Genre Writing
Mystery Animals
Animal-centered mysteries add charm and uniqueness to investigative storytelling. This certificate program explores incorporating animal characters meaningfully while maintaining suspense and narrative credibility.
Courses
How Animals Add Heart to Mystery Stories
Jennie Bentley, Marilyn M. Fisher, and Mary Soams explore how animals can become an essential part of mystery storytelling. They discuss how animal characters add warmth, humor, and emotional depth, and how using them thoughtfully can reveal character, move the plot forward, and strengthen a reader’s connection to the story.
Mystery’s Best Friends: Why Readers Love Pets in Mysteries
Ali Brandon, John Clement, Neil Plakcy, Sparkle Abbey, and Waverly Curtis focus on the role of pets in mystery fiction. They discuss how cats, dogs, and other companions can reflect their owners’ personalities, heighten emotional stakes, and become memorable parts of the mystery itself.
Pets in Crime Fiction: Dogs, Cats, and Unlikely Helpers
Pets can bring humor, warmth, and unexpected clues to a mystery. In this session, authors discuss the fun of adding dogs, cats, and other animals to their stories, why they chose specific pets, and the different roles these companions play in helping or complicating the investigation.
Writing Animal Sidekicks That Matter
Helen Chapman, Kaye George, and Lisa Wysocky talk about writing animal characters and sidekicks that feel purposeful rather than gimmicky. They explore how animals influence relationships, shape story direction, and help establish tone, whether cozy, suspenseful, or heartfelt.