Some novels connect with readers while others explode onto the scene. Gregg Hurwitz and literary agent Adriann Ranta Zurhellen explore what separates a solid book from a breakout success. This session examines storytelling, structure, and bold creative decisions that can elevate a novel and position a writer for greater visibility and opportunity.
Where Heroes and Villains Collide
Mark Billingham leads a lively discussion with John Locke, Martyn Waites, R.J. Ellory, and Stephen Leather about what defines a hero and what makes a villain compelling. They explore the blurred lines between the two and how those tensions strengthen storytelling.




