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Thrill Your Reader

Join writer Marty Chan as he reveals the five basic elements of suspense writing to craft a story that will thrill your readers.

Part of the Writes of Spring programming series. 

This program is conducted through Zoom. Register to receive a reminder, the evaluation, and any resources.

If you don’t have a library card and would like to register, please email programs@reginalibrary.ca with your contact information and the program you are interested in.

Marty Chan reveals the five basic elements of suspense writing. He demonstrates how setup, atmosphere, conflict, reactions and stakes can elevate an ordinary situation into an exciting scene. He shows how to stretch out suspenseful moments and keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Using film references and personal examples, he shares how to craft a story that will thrill your readers.

This program is offered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild.

Presenter information:

Marty Chan writes books for young readers, stage plays for adults, and TV shows for kids. He’s best known for his stage play The Bone House. This thriller has been produced in Budapest, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Edinburgh, Vancouver, and Los Angeles. He worked as a story editor on Incredible Story Studio, the kids’ TV series produced in Regina. For young adult readers, he’s penned the bestsellers, Haunted Hospital and Willpower. His latest thriller, Curse of Heartwood Academy, hits store shelves in 2026. Marty works and lives in Edmonton with his wife Michelle and their two cats.

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