Ink & Inquest: A Crime Writing Weekend Seminar

Ink & Inquest

A Crime Writing Weekend Seminar

December 3-5, 2027 | The Historic Winchester Mystery House | San Jose, California

Crack the Case of Your Next Novel

Are you an aspiring crime writer, a seasoned detective of the page, or a fan who wants to know how it’s done? Join us for an exclusive weekend seminar designed to sharpen your skills, unravel the secrets of the genre, and bring your most compelling mysteries to life.

From crafting the perfect “locked-room” puzzle to developing a flawed but brilliant detective, our expert-led sessions will give you the tools you need to write a story that keeps readers guessing until the very last page.

Seminar Highlights

Masterclasses by Bestselling Author Ariadne Oliver

Learn from celebrated crime fiction writer Ms. Ariadne Oliver who will share her unique writing processes, from plot outlining to character development and pacing.

The Art of the Alibi

Dive deep into creating believable motives, crafting compelling suspects, and weaving red herrings that are both clever and convincing.

Forensics for Fiction

A workshop led by a real-life forensic consultant on how to incorporate accurate scientific details into your story without bogging down the narrative.

The Detective’s Toolkit

Explore the tropes and tricks of the trade, from the hard-boiled private eye to the amateur sleuth, and learn how to make your protagonist stand out.

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is for anyone with a passion for crime and mystery, including:

  • Aspiring crime and thriller novelists
  • Published authors looking to hone their skills
  • Screenwriters and script developers
  • Dedicated fans of the genre who want a behind-the-scenes look

Information on Past Seminars

This seminar has been held at other historic locations, including:

  • The “Clue” Mansion (Max Busch House) | Pasadena, California: 2000-2005
  • The “Knives Out” Mansion (Ames Manson) | East River, Massachusetts: 2007-2011
  • The “Lizzie Borden” House | Fall River, Massachusetts: 2012-2015
  • The “Shining” Hotel (The Stanley Hotel) | Estes Park, Colorado: 2016-2017
  • The “Amityville Horror” House | Amityville, New York: 2018
  • The “Murder House” (American Horror Story) | Pasadena, California: 2019; 2023

Ready to Write Your Next Bestseller?

Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized and immersive experience. Register today to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind event.

Register Now