Killing a character is never just about the method. Claire Applewhite, Jennie Bentley, Mike Orenduff, and Philip Cioffari discuss the wide range of ways authors approach fictional deaths, from research choices to narrative impact. This session explores how much realism is enough, how craft decisions shape reader response, and how to handle violence thoughtfully and effectively on the page.
Writing Smart Thrillers Without the Jargon
Cindy Dees, Dana Summers, Jonathan Payne, Rich Zahradnik, Ross Carley, and Thomas Kelso share how to write high-stakes thrillers grounded in professional and technical detail. They discuss striking the right balance between realism and readability, showing how to...




