Carla Buckley, Jen Forbus, and Michael Harvey discuss how Midwestern settings influence crime fiction. They explore how landscape, weather, and tight knit communities shape character and plot, and why the region lends itself to stories that feel grounded, tense, and emotionally resonant.
What Editors and Agents Really Look for in Fiction
Editors and literary agents Brooks Sherman, Denise Dietz, Evan Gregory, Jill Marr, and Sarah Dimick break down what makes fiction stand out. From voice and structure to emotional impact and market readiness, this session reveals what professionals look for in stories...




