Horror writing workshop exploring storytelling for books, film and television
AU$199.00
Next: Thu, 01 Oct 6:00PM (AEST)

Horror Writing Workshop


Learn the skills of writing horror stories for books, movies and television in this engaging online workshop. Discover powerful insights and proven methods for crafting compelling scary stories and scripts that break new ground in this popular genre. Work with your own characters and scenarios to create captivating tales of terror while exploring classic horror archetypes and supernatural elements.

Horror writing is more than jump scares and shock value. It’s about atmosphere, psychology, and the careful manipulation of audience expectations. You will explore how fear works on emotional and intellectual levels, and how writers use language, pacing, and structure to provoke unease and suspense. Learn how to escalate stakes, control revelations, and withhold information for maximum impact.

Through guided exercises, readings, and workshopping, you’ll examine subgenres such as psychological horror, supernatural horror, body horror, and suspense-driven thrillers. Analyse what makes iconic horror stories memorable and how contemporary writers are redefining the genre for modern audiences in a supportive and creative environment.

Course Content

  • Script excerpts, video examples, lectures and guided workshopping.
  • Key differences between writing for books, film and television.
  • Practical handbooks developed by Tim Ferguson to guide your horror-writing process.

Schedule & Pricing

  • 2 sessions (6:00pm–8:00pm) delivered online via Zoom.
  • Course fee: $199.
  • For ages 18+.

Details

2 hours

You will learn

  • Practical techniques for writing effective horror
  • How to build suspense, tension and fear
  • Methods for creating original stories using proven genre principles

You will get

  • Guided writing exercises and workshopping
  • Script excerpts and video learning materials
  • Practical horror-writing handbooks

Appropriate for

Creative writers, authors and screenwriters aged 18+


Preparation

What to bring

  • Notebook and pen or laptop
  • Your story ideas or drafts
  • Willingness to experiment and share work

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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