Description does more than set a scene, it pulls readers into the story’s world. Chris Reardon, Karen McCullough, Mary Ann Taylor, and P.J. Parrish explore how descriptive choices establish time and place, shape mood, and guide reader expectations. Using examples from their own work, they examine how description has evolved in modern fiction and how to use it with purpose rather than excess.
Short Stories vs. Novels: Choosing the Right Form
What’s the real difference between writing short stories and novels? In this session, authors compare the creative demands of both forms, sharing how they approach structure, pacing, and character in short fiction versus full-length books. They also reflect on their...
