The Art of the Supporting Cast

Supporting characters can elevate a story or steal it outright. In this panel, authors discuss how to create memorable secondary characters who deepen the narrative without overshadowing the protagonist. They share techniques for managing character balance, sharpening purpose, and knowing when a side character should shine and when they should step back.

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What Makes an Amateur Sleuth Feel Real

What Makes an Amateur Sleuth Feel Real

D.R. Ransdell, Gay Yellen, Judy L. Murray, Kathryn Lasky, Lori Robbins, and Rebecca Butler dig into what makes amateur sleuths feel real. They discuss relatable traits, emotional motivation, and story choices that ground investigations in authenticity rather than...

Finding the Right Voice for Teens and Tweens

Finding the Right Voice for Teens and Tweens

Helen Chapman, Julie Anne Lindsey, Kourtney Heintz, and Rae Ann Parker discuss what it takes to write authentically for teens and tweens. They explore voice, theme, and emotional honesty, and explain how writing for younger audiences differs from writing for adults.