From shadowy noir streets to modern, high-stakes thrillers, Los Angeles has always been a city built for crime fiction. In this panel, authors explore how L.A.’s history, culture, and shifting neighborhoods have shaped crime stories across decades. They discuss how the city’s evolving landscape influences tone, character, and the kinds of crimes that feel true to each era.
Life Stages and the Characters We Become
Bruce Allen Murphy and Carol L. Wright explore how life stages and major experiences shape identity. They show writers how to use life cycle psychology to create characters who feel emotionally grounded and true to lived experience.




