Keeping readers engaged is as much about psychology as craft. Susan Finch, associate professor and dean at Belmont University, explores how the brain responds to story and why certain openings pull us forward. This session focuses on first chapter fundamentals and the techniques that sustain narrative momentum long after the first page.
What Happens After the Cell Door Slams?: Life Inside Prison Walls
Prison life is rarely portrayed accurately in fiction. Drawing on 29 years working inside correctional facilities, James L’Etoile offers a candid look at what really happens behind the walls. This session explores daily routines, power dynamics, and the human stories...
