When real crimes dominate the news cycle, how do writers tell those stories responsibly and powerfully? Jackie Barrett, Jane Turzillo, Rick Porrello, and Thomas H. Cook discuss the challenges of writing true crime drawn from headlines, with a focus on ethics, empathy, and narrative tension. This session explores how to honor real people while still crafting stories that hold readers from start to finish.
The Power of “No,” The Power of “Yes” in Creating Stories
Every story moves forward through decisions about what to reveal and what to withhold. Jule Selbo examines how strategic use of denial and permission drives suspense and conflict in crime and mystery fiction. This session focuses on controlling information to keep...




