Authors explore writing crime stories that unfold between cultures and worlds. This panel focuses on “fish out of water” narratives, examining how unfamiliar settings, traditions, and perspectives heighten tension and draw readers into new cultures, times, and places while keeping the story grounded and accessible.
How Publishing Has Changed and What It Means for Writers Today
Thomas H. Cook reflects on how the publishing industry has evolved over the past two decades. He discusses changes in networking, financial models, editorial expectations, and the growing importance of writing work that resonates with today’s readers.



