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.
How to Write a Nancy Drew: Writing a Teen Sleuth for Today’s Readers
Kimberly Dana explores how to write young protagonists who feel authentic and engaging. She shares tools for crafting modern young adult mysteries that capture the spirit of classic sleuths while speaking clearly to today’s teen readers.




