Writing Historical Horror

Writing Historical Horror with Ally Wilkes (4 weeks plus optional feedback module)
Wednesday 25th March, 1st, 8th and 15th April 2026
6:30pm-8:30pm UK time
Tickets £80 (plus 7.38 booking fee), optional 1-2-1s and written feedback available from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-historical-horror-with-ally-wilkes-tickets-1963192402323

This four week course will explore the how (and the why) of writing historical horror fiction. Led by author and creative writing tutor Ally Wilkes, the course will include discussion, examples, technique workshops, and writing exercises. There’s also an opportunity to purchase add-on feedback at the end of the course.

In the first week, we will look at openings to transport your readers, including techniques for immediate immersion, the importance of style, and – of course – that all-important opening line. The second session will focus on research: when to research, how much research to do, and when to stop researching and get down to writing! In week three we’ll be taking a deep dive into the topic of immersion and its importance for both the writer and the reader. And week four will finish by examining the interplay between horror and history; horror has always been political, and we’ll be exploring how to tackle real-world topics with care and impact.

For those who want more tailored guidance, there’s an optional feedback module exclusive to course participants: in the fifth week, Ally will read up to 3000 words of your work-in progress and provide a short piece of written feedback (£40), and/or you can take advantage of a half hour video tutorial for (£40).

Week one: The Time Machine – openings to transport your readers
Week two: Man the Whaleboats – the joy of research
Week three: The Past is Another Country – creating immersion in your world
Week four: A Thoroughly Modern Haunting – exploring the interplay between horror and history

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