Backstory should strengthen a story, not stall it. Hallie Ephron breaks down how to reveal a character’s past in ways that deepen motivation and sharpen tension without interrupting momentum. This session focuses on timing, placement, and subtle integration so backstory feels organic, purposeful, and always in service of the forward-moving narrative.
From Case Law to Crime Fiction
Barbara Newhart, Cheryl Sommers, Erika Stribling, Greg Laird, and Percy Veer share how professional experience informs believable legal mysteries. They discuss research strategies, courtroom accuracy, and how to translate the complexities of the justice system into...




