Suspense is not about shock moments but about control. Rhonda Pollero breaks down how to build tension deliberately across an entire novel, showing how pacing, information management, and emotional stakes work together to keep readers leaning forward. This session focuses on sustaining unease, sharpening anticipation, and creating that irresistible pull that makes readers keep turning pages.
The Secret Mechanics Behind Breakout Thrillers
J.L. Hill, Jessica Noll, John Bukowski, John DeDakis, S. Lee Manning, and Sonja Dewing break down what makes a thriller impossible to put down. They explore how layered characters, escalating tension, and emotional payoff combine to create stories that keep readers...




