About this Event
You want to add supernatural elements to your thriller—a psychic detective, a haunted location, technology that shouldn't exist yet. But you don't know how to build it in a way that feels earned, integrated, and essential to your story.
This workshop teaches you the systematic design process for building supernatural systems from the ground up.
In 6 hours, you'll work through the complete framework professional authors, screen writers, and game designers instinctively use to create extraordinary elements that serve their stories. You'll apply this process directly to YOUR manuscript, building a system you can actually use.
The Reality-Plus System Design Framework:
We'll work through the 7-stage creation process addressing three core domains:
- Scope - Define what your supernatural element can and can't do, establishing clear boundaries and making sure it doesn't feel gimmicky or overdone
- Mechanics - Build the rules that govern how it works and when it applies, so it doesn't break reader belief or generate plot holes
- Integration - Connect your system to your world, plot, and characters so it feels necessary and adds tension rather than something tacked-on or distracting
What you'll walk away with:
- A completed supernatural system for your thriller manuscript
- A 7-stage process you can use to build or refine any extraordinary element
- The repeatable framework to apply to future projects
How the workshop works:
This is hands-on design work, not lecture. We'll start with a focused overview of the process, then you'll spend the remaining time actively building your system. We'll alternate between instruction and application time, working individually and in small groups. Clark will circulate to help you solve problems specific to your manuscript.
Come prepared:
Bring a work-in-progress or story concept you're actively developing. We're designing systems for YOUR work, so come with a story or goal in mind.
Who this is for:
Thriller writers ready to add supernatural, speculative, or extraordinary elements to their manuscripts. While we focus on thriller applications, the system design principles work across all genres—writers of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and other genres are welcome.
About your instructor:
Fascinated by magic since pinecones could be fireballs, Clark Rowenson is an award-winning author, blogger, and writing coach that studies magic building like others study oil-painting. His prime directive is to help storytellers with all the places their stories go beyond reality. You can visit crrowenson.com or his Youtube Channel (TheMagicEngineer) to witness, fuel, or join in his obsession.
Workshop Details:
- Date: March 7, 2026
- Time: 10am to 4pm
- Location: Elaine's Literary Salon, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA 22314
- Investment: $199 (Early bird: $149 until Feb. 7)
- Limited to: 50 participants (so we can provide personalized feedback)
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Elaine's, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria, United States
USD 214.19
