The mood of a scene often lives inside its dialogue. Richard Helms and fellow panelists share original examples to show how word choice, rhythm, and pacing shape atmosphere and emotional depth. This session also addresses the thoughtful use of dialogue tags and adverbs, helping writers understand how small choices can strengthen or weaken the overall effect.
Writing the Southern Noir: Crime Fiction and a Regional Soul
Gregory Stout, Jim Nesbitt, Poppy Gee, Roy Hiller, Steven Womack, and Thomas A. Burns Jr. dig into what gives Southern Noir its unmistakable power. They discuss how place, culture, history, and moral tension shape crime stories rooted in the American South, and how...




