How to Write a Gripping Plot with Jock Serong
Join an award-winning writer in this dynamic and insightful course all about shaping plot and structure in long-form fiction.
Newly updated in 2026!
Reduced price available until 31 March 2026
Newly updated in 2026!
Join an award-winning writer in this dynamic and insightful course all about shaping plot and structure in long-form fiction.
‘Just finished Jock Serong's online course on crafting plot and it's a cracker!’ — Eliza Henry-Jones, Student
Many aspiring writers have the instinct for what makes a story compelling, but are struggling to pin down characters vital to this plot. Learn all about how the relationship between plot, structure and character is vital to successful novel projects in this unique course with Jock Serong, the award-winning writer of five novels, including Quota and On the Java Ridge.
Are you:
- Itching to start a long-form novel project but are daunted by how to best create a unique and engaging plot?
- Seeking creative approaches to pinning down the characters and images that demand to be written into narrative form?
- Wanting a writing course that focuses on the practical skills you need to craft a tight and compelling structure for your novel?
Through a series of writing exercises and insights into the genre, you’ll learn:
- Several different methods to visualise and map your plot
- How to orient yourself and navigate your own work as you write
- How to harness structure at a macro and micro level
- How to experiment with perspective to illuminate meaning
- When—and why—to dispense with structure at critical times
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 Gripping Plot with Jock Serong
‘An excellent workshop by Jock Serong — efficient, straightforward, useful and entertaining.’—KYD Student
‘A snappy, smart and supportive course for novel writers at any stage of their writing.’—KYD Student
‘Jock Serong's course is a concise, no-nonsense breakdown of key things to consider when you're structuring your story. His warm, accessible, unpretentious style gives the viewer clear guidance like a colourful manual.’—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 Gripping Plot
A few words from your teacher, Jock Serong
Meet Your Teacher: Jock Serong
Jock Serong is the author of Quota, winner of the 2015 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction; The Rules of Backyard Cricket, shortlisted for the 2017 Victorian Premier's Award for Fiction; and On the Java Ridge, which won the Colin Roderick Award and, internationally, the inaugural Staunch Prize (UK). He has won praise for his trilogy of historical novels Preservation; The Burning Island, which earned him the ARA Historical Novel Prize and the Historia Award for Historical Crime Fiction (France); and The Settlement, which was shortlisted for the Voss Prize and the ARA Historical Novel Prize.
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.
Browse the Course Curriculum
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/shop/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 use my 10% off 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 courses@killyourdarlings.com.au and we’ll be happy to help!