Online Fiction Writing Workshop

A 4-Week Online Fiction Writing Workshop

Have a story idea but don’t know where to start? Or have you been writing for years but want to take your storytelling to the next level?

Join Thriller Magazine for an interactive, four-week fiction writing workshop designed to help you strengthen your craft, develop compelling characters, structure engaging plots, and improve your chances of publication.

Led by published novelist and Thriller Magazine Editor-in-Chief Ammar Habib, this workshop combines practical instruction, hands-on exercises, and insights from the editorial side of publishing.

Founding Cohort: Just $49

Four 60-minute live Zoom classes
Recordings of every session
Interactive writing exercises and weekly assignments
Downloadable worksheets and writing resources
Opportunities for live discussion, questions, and group feedback
Suitable for beginner and intermediate fiction writers

Workshop Dates & Schedule

November 2026 Founding Cohort

Classes meet on Saturday mornings from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST).

Saturday, November 14: Week 1 — The Art of the Hook
Saturday, November 21: Week 2 — Characters & Conflict
Saturday, December 5: Week 3 — Plotting & Pacing
Saturday, December 12: Week 4 — Revising & Publishing

There will be no class on November 28 due to Thanksgiving weekend.

Can’t attend live? No problem! Every session will be recorded, allowing you to watch the lessons and complete assignments on your own schedule.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT — $49

What You’ll Learn

Week 1: The Art of the Hook

Capture Your Reader’s Attention from the First Sentence

Discover what separates an unforgettable opening from one that readers quickly abandon. Learn how to introduce conflict, establish intrigue, and give readers a compelling reason to turn the page.

Your assignment: Write the opening 500 words of an original story.

Week 2: Characters & Conflict

Create Characters Readers Actually Care About

Explore character motivations, internal and external conflict, and the decisions that make fictional characters feel real. Learn how compelling characters drive unforgettable stories.

Your assignment: Develop a character profile and strengthen your story’s opening.

Week 3: Plotting & Pacing

Build a Story That Keeps Readers Hooked

Learn how to structure a story from beginning to end, build tension, escalate conflict, and create satisfying conclusions without losing your reader along the way.

Your assignment: Develop a complete one-page story outline and expand your opening to approximately 1,000 words.

Week 4: Revising & Publishing

Learn What Editors Look For

Step behind the scenes of literary publishing. Discover common manuscript mistakes, effective revision techniques, and what editors consider when deciding which stories to publish.

Your assignment: Revise your opening and story outline, and develop a plan for completing your manuscript.

What You’ll Walk Away With

By the end of our four-week workshop, you’ll have:

A revised opening of approximately 1,000 words.
A detailed profile of your main character.
A complete outline for your original short story.
A practical understanding of revision and editing.
Greater confidence in your storytelling abilities.
Valuable insight into the literary submission and publishing process.

Most importantly, you’ll have the tools to continue developing your stories long after the workshop ends.

Meet Your Instructor

Ammar Habib

Ammar Habib is the Editor-in-Chief of Thriller Magazine, a published novelist, and an experienced author whose work spans fiction and children’s literature.

As an editor, he has reviewed countless manuscript submissions, gaining firsthand insight into what makes stories stand out—and what causes promising manuscripts to fall short.

Through this workshop, Ammar shares practical writing techniques and an editor’s perspective on crafting stronger fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need writing experience?

Not at all! This workshop is designed for beginner and intermediate writers.

Is this workshop only for thriller writers?

No. While the course is hosted by Thriller Magazine, the techniques apply to fiction across genres, including mystery, romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and literary fiction.

What if I miss a class?

Every session will be recorded so you can catch up at your convenience.

Will my writing receive feedback?

The workshop includes opportunities for group discussion, questions, and feedback on selected examples. Individual written manuscript evaluations are not included.

Will I finish an entire short story during the workshop?

The course focuses on developing a strong foundation. You’ll produce a revised story opening and a complete outline that you can use to finish your story afterward.

Ready to Take Your Writing to the Next Level?

Whether you’re writing your first short story or trying to improve your craft, this workshop will give you practical tools, professional insights, and a structured path forward.

Four Weeks. Four Live Classes. One Stronger Writer.

Introductory Price: $49