Alana White, Angela Greenman, Kathryn Lasky, Lawrence Allan, Susan Ouellette, and T.J. O’Connor explore what makes a protagonist truly resonate. They discuss mirror moments, the influence of supporting characters, and the emotional layers that help readers form a lasting connection with the story’s central figure.
Murder in the Windy City: Why Chicago Makes Crime Fiction Hit Harder
Barbara Fister, Julia Keller, Michael A. Black, Michael Wiley, and Sara Paretsky explore why Chicago is such a compelling setting for crime fiction. They discuss how the city’s history, neighborhoods, and moral complexity shape stories where place is inseparable from...




