What makes a reader hold their breath and refuse to stop turning pages? Charlie Donlea, Dianne McCartney, J.L. Delozier, Kaira Rouda, Lynette Eason, and Rick Treon dig into the true mechanics of suspense. They explore how character choices, pacing, and plot construction work together to create relentless tension. This session shows how to hook readers early and keep them locked in until the final twist.
What Turns an Idea Into a Real Story
Moderated by Robert Mangeot, Debra H. Goldstein, Jacob Moon, Margaret Hamilton, and Mary Bell have a lively conversation about short fiction and why it works. They explore how brevity sharpens impact and what turns a simple idea into a fully realized story.




