How do you keep readers turning the pages when they know something is wrong — but don’t know what will happen next?
Join bestselling psychological thriller author Alex Stone for this live, interactive two-hour masterclass exploring how suspense, tension and pacing shape the reader’s experience of a psychological thriller.
During the session, you’ll:
- Explore the difference between suspense, tension and surprise
- Learn how to create and escalate stakes, threats and uncertainty
- Explore how the reader’s knowledge — and what you withhold — can build tension
- Consider how chapter structure and scene endings affect momentum
- Explore techniques for controlling pace and sustaining tension throughout your novel
Whether you’re planning your thriller or working on a draft that isn’t yet creating the tension you want, you’ll be able to apply the session to your own story and ask questions along the way.
Thursday 5 November 2026 | 7–9pm UK time | Live online via Google Meet
Also included: Writers’ Hub
Your booking also gives you access to the Author Events Writers’ Hub — an informal live online hour where you can ask questions, discuss how you’re applying the teaching to your own novel, and connect with Alex and other writers.
Want to continue?
This masterclass is Week 6 of Alex Stone’s 12-week Write a Psychological Thriller programme.
Each week explores a different element of writing a psychological thriller, taking you from premise, character and setting through structure, suspense, voice, twists, endings, revision and publication.
You can join individual masterclasses, book a four-week block, or take part in the complete 12-week programme.
Full 12-week programme: 1 October–17 December 2026
Thursdays, 7–9pm | Live online
The complete programme is £595, or £565 for Author Events members, and non-member full-programme bookings include 12 months’ Author Events membership.
Want to explore the complete programme?
View the full 12-week programme, weekly topics and guest experts →
Find the option that works for you
Join for one masterclass, choose a four-week block, or follow the complete journey with the 12-week programme.
