What does “grit” really mean in crime fiction? In this session, authors explore how grit appears across the genre, from traditional mysteries to thrillers and true crime. Panelists discuss the elements that give stories their edge and how gritty storytelling differs from noir while still delivering intensity and realism.
What Drives Your Characters Forward
A.M. Adair, Chrissy Hicks, Coranna Adams, Katherine Hutchinson Hayes, Kit Sanders, and Sateash Hime explore what drives character behavior. They examine desires, fears, and internal conflicts, showing how psychology shapes motivation and fuels transformation.




