Dialogue brings characters out of the abstract and onto the page. J.D. Allen, Desiree Brown, Joseph Terrell, Kelly Oliver, Maggie Toussaint, and Robert Downs share techniques for writing conversations that feel natural, engaging, and story driven. This session offers creative tips for keeping dialogue sharp while pushing scenes forward.
True Grit: Why Grit Matters in Crime Stories
Jack Stallings, David John, Jonathan Woods, and Bill Loehfelm talk about what draws them to crime fiction. They explore the inspirations behind their work, the appeal of moral complexity, and why grit, realism, and hard choices sit at the heart of the genre.




