How Thrillers Control Pace, Tension, and Reader Obsession

Presented by: Darryl Bollinger | J.T. Ellison | John DeDakis | LM (Linda) Whitaker

Categories: Futuristic | Psychological | Thrillers

John DeDakis leads Darryl Bollinger, J.T. Ellison, and Linda Whitaker in a wide-ranging conversation about what makes thrillers work. From pacing and structure to the unique demands of psychological and futuristic thrillers, this session explores how to keep tension high and readers fully locked in.

To access this content, please sign up as a member.

Check out these other resources:

Writing with Depth and Endurance: Lessons from David Morrell

Dialogue, Direction, Expression

David Morrell leads an immersive workshop focused on creativity, endurance, and the emotional core of storytelling. Drawing from his own career, he guides writers in uncovering the deeper truths that give their work lasting power.

Writing Across the Divide

Mystery, Paranormal, Thriller

Alan Jacobson, Alexandra Sokoloff, Daniel Palmer, Elizabeth George, and Tom Schreck share their experiences writing from the opposite sex’s point of view. They discuss authenticity, empathy, and the creative risks that come with stepping outside familiar perspectives.

Building Characters Readers Remember Long After the Last Page

Characters, Fiction, Writing

Chris Grabenstein, Kathryn Wall, Michael Connelly, and Rhonda Pollero share insights into crafting characters readers remember long after the final page. They discuss building depth, motivation, and emotional connection that brings stories to life.

How Thrillers Control Pace, Tension, and Reader Obsession

Writing with Depth and Endurance: Lessons from David Morrell

Writing Across the Divide

Building Characters Readers Remember Long After the Last Page

Explore

Learn

Ready to join?