A character’s past drives every choice they make on the page. Kelly Nichols, Philip Cioffari, and Steven Womack explore how to define, shape, and deploy backstory to support plot and character development. Writers will learn when to reveal key information, when to withhold it, and how to integrate backstory smoothly without slowing pacing or overwhelming the reader.
Crime For Middle Grades: How to Write Mysteries Kids Love
Authors discuss writing crime fiction for middle-grade readers, focusing on the young sleuths they’ve created and the mentors who guide them. This session explores the unique challenges and rewards of crafting mysteries for pre-teen audiences, from age-appropriate...




