Done For You Plot: Mystery and Thriller Fiction Writing Course

Editorial Take

Mike Dickson’s 'Done For You Plot: Mystery and Thriller Fiction Writing' offers a streamlined, template-based approach to novel outlining, ideal for writers struggling with structure. This course simplifies the complexity of long-form storytelling into digestible, actionable steps using a proprietary 18-part framework. While concise, it delivers targeted value for aspiring genre authors.

Standout Strengths

• Structured Framework: The 18-part story model breaks down novel writing into manageable beats, making it easier for beginners to follow. This systematic approach reduces overwhelm and boosts confidence in storytelling.
• Genre-Specific Focus: Tailored for mystery and thriller writers, the course addresses pacing, suspense, and plot twists effectively. Learners gain genre-specific insights that generic writing courses often miss.
• Template-Driven Learning: The 'Echoes of the Past' outline template allows immediate application of concepts. This hands-on tool helps writers transition from idea to structured draft quickly and efficiently.
• Beginner-Friendly Delivery: Mike Dickson presents complex ideas in accessible language, avoiding academic jargon. The course is well-paced and ideal for those new to fiction writing or self-publishing.
• Time-Efficient Content: With under an hour of total instruction, the course respects learners’ time. Each section is tightly edited, delivering value without filler or digression.
• Practical Outcome Orientation: The focus on creating a full novel outline ensures tangible results. Learners finish with a usable blueprint, increasing motivation to complete their manuscript.

Honest Limitations

• Limited Depth in Character Work: While character development is listed as a learning outcome, the course only briefly touches on it. Writers seeking deep psychological depth may need supplemental resources.
• Minimal Writing Practice: The course emphasizes planning over drafting. Without exercises or feedback loops, skill retention may be limited for hands-on learners.
• Short Runtime: At less than 60 minutes, the course feels more like a workshop than a full curriculum. Advanced writers may find it too basic or underdeveloped.
• No Peer Interaction: Lacking discussion forums or critique components, the course offers no community support. This reduces opportunities for collaborative growth and accountability.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Complete one module per week to allow time for reflection and note integration. Rushing through reduces retention and creative absorption of the framework.
• Parallel project: Begin drafting your own novel outline alongside the course. Applying each structural element immediately reinforces learning and builds momentum.
• Note-taking: Use digital or physical notebooks to map your story using the 18-part model. Visualizing each beat enhances understanding and personalization.
• Community: Join writing groups or online forums to discuss concepts. Sharing your outline with peers can yield valuable feedback and encouragement.
• Practice: Rewrite the template with your own characters and settings. Experimentation deepens mastery and helps internalize the structure.
• Consistency: Dedicate 20 minutes daily to developing your outline. Small, regular efforts compound into significant progress over time.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'The Anatomy of Story' by John Truby complements this course with deeper narrative theory. It expands on character arcs and thematic depth beyond the 18-part model.
• Tool: Use Plottr or Scrivener to visualize your novel structure. These apps help organize chapters, characters, and timelines effectively.
• Follow-up: Enroll in a creative writing workshop or critique group after finishing. Peer review helps refine your drafted outline into a publishable manuscript.
• Reference: Save the 'Echoes of the Past' template as a reusable model. Adapt it for future projects to maintain consistency across your writing career.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Over-relying on the template without personalizing it. Writers may produce formulaic stories if they don’t adapt the structure to their unique voice and ideas.
• Pitfall: Stopping at outlining without moving to drafting. The course empowers planning, but real progress happens when you start writing scenes.
• Pitfall: Expecting comprehensive writing instruction. This course focuses on structure, not grammar, style, or dialogue—skills that require separate development.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: Under an hour of instruction offers high time efficiency. However, full benefit requires several hours of personal outlining work to apply the concepts.
• Cost-to-value: Priced as a paid course, it delivers moderate value. Best for writers who need structure more than inspiration, making it a worthwhile investment for targeted goals.
• Certificate: The Certificate of Completion adds minimal professional weight but serves as personal motivation. It’s not accredited or industry-recognized.
• Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials may cover similar topics, but this course offers a cohesive, structured path that saves research time and confusion.

Editorial Verdict

This course excels as a focused, no-fluff guide for writers who understand the basics of fiction but struggle with organization. Mike Dickson’s 18-part structure demystifies the novel-writing process, especially for mystery and thriller genres where pacing and plot twists are crucial. The included template transforms abstract concepts into a practical roadmap, making it one of the most actionable short courses available for aspiring novelists.

However, it’s not a comprehensive writing education. It skips over sentence-level craft, character psychology, and editing techniques. Writers seeking holistic development should pair it with other resources. Still, for its niche—structured outlining—it delivers above average value. We recommend it for beginners and pantsers transitioning to planners, especially those targeting commercial fiction. With consistent application, it can be the catalyst that turns an unfinished idea into a completed manuscript.