The College of Felony and Intrigue (COFFIN) offers two tracks of monthly online workshops: Killer Instincts is taught by writing craft experts, and Murder One is taught by experts in the various fields pertinent to the writing of mystery, thriller, and suspense novels (police, intelligence, forensics, first responders, military, etc.) Two-week classes are $15 for KOD members, $20 for RWA members, and $30 for non-members. Four-week classes are $20 for KOD members, $25 for RWA members, and $35 for non-members. Zoom Workshops are $10 for all attendees. Ask an Expert (AAE) zooms are free to KOD Members with coupon code. Not only is this educational wing of the chapter one of the first of its kind in the country; it is one of the most thorough and one of the most respected.
To receive your member discount, Please use the link shared with RWA members or KOD members on the corresponding RWA Circles.
There are no refunds for the classes.
In the unforeseen event that a workshop has to be rescheduled or canceled or a duplicate registration is received, the attendee will be able to choose another workshop from the current COFFIN Murder One or Killer Instincts schedule of equal value. The substitute workshop must be requested within six months of the initially paid-for workshop.
Deadline to sign up for any 2 or 4 week class is the 10th of the month of that class. Zoom Workshop sign ups will close the day before the workshop by 12:00 CST. Late Registration is at the discretion of Admin.
Please contact our COFFIN chair at: KODCOFFIN144@gmail.com for help regarding registration or links to classes.
If you are having trouble with payment, please contact kod144treasurer@gmail.com.
UPDATE:
While we work on the website issue, you will find non-member payment links included on this page.
KOD Members can find the KOD links shared in the newsletter and posted on KOD’s Circle.
RWA members will find the link shared on the RWA Circles.
All questions regarding how to register for a class should be sent to kod144treasurer@gmail.com
Do you have a workshop you’d like to present? Please fill out our Workshop Proposal form and someone will contact you.
Please note:
- All Zoom class participants will be sent the class link the day before the presentation from the email KODCoffin144@gmail.com. Please whitelist this email.
- All forum classes will be sent an invitation to the forum the day before class begins. Search your inbox for an Invitation from a groups.io email address.
Junes 4 week workshop “You are the Detective” With Wesley Harris
Register here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/24B8T44F7XCPC
Workshop Title: You Are the Detective
June 1-30, 2026 (Groups.io)
Instructor: Wesley Harris
Workshop blurb: Solve an actual murder while improving your crime fiction writing skills
Class Description: In this course you will learn believability and realism when using crime and criminal procedures in your fiction is so important. We will discuss how to write police actions and criminal procedures plausibly and realistically, crafting a story that includes a strong case that will withstand legal scrutiny. Catching the bad guy is only part of the battle-you must also build a case that can be won at trial. Improper interrogations, illegal searches and seizures, and other missteps can result in the courts freeing your suspect.
The scenario is based on an actual murder case with all its twists and turns, a handful of suspects, several crime scenes, and determined cops intent on catching a killer. With each scene, Harris will point out the legal procedures necessary to build a winning case. Along the way, you will play detective yourself as you attempt to identify the culprit. To hone your writing skills, you will complete brief writing exercises on turning the formal “legalese” of steril police reports into compelling fiction. Will the villain be the obvious suspect or someone totally unexpected? Join the class and find out.
Instructor Bio: In addition to a law enforcement career spanning over 40 years, Wesley Harris has written professionally for over three decades, authoring several books and many articles on police procedure and American history. His work has appeared in national magazines like POLICE, Law Officer, Law & Order, Wilde West, and America’s Civil War. He serves on the criminal justice faculty of the University of Phoenix. In addition to providing consulting and editing services to writers, Harris is an experienced online instructor. His police career included many death investigations and successful murder prosecutions.
REFUNDS SUBJECT TO TERMS OF CONDITIONS ON WWW.RWAKISSOFDEATH.ORG/COFFINx
July-December Classes coming Soon
