
You will read and discuss extracts from a range of crime novels to learn the tricks of the trade from the leading writers of the genre. You’ll also have the chance to bring and discuss your own favourite works, while considering which writers you would like to keep as companions on your writing journey.
Along with close readings of exemplary texts, you’ll have dedicated time for writing – both quick free-writing vignettes and longer pieces where you can develop your ideas and characters. Each day will include time for reading (if you wish to share) and discussion on what makes good crime writing work. In addition, there will be individual tutorials with Margie who will offer expert advice on your work-in-progress.
By the end of this intensive week, you will leave the course with new technical skills, a deeper understanding of the craft, enough writing in your notebooks to map the way forward towards a novel and a plan for your next steps.


Is this the right course for me?
This course is designed for those who have always wanted to write a crime novel but have not known where to begin. It would equally suit those who have already started a crime novel but have got stuck and want to reignite their writing.
If you love crime fiction and have always wanted to write or complete your own novel, but need time, some new techniques and the support of other writers, then this course is the ideal starting point.

This course takes place Monday to Friday at Faber's offices in Hatton Garden. Teaching time will run from 10:00 until 13:00 each day, followed by a break for lunch.
The course will then continue between 14:00 and 16:00. Afternoons will be spent working on your writing in an open, supportive workshop environment, with time for both quiet work and workshops.
Workshops will enable you to share your own emerging story with your tutor and the rest of the group, on a voluntary basis.

Course Programme
Session 1
Monday 21 July, 10:00–16:00
Genre and Story...
Session 2
Tuesday 22 July, 10:00–16:00
Plot and Character...
Session 3
Wednesday 23 July, 10:00–16:00
Writing Violence...
Tutors

Margie Orford
Margie Orford is an internationally acclaimed writer. Her Clare Hart novels – a literary crime fiction series that explores violence...
More About This TutorMargie's course was a rich and inspiring experience.

Location
The Bindery
51 Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8HN
How to get here
Faber’s office, The Bindery, is well connected by public transport, with Farringdon Station just five minutes’ walk away, and stops for several bus routes in the area too. If you’re coming from outside of London, the office is a short bus or taxi journey from Kings Cross, Euston and St Pancras stations.
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