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Foreshadowing isn’t just for mysteries and suspense stories. Elegant and well used foreshadowing can heighten suspense, tension, and reader anticipation in every genre.

And it’s not just a hoity-toity literary device for Important Works of Literature. No matter what you’re writing, skillful foreshadowing makes a story feel plausible and cohesive, as well as inevitable. Foreshadowing adds nuance and heightens reader understanding of the story and its impact.

In other words: good foreshadowing is the storyteller’s secret weapon. This course examines core techniques of foreshadowing, exploring how to plant hints, build tension, and deliver satisfying payoffs that keep readers engaged. With plenty of specific examples, participants will learn how foreshadowing can create richer and more cohesive narratives that make for unforgettable stories.

What you will learn:

• What is foreshadowing and why does it matter? 
• Key types of foreshadowing: (1) obvious/direct and (2) subtle/indirect
• Discussion of foreshadowing techniques: Chekhov’s gun, prophecy, bread crumbs and Easter eggs, symbols/motifs, and mood/tone/atmosphere
• When to introduce foreshadowing elements
• How to balance subtlety with clarity
• Using red herrings: how to misdirect, not mislead
• Foreshadowing faux pas such as jarring POV shifts, clunky or heavy-handed foreshadowing, overly cryptic foreshadowing, deceptive foreshadowing, deux ex machina, and ret-conning

Who this class is for

• Fiction writers who may feel confused or intimidated by foreshadowing
• Fiction writers who struggle with being heavy-handed or revealing too much
• Fiction writers who want to better understand how to add story elements that don’t feel haphazard, contrived, or unearned
• Fiction writers who want to heighten a story’s suspense
• Writers who want to avoid accidental plot holes or unearned climaxes
• Writers who want to better understand how to use foreshadowing elements to sharpen their storytelling craft and deepen their readers’ engagement
• Writers who’d like to learn to incorporate thematic elements and symbols to resonate throughout the story

Who this class may not be suited for

• The class focuses on fiction and examples will focus on fiction. Writers in other genres (memoir, narrative nonfiction) may not find all principles or examples applicable.
• The class focuses on adult fiction and YA fiction and may not apply to children’s work.

Is this class for memoirists and narrative nonfiction writers?

We welcome memoirists and narrative nonfiction writers to attend, as the storytelling lessons and principles in this class apply to you as well. However, this class will focus on fiction examples and the craft of fiction. It will also assume familiarity with fiction craft and technique. As long as you’re comfortable taking a class that isn’t geared primarily for memoirists, and you believe novel writing principles are often the same as memoir writing principles, we hope you’ll register! Do keep in mind this class will not address some of the unique issues facing nonfiction writers and memoirists who must craft stories from real-life events. (Fiction writers can manipulate their characters and story line to create the desired effect; memoirists cannot make things up—or at least shouldn’t!)

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Fee: $25

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service, which is about 80%+ accurate. We use Adobe Premiere to generate a lightly edited transcript, provided with the recording.

All students receive the following

• Access to the live class. After roughly 75 minutes, the instructor will take questions during class using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 90 minutes.
• A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
• Rough transcript. We use Adobe Premiere to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which is lightly edited for you.
• Foreshadowing worksheet that summarizes the key points from the presentation

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.