Top crime writer M R Hall launches free online creative writing course

Starting today, the seven-week, Seven Secrets of Successful Crime Writing course will concentrate on storytelling techniques

M.R. Hall is a Bafta-nominated TV-script writer for shows including Kavanagh QC and Dalziel and Pascoe, as well as the author of the Coroner Jenny Cooper series of crime novels. He has been nominated for the CW's Gold Dagger Award. His latest Jenny Cooper novel, The Chosen Dead, is out now in hardback.

Each week, a new video will be uploaded to the Seven Secrets of Successful Crime Writing course on M.R Hall's Facebook page.

Secret One: You must have something profound and heartfelt to say
Secret Two: The central character must have a moral centre, but also be conflicted on many levels
Secret Three: However big the story, it must take place within a confined world
Secret Four: Readers need a deep and immediate emotional connection with the crime
Secret Five: The Rule of Three - Always begin with a three act structure and at least three dramatic reversals
Secret Six: The reveal must surprise and astound
Secret Seven: Push the central character beyond the outer limits to achieve the climax

The first secret is revealed from today.

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