Howdunit: Making Murder Interesting and Other Fun Ways to Kill Your Darlings

Categories: Fiction | Mystery | Writing

Great crime fiction keeps readers guessing while delivering satisfying payoffs. Alana White, Lynn Chandler Willis, and Phil Hardwick dive into the craft of making murder compelling on the page, from designing intriguing crimes to managing suspense and surprise. This session explores how to raise stakes, misdirect readers, and keep pages turning all the way to the final reveal.

To access this content, please sign up as a member.

Check out these other resources:

The Cozy Formula Readers Can’t Resist

The Cozy Formula Readers Can’t Resist

Christy J. Kendall, D.L. Mitchell, Lisa Wysocky, Lois Winston, S.C. Merritt, and T.K. Sheffield share what makes cozy mysteries so enduring. They discuss genre hallmarks, community driven plots, and practical tips for writing warm, engaging whodunits that keep readers...

What It’s Like to Operate in the Shadows

What It’s Like to Operate in the Shadows

Some stories can only come from lived experience. Leo J. Maloney recounts moments from his work as a black operative inside a clandestine government agency, showing how real missions shape tension, pacing, and character choices. This session gives writers insight into...