Authors discuss writing crime fiction for middle-grade readers, focusing on the young sleuths they’ve created and the mentors who guide them. This session explores the unique challenges and rewards of crafting mysteries for pre-teen audiences, from age-appropriate stakes to characters that inspire curiosity, courage, and problem-solving.
Who We Kill and Why
Every fictional death should serve a purpose. In this session, authors discuss why they write about crime and violence, how they decide which characters live or die, and the emotional, thematic, and narrative impact that a well-placed death can have on a story.




