The mood of a scene often lives inside its dialogue. Richard Helms and fellow panelists share original examples to show how word choice, rhythm, and pacing shape atmosphere and emotional depth. This session also addresses the thoughtful use of dialogue tags and adverbs, helping writers understand how small choices can strengthen or weaken the overall effect.
Thou Shalt Not: 14 Prose Death-Traps
Avoid the mistakes that can sink a manuscript. John Lescroart walks through 14 common writing traps and shares practical tips to sharpen your prose, strengthen your craft, and keep readers turning the pages.




