Forms of Storytelling
Short Stories

Debra Goldstein, Pam Ebel, Paula Gail Benson, P.K. Richard, T.G. Wolff, and Warren Moore share practical techniques for writing strong short fiction. They focus on efficient character development, tight narrative control, and endings that leave a lasting impression.

Moderated by Linda Sands, Diane Sismour, Jane Suen, Marianne Donley, Rhonda Gilliland, and Sandy Ward Bell offer practical advice on writing short stories and flash fiction. They walk through the process from first idea to publication, sharing tips writers can apply right away.

Chris F. Holm, Kaye George, Phil Bowie, Robert Mangeot, and Suzanne Berube Rorhus break down what it takes to write crime fiction short stories that get noticed. From grabbing an editor’s attention to delivering a satisfying ending, this session explores how to make your stories stand out in a crowded field.

Panelists chat about the current market for short stories, reasons for writing short stories, and experimenting with aJane Suen, Merrilee Robson, Rhonda Gilliland, and Robert Mangeot explore both the creative freedom and the business realities of short fiction. They discuss experimentation, craft, and where short stories fit in today’s publishing landscape.short stories.

Catherine Lane, Debra H. Goldstein, Jenean McBrearty, Paula Gail Benson, Robert Mangeot, and Warren Moore answer audience questions about the art of the short story. They discuss structure, pacing, and how to create maximum impact within a limited word count.

Debbi Mack, Gary Bush, Mike Cooper, and R.T. Lawton dig into the real challenges of writing short fiction versus longer work. They talk candidly about why short stories are often undervalued, how genre expectations shape storytelling choices, and what writers need to understand to make both forms work.

Moderated by Travis Richardson, Art Taylor, Barb Goffman, Craig Faustus Buck, Paul D. Marks, and Robert Lopresti discuss why short fiction offers such creative freedom. They explore how working in a shorter form sharpens emotion, surprise, and storytelling craft in mystery writing.

Authors celebrate the power of short stories, sharing their favorite examples and what makes them so satisfying to read. This session explores why writing short fiction sharpens craft, how brevity amplifies impact, and why short mystery stories are enjoying a renewed surge in popularity.

In this session, authors discuss writing crime stories at shorter lengths, how they approach pacing and tension, and whether they see their work as thriller, noir, or something in between. Panelists also share how they came to the short story form and why it continues to attract crime writers.

What’s the real difference between writing short stories and novels? In this session, authors compare the creative demands of both forms, sharing how they approach structure, pacing, and character in short fiction versus full-length books. They also reflect on their own work, revealing what each format taught them and when one form serves a story better than the other.

Richard Helms takes a focused look at mystery short fiction and what makes it work. He breaks down structure, pacing, and the core elements that help a short story feel tight, complete, and memorable.

Moderated by Robert Mangeot, Debra H. Goldstein, Jacob Moon, Margaret Hamilton, and Mary Bell have a lively conversation about short fiction and why it works. They explore how brevity sharpens impact and what turns a simple idea into a fully realized story.

Robert Mangeot examines what gives short stories their lasting power. By comparing short fiction to novels and film, he reveals how precision, focus, and structure make short stories uniquely effective.

Claire Applewhite, Cynthia Drew, Elaine Sandra Abramson, Robert McClure, and Sunny Frazier share what they have learned about writing and selling short fiction. This session covers both craft and strategy, showing how strong storytelling and smart marketing work together to help short stories find readers.

Debra H. Goldstein and Robert Mangeot team up to explore both the craft and business of short fiction. Goldstein focuses on story structure, character, and crisis, while Mangeot offers guidance on polishing work, targeting the right markets, and navigating the submission process successfully.