Raising stakes means forcing your protagonist to face real danger, both external and internal. D.E. Funk, M.T. Falgoust, Mary Beth Magee, and Rea Frey discuss how to push characters to their limits by drawing on relatable fears, credible threats, and emotional vulnerability. This session focuses on creating peril that feels authentic and keeps readers emotionally invested in the outcome.
Writing Like a Pantser Without Losing Control
Writing without an outline can feel freeing and terrifying at the same time. Charles D’Amico, Jim Nesbitt, Mark Jones, Peter Rosch, R. Weir, and Robert Mangeot discuss the creative advantages and challenges of writing by instinct. This session explores how spontaneity...




