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.
Short, Sharp, and Shocking: Writing Mystery Short Stories
Mystery short stories deliver powerful impact in a limited space. In this session, authors share techniques for building tension, developing character, and crafting satisfying twists within a shorter word count while keeping readers fully engaged.
