Some mysteries are powered by people rather than puzzles. Bill Cusano, Jim Nesbitt, Lynn Slaughter, Poppy Gee, Thomas Burns, and Warren Moore explore how to write mysteries where character psychology and emotional stakes take center stage. This session shows how crime can serve as a framework for deeper, character-driven storytelling.
Choosing Locations that Raise the Stakes
The right setting can intensify emotion and sharpen conflict. This session explores how to choose locations that naturally raise stakes, deepen tension, and quietly influence character behavior in every scene.




