Genre Writing
Comedy (includes comedic P.I. and crime caper)
Comedy requires timing, voice, and tonal control. This certificate program explores humor in crime, mystery, and caper fiction, focusing on wit, character-driven comedy, and balancing levity with meaningful stakes.
Courses
Making Murder Funny Without Killing the Tension
Bill Fitzhugh, Cindy Sample, Hannah Dennison, and Steve Brewer explore how humor can strengthen murder mysteries rather than weaken them. They discuss how well placed comedy can heighten tension, deepen character, and make even the darkest stories feel more human and memorable.
Mystery Writers Unleashed: A Game Night Gone Wrong (In a Good Way)
Deborah Crombie, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Julia Spencer Fleming, Lucy Burdette, Rosemary Harris, and Ross Hugo Vidal bring humor and friendly competition to the stage in a lively game inspired by Family Feud. Centered on the mystery genre, this fast paced session delivers laughs, surprises, and a playful look at how well writers really know their craft.
Writing Crime Comedy: From Comedic PIs to Capers
Blending humor with crime can create stories that are both suspenseful and entertaining. In this session, panelists discuss how to weave comedy into crime fiction, from comedic private investigators to caper driven plots, while maintaining tension and keeping the story grounded.