Characters
Character Development

Allan Ansorge, Carmen Amato, Delphine Boswell, Jane Sevier, L.A. Chandler, and Merrilee Robson discuss how to create characters that stay with readers. They explore the use of sensory detail, emotional truth, and real life inspiration to bring characters to life.

Baron R. Birtcher leads Barbara W. Bailey, Jane Bock, Matthew John Meagher, and Shirley B. Garrett in a discussion on building memorable characters. They explore backstory, motivation, and the subtle details that bring fictional people to life.

Chris Grabenstein, Kathryn Wall, Michael Connelly, and Rhonda Pollero share insights into crafting characters readers remember long after the final page. They discuss building depth, motivation, and emotional connection that brings stories to life.

Alan Elliott, Cathy Rueter, Gay Yellen, Kit Sanders, Leigh Hull, and Lynn Slaughter discuss how strong backstories deepen motivation and strengthen plot. They share techniques for building believable histories that support emotional authenticity in fiction.

Barbara Barnett, Claire Applewhite, Kimberly Collins, Mark Brazaitis, and R.G. Belsky discuss how to create layered, believable characters. Drawing from literary examples and personal experience, they explore what makes characters feel authentic and memorable.

Jaden Beth Terrell, James L’Etoile, Kayla Brown, and Marcy McCreary explore how to create unforgettable characters. They discuss the difference between transformational and static arcs, writing complex or unlikeable protagonists, and how character growth drives compelling stories.

Bradley Harper, Jule Selbo, Lois Winston, Mitchell S. Karnes, Paul McHugh, and Wendy Gee explore how characters grow and change across a story. They discuss transformation, motivation, and emotional continuity that create satisfying narrative arcs.

Deborah Crombie interviews Elizabeth George about her celebrated British mysteries, exploring her approach to craft, character development, and the lasting influence her work has had on readers and writers alike.

When characters are forced to confront a dangerous past or step into unfamiliar territory, tension rises quickly. In this session, authors explore how these elements challenge protagonists, reveal hidden truths, and drive the story forward with suspense and emotional stakes.

Elena Hartwell, Kathleen Cosgrove, Kirsten Marquette, Nikki Wright, Ray Peden, and Sharon Marchisello share techniques for creating characters that linger in a reader’s mind. They explore how motivation, conflict, and emotional truth elevate storytelling.

Becki Willis, Katherine Hutchinson Hayes, and Nicolas Evans share how quirks, flaws, and personal history shape compelling characters. They discuss how small details can deepen authenticity and make characters feel real on the page.

Elizabeth George, Alison Gaylin, Brad Parks, Daniel Palmer, and Charlaine Harris discuss the art of character creation. They share insight into process, persistence, and emotional truth, revealing what makes characters resonate with readers.

Misty Berry and her panel explore how to create fully realized characters with depth, emotion, and meaningful backstory. This session also examines common pitfalls of relying on archetypes and offers strategies for developing characters that feel authentic and engaging.

J.A. Jance, Howard Owen, Karen McCullough, Margaret Mizushima, and Sharon Marchisello explore how characters evolve over time. They share insights into growth, change, and the emotional journey that gives a story depth and resonance.