Ali Brandon, John Clement, Neil Plakcy, Sparkle Abbey, and Waverly Curtis focus on the role of pets in mystery fiction. They discuss how cats, dogs, and other companions can reflect their owners’ personalities, heighten emotional stakes, and become memorable parts of the mystery itself.
Collaborative Writing Processes
Mike Rubin, Barbara Allan, Max Allan Collins, Paula Gail Benson, and Susan Page Davis discuss the art of co-authoring, sharing insights on communication, negotiation, and maintaining creative harmony while blending multiple voices into one cohesive story.




