Killing a character is never just about the method. Claire Applewhite, Jennie Bentley, Mike Orenduff, and Philip Cioffari discuss the wide range of ways authors approach fictional deaths, from research choices to narrative impact. This session explores how much realism is enough, how craft decisions shape reader response, and how to handle violence thoughtfully and effectively on the page.
Creating Characters Who Change and Change the Story
Jaden Beth Terrell, James L’Etoile, Kayla Brown, and Marcy McCreary explore how to create unforgettable characters. They discuss the difference between transformational and static arcs, writing complex or unlikeable protagonists, and how character growth drives...




