Activities at The Skyros Centre, Greece

Writing Crime with Claire McGowan

Sat 21 - Sat 28 Jun 2025

In this course you will learn how to construct a gripping crime novel, including finding a strong premise, building suspense and pace, and working with viewpoint and characters. As well as technique we will look at the current market for crime fiction, and address the blocks and barriers that may have stopped us writing or finishing a book in the past. You will come away with all the tools needed to start or finish writing your book. 

About Claire McGowan

Claire McGowan is the author of twenty-five books, mostly in the crime genre, where she has sold over a million copies of her work. She ran the UK's first crime writing MA and also ran the Crime Writers' Association for several years. She regularly teaches writing for many institutions and is a sought-after speaker and tutor. She grew up in Northern Ireland and now lives in London. 

[Photo: Philippa Gedge]

What people say about Claire and her courses:

Excellent. Really invested huge energy and enthusiasm and skill into teaching us.

Novel writing was especially great.

Claire very good. Approachable, friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

I loved writing with Claire) so much to take home. Really generous with her time. Brilliant! 

Wonderful and inspiring.