Take a step back in time to unravel the secrets of the past and craft a compelling story today.
This workshop is designed for mystery writers exploring historical settings, historical fiction authors looking to add suspense, and anyone fascinated by the art of historical mysteries. You’ll learn the ground rules for writing historically rich mysteries: how to balance accuracy and creativity, avoid common research pitfalls, and weave historical context seamlessly into your narrative. We’ll explore the art of storytelling that goes beyond a mere recounting of facts, delving into how to bring history alive with mystery, suspense, and authenticity.
Whether you’re crafting a cozy whodunit set in Victorian London, a tense spy thriller during WWII, or a historical drama with a suspenseful twist, this workshop will give tips and tools to make your story both entertaining and historically sound while maintaining the page-turning pace of a mystery.
About the instructor: donalee Moulton‘s first mystery novel was Hung out to Die (2023). Her historical mystery, Conflagration! (2024), won the 2024 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense (Historical Fiction). donalee’s “Swan Song” was one of 21 stories selected for publication in Cold Canadian Crime and was shortlisted for an Award of Excellence. Her short story “Troubled Water” was shortlisted for a 2024 Derringer Award and a 2024 Award of Excellence from the Crime Writers of Canada. Her other short stories have been published in numerous anthologies in the US and the UK. donalee is an award-winning freelance journalist as well, having written articles for print and online publications across North America, including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Lawyer’s Daily, National Post, and Canadian Business. donalee is also the author of The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say.

Recommended experience level: New and emerging fiction writers (About recommended experience levels)
Participant cap: 12
Location: Zoom
Dates of 4-week workshop: Tuesdays, Feb 25 + Mar 4 + Mar 11 + Mar 18, 2025 (7:00pm to 9:00pm Atlantic)
Registration for 2025 General Members: $169
Registration for non-members: $234 (includes 2025 General Membership in WFNS)