What turns a courtroom case into a national obsession? Bruce Allen Murphy, Carol L. Wright, James Glass, Lindy Hughes, and R.G. Belsky explore the elements that define a true trial of the century and why these cases grip the public imagination. This session looks at how real landmark trials unfold and how writers can draw on their structure, personalities, and stakes to create unforgettable courtroom drama in fiction.
Weapons, Violence, and the Moral Line in Crime Fiction
Darrell James, Johnny Shaw, and Reavis Z. Wortham dive into the role of violence, firearms, and moral ambiguity in crime and thriller fiction. They explore how accurate weapon use affects realism, character choices, and the emotional stakes of a story without letting...
