Suspense or Thriller? Choosing the Right Engine for Your Story

Categories: Genres | Suspense | Thriller

What truly separates suspense from a thriller, and why does it matter? Moderated by Rea Frey, this panel featuring James McCrone, Michael Niemann, Shirley B. Garrett, and Vinnie Hansen breaks down pacing, point of view, and reader expectation. The discussion clarifies how each genre creates tension in different ways and helps writers decide where their story truly belongs.

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How Horror Works on the Page

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Amanda Pavlov, Diane Sismour, and Nancy Sartor answer common questions about writing horror. Topics include when to introduce frightening elements, how to research effectively, and how to create characters who face terror in ways readers can believe and care about.