Great crime fiction is about more than nonstop action. In this session, authors discuss how to balance violence and high stakes with quieter moments of character development, atmosphere, and emotional tension to create richer and more compelling stories.
LGBTQ Mysteries: Writing Identity, Character, and Crime
LGBTQ perspectives bring depth and originality to mystery fiction. In this session, authors discuss character, plot, and representation in queer crime stories, exploring how identity shapes narrative, relationships, and the broader context of LGBTQ literature.




