Compelling stories begin with clear and believable character motivation. In this session, authors share techniques for aligning a character’s goals with the demands of the plot, creating tension, driving momentum, and building emotional investment that keeps readers engaged.
Pitching Without Panic: How to Query with Confidence
Ann Garvin walks writers through how to shape a compelling pitch and query letter. She explains what to include, from hooks and comparisons to tone and author positioning, so submissions stand out and feel confident rather than intimidating.




