Great stories depend on the relationship between character and plot. Carol Orange, Diane Sismour, Jim Perry, Sam Severn, and Sharon Marchisello explore how character motivation and plot structure work together to create momentum and meaning. This session offers insight into developing both elements so they reinforce each other and deepen emotional impact.
True Grit: Why Grit Matters in Crime Stories
Jack Stallings, David John, Jonathan Woods, and Bill Loehfelm talk about what draws them to crime fiction. They explore the inspirations behind their work, the appeal of moral complexity, and why grit, realism, and hard choices sit at the heart of the genre.




