Not every murder is as straightforward as it first appears. Doug Starr, Jan Burke, Jonathan Hayes, Leslie Budewitz, Marcia Clark, and Stefanie Pintoff discuss how fiction writers can responsibly incorporate forensic science, investigative procedures, and legal realities into their stories. This session examines accuracy, ethics, and narrative impact, showing how grounding fiction in real forensic practice strengthens both credibility and suspense.
Where Fantasy Meets High Stakes Suspense
Maggie Toussaint, Barbara Barnett, David Neilsen, James R. Hannibal, Jean Rabe, and John Hegenberger share how to combine fantasy worldbuilding with the drive and tension of thrillers and mysteries. They discuss pacing, structure, and how to keep suspense sharp while...




