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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Using Backstory to Drive Character and Plot

Using Backstory to Drive Character and Plot

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...