Ashley-Ruth Bernier, Diane Sismour, Gay Yellen, John Carenen, Mary Adams Belk, and Melissa Collings explore how to weave romance naturally into a story. They discuss how authentic emotional connection can deepen character development, raise the stakes, and strengthen a story’s emotional impact.
Writing Gritty, Sharp, and Page Turning Dialogue
Strong dialogue can bring characters to life and drive a story forward. In this session, authors explore how to craft gritty, concise dialogue that builds tension, reveals character, and keeps readers engaged from one line to the next.




