Crime and Tension Techniques for Fantasy Writers
How Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Mistborn, His Dark Materials, Game of Thrones, and Other Bestsellers of Fantasy Keep Their Audiences Hooked
1: Worldbuilding Criminality
2: Origin Mysteries and Other Plot Twists
3: Heists in Fantasy
2: Origin Mysteries and Other Plot Twists
3: Heists in Fantasy
Part 1-3 can be accessed as replays.
To get free access to the replays, subscribe to my newsletter!
"This was phenomenal, Ina! I really loved it, and the examples were
perfect and made all your ideas so clear. I've got a far-future idea
that involves heists, and this really unlocked some things for me!"
–
Jane Kalmes, YouTuber, writing instructor and mystery author
"A deep dive to simplify a complex topic! Ina breaks things down in an approachable way, helping writers worldbuild on a deeper level and craft stronger stories."
– Kristin Melville, fantasy book coach
"I watched a bit of your heist video (I wrote a heist novel myself - The
Thunder Heist) and you have a great understanding of the genre. You also
have a beautiful accent and speaking style."
– Jed Herne, author, YouTuber and writing course instructor
"[E]xceptionally well prepared and thoughtful. I absolutely loved
the depth of the analysis you presented. Indeed it's very rare that I
come across a writing tool that can be used at the plot conception
stage. By contrast, most tools out there are intended to be used after
the plot is devised, and often after the first draft is completed and
not working (e.g. plot formulas like Save the Cat, Story Grid etc). The
analysis you shared far exceeds such mere diagnostic value. Your talk
was exceptionally inspiring and I believe I already have a story where
the information will prove invaluable in forming the plot."
– Jordan J. Lie, author, novella contest winner
"I found the Heist presentation very helpful and
incredibly interesting. I must confess, I almost didn’t watch it because
I am pivoting from crime fiction to fantasy, and I wasn’t certain how
applicable it would be to my current project. But I was wrong. My idea
of a heist had been narrowly defined, and it had never occurred to me
how frequently fantasy authors employ heists in their action. Your
example citing Mistborn beautifully illustrated that, and then
you expanded my understanding by explaining how the destruction of an
artifact—such as the one ring—can also be presented as a heist. Your presentation was thought-provoking—and I can’t wait to incorporate what I learned into my writing."
– Micki Browning, award-winning crime author
"Thank you so much for today's lecture! It was truly fantastic! Well-structured and rewarding."
– Olivia Bernardsson, aspiring author