Writing Australian Gothic Fiction

If you love gothic fiction, from the quintessential gothic novel Wuthering Heights to modern takes such as Chloe Hooper’s The Engagement, this workshop is for you! This session breaks down the key components of writing a psychological suspense novel that will immerse readers in unrelenting tension, focusing on the gothic tradition. The workshop will cover the different types of gothic storytelling, how to incorporate landscape as part of your narrative, and how to increase tension in your writing. It’s perfect for writers at all stages and will involve writing exercises and discussion.

Jessica Mansour-Nahra, now an author, was a communications consultant before tree-changing to a hamlet in Wiradjuri country, where she wrote her first novel, the gothic thriller The Farm, published by Hachette Australia in September 2025. The Farm is an Australian Top 10 bestseller and has been shortlisted for 'Best Horror Novel' at the 2026 Aurealis Awards.