A character’s past drives every choice they make on the page. Kelly Nichols, Philip Cioffari, and Steven Womack explore how to define, shape, and deploy backstory to support plot and character development. Writers will learn when to reveal key information, when to withhold it, and how to integrate backstory smoothly without slowing pacing or overwhelming the reader.
Fear: Psychos, Stalkers & Serial Killers
Writers pull back the curtain on the most terrifying minds they’ve created. In this session, panelists discuss crafting psychos, stalkers, and serial killers, exploring how fear is built on the page, what makes a villain truly unsettling, and how to balance...




