What draws writers to the world of private investigators and professional investigations? In this panel, authors dig into the appeal of crime fiction outside official law enforcement, exploring the characters, power dynamics, and narrative freedom that define PI stories. They discuss why private-sector investigations create unique tension, how plot and character intertwine in this genre, and what makes these stories endlessly compelling for readers.
Writing Crime Fiction Before and After the Internet
Author Brian Panowich leads a discussion on writing mysteries and thrillers in a world before and after the internet and smartphones, exploring how technology affects plot, pacing, investigations, and the choices writers make today.




