Gothic Writing School

I went into the workshop with a vague idea about a haunted house story and left with not just a framework for my idea but, also, enough raw material to get the story going. In just two hours, Icy defined the tropes, elements and reader expectations of a ghost story and still left time to brainstorm our own story elements within the genre. It is rare to attend a workshop that offers both the technical scaffolding usually found in the revision stage as well as the spontaneous play of ideas indulged during the composing stage. Whether you are a beginner, you’re wanting to try something new, or you’re just stuck, Icy offers an amazing exploration of writing about the Gothic as well as a clear explanation of the writing process. I highly recommend this workshop.

Icy’s workshop managed to both present some haunted house stories and how they work, generally. But also helps to turn the skeleton into an outline you can incorporate and adapt to your wants, by going bit by bit over such a story’s elements. The haunting, the secrets, the house, why would the characters stay in the house, the resolution and aftermath… All with examples and ideas that gave me the tools to build my own stories. Myself, for example, I managed to turn that outline from the workshop into a full-blown novel for a Brazilian national literary contest. It was a great time to learn more about these kinds of stories and how we can do them ourselves, I cannot recommend the workshop enough!

Your workshop was a fun experience with practical advice. As a lover of tales about haunted houses and a writer who hasn't been writing, it was a great way to find inspiration again.

Icy’s course on writing a haunted house story is a condensed and satisfying workshop brimming with fun facts and helpful suggestions. She has a lengthy intimacy with the subject matter, personally as well as professionally, and that comes through quite clearly. During the class she showcased a variety of examples along with her instructions. Icy’s teaching style is charming, witty, and supportive, and I came away from the class with more ideas than expected. The course inspired me to take another look at a previously set aside idea for a gothic mystery novel. I see it with fresh eyes when I toy with infusing haunted house elements into the story. I’d love to take other courses from her, and hope to be able to do so in the future!