Some stories can only come from lived experience. Leo J. Maloney recounts moments from his work as a black operative inside a clandestine government agency, showing how real missions shape tension, pacing, and character choices. This session gives writers insight into the mindset, risks, and operational reality behind covert action and how those elements translate into gripping fiction.
The Power of the Witness in Storytelling
Amanda Kyle Williams, Clea Koff, David Corbett, Deborah Crombie, Meg Gardiner, and Taylor Stevens examine the role of the witness in mystery fiction. They discuss reliability, perception, and how witnesses shape truth, tension, and emotional depth within a story.
