Courtroom scenes succeed on tension, clarity, and authority, not speeches and theatrics. Brian Cuban, James Bernier, Lisa Reppeto, Marty Ludlum, McCracken Poston Jr., Mike Rubin, Richard Turner, and Wieland Diehl draw on real legal experience to show how courtrooms actually function. This session breaks down the differences between civil and criminal cases, the role of the judge, and how to maintain momentum while staying true to reality, helping writers craft courtroom scenes that feel dramatic and believable.
Thou Shalt Not: 14 Prose Death-Traps
Avoid the mistakes that can sink a manuscript. John Lescroart walks through 14 common writing traps and shares practical tips to sharpen your prose, strengthen your craft, and keep readers turning the pages.
