How to Write A Thriller with J.P. Pomare
Learn from one of Australia’s most successful crime writers
Newly updated in 2026!
Reduced price available until 31 March 2026
Newly updated in 2026!
Join a highly successful crime writer in this practical course that will guide you on all the different approaches to crafting an unputdownable thriller.
‘A first-class workshop full of gold nuggets for writers who want to take their current work to the next level.’—KYD Student
Many of us have a thriller novel lurking inside us, but we don’t have the key to unlock its creative potential. Learn all about how to write your own captivating thriller with J.P. Pomare, an award-winning, bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed novels including 17 Years Later, Tell Me Lies and The Wrong Woman. His work has been published in the US, UK, France and Germany, and has been adapted for screen by Disney and Stan.
Are you:
- Someone with early ideas for a thriller novel but unsure how to piece it all together?
- Seeking guidance on key elements of the genre, including point of view and narrative drive?
- Wanting to learn from a hugely successful writer who has vast experience and professional insights to draw upon and use to guide your own process?
Through a series of writing exercises and insights into the genre, you’ll learn:
- How to complete and redraft a thriller manuscript with an eye for publication
- How to use examples from bestsellers in the genre as touchstones to help shape unique and engaging ideas into long-form work
- How to take a forensic view of structural elements and apply them to your own work-in-progress
- How to draw all these elements together to set up big twists and keep the reader hooked until the last page
The course is designed to take you 5–6 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of FAQs.
Student Reviews of How to Write A Thriller with J.P. Pomare
‘Highly recommend this course for writing thrillers. Loved learning about how to build a character with flaws and how to leave hints for the reader as to how they got them.’—KYD Student
‘This course was incredibly well presented and the exercises were practical and easily able to be applied to my current work which has helped me immensely.’—KYD Student
‘This course covered lots of key elements to help develop your writing craft as well as inspirational ideas to help make your thriller work better.’—KYD Student
KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact courses@killyourdarlings.com.au for more information.
Welcome to How to Write A Thriller
A few words from your teacher, J.P. Pomare
Meet J.P. Pomare
J.P. POMARE is an award-winning author whose debut novel, Call Me Evie (2018), won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. In the Clearing (2019) was made into a Disney+ Original Series, The Clearing, while Tell Me Lies (2020) was a #1 Audible bestseller and was shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. The Last Guests (2021) was critically acclaimed and made into a Stan Original TV series, Watching You. His fifth book, The Wrong Woman (2022), was a top-ten bestseller and was highly acclaimed, as was Home Before Night (2023). 17 Years Later (2024) was shortlisted for both the 2025 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction and the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel, and is currently being adapted for the screen. The Gambler is his eighth novel.
J.P. is a proud Māori (Ngāpuhi). He grew up in Aotearoa but currently resides with his family in Melbourne.
Meet Your School: Kill Your Darlings
Founded in 2010, Kill Your Darlings (KYD) is one of Australia’s most trusted independent literary organisations. As well as writing courses, KYD also runs several writing awards and provides professional editorial services such as mentorships and manuscript assessments. To take full advantage of all KYD’s opportunities, services and generous discounts, please consider becoming a member today.
Visit killyourdarlings.com.au to find out more.
How To Write A Thriller Curriculum
- Introduction
- Structure
- Writing Exercise: Structure
- Where Do Stories Begin?
- From Your Teacher: My Favourite Structures (1:36)
- Narrative Frameworks
- From Your Teacher: Learning Structure From The Best (3:47)
- Point Of View In Thrillers
- Types Of Point Of View
- Writing Exercise: POV
- A Question Of Tense
- Examples Of Great Narrative Structure
- Setting Matters
- Writing Exercise: Setting
- Introduction (1:24)
- Writing Exercise: Building Characters Up
- Intrigue
- From Your Teacher: Building Intrigue Into Character (5:13)
- Writing Exercise: On Intrigue
- Character Flaws
- From Your Teacher: On Character Flaws (3:26)
- The Intersection of (Flawed) Characters With Plot
- Conflict
- From Your Teacher: Writing About What You Want (1:58)
- Writing Exercise: Finding What Is Important To Your Character
- Introduction (4:23)
- The Big Idea
- The Major Dramatic Question (MDQ)
- Writing Exercise: Your MDQ
- Good Plot, Bad Plot
- Writing Exercise: Introducing Dramatic Tension
- From Your Teacher: When Do You Have A Workable Draft? (5:50)
- Cut The Undergrowth
- Twists & Turns
- Writing Exercise: Reaction To A Plot Twist
- Delivering Small Twists
- The 'Big' Twist
- Writing Exercise: Your Own Twist
- Bringing It All Together
- From Your Teacher: Final Thoughts (7:48)
Browse our range of Crime & Thriller Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these courses start and finish?
The courses start now and never end! These are completely self-paced online courses—you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the courses?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to these courses—across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD’s Manuscript Assessment Service: killyourdarlings.com.au/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my courses?
All our online workshops are hosted at kill-your-darlings.teachable.com, via the Teachable platform. You can access your course by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I’m a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on ‘Enrol now’. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you on 19 March, 2026. If you need help finding it, please email info@killyourdarlings.com.au.
What if I have another question? You can email us at info@killyourdarlings.com.au and we’ll be happy to help!