Genre Writing
Crime Fiction

Peter James, Stuart Neville, and Val McDermid share insights into their writing lives and current projects. They discuss the similarities and differences between British and Irish crime fiction, and how history, culture, and place shape their distinct storytelling traditions.

John R. Trimble, Julie Moffett, and Lawrence Light reflect on the life and influence of Anthony Boucher, exploring his impact on mystery and science fiction as both a groundbreaking writer and an influential critic.

Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Mickey Spillane helped define modern crime fiction. In this session, authors explore how the genre has evolved beyond these foundational voices, examining how today’s writers build on their legacy while introducing new styles, themes, and perspectives.

In this session, authors discuss why they chose to write police centered crime stories, how they researched law enforcement, and which books and writers have influenced their approach to portraying crime in the big city.

Crime novels do more than entertain. They hold a mirror up to society. In this conversation, authors explore how crime fiction reflects social realities, exposes injustice, and engages with the cultural moment it’s written in. They discuss why they choose crime as a lens for storytelling and what they hope readers take away beyond the final reveal.

Diana Gould, Melodie Johnson Howe, and Sheila York pull back the curtain on Hollywood as a setting for crime fiction. Drawing on insider experience, they explore how fame, illusion, ambition, and power create fertile ground for suspense, secrets, and high-stakes drama.

Les and Leslie Blatt, joined by the editorial director of Crooked Lane Books, introduce a wide range of new authors across cozy mystery, noir, thriller, and crime fiction. In this session, they share insights into discovering fresh talent and offer practical advice for writers looking to debut their work and break into the publishing industry.

Daniel Woodrell, John Connolly, Laura Lippmann, and Peter James tackle one of crime fiction’s biggest questions. They explore what evil really means, where it comes from, and how grappling with morality helps writers create more believable characters and more powerful stories.

Jamie Mason, Maggie Toussaint, Mike Tabor, and Sallie Bissell explore the emotional and psychological forces that power crime fiction. They discuss moral complexity, motivation, and the inner lives of both heroes and villains, showing how crime stories reflect the darker corners of human nature.

This session takes a close look at fictional detectives through the lens of loyalty and betrayal. Using John Sandford’s Prey series as a case study, the discussion explores how fidelity and infidelity shape character motivation, relationships, and the choices that drive crime and mystery plots.

Investigative journalist Sebastian Rotella sits down with bestselling author Michael Connelly for a candid conversation about crime fiction, journalism, and the craft of storytelling. They discuss building long-running characters, drawing from real-world experience, and what it takes to sustain a successful writing career. This session offers rare insight into the mindset and process of one of the genre’s most influential voices.

What separates literary crime fiction from its pulp roots, and where do the two traditions overlap? In this lively discussion, Christopher Sikorski leads mystery authors in exploring the stylistic differences, shared DNA, and enduring influence of both approaches. From character depth and language to pacing and plot, the panel examines how literary and pulp traditions continue to shape modern crime writing.

Bruce DeSilva, Carolyn Hart, Craig McDonald, Julie Kramer, and Sara Blædel talk about the leap from journalism to fiction. They discuss how reporting sharpened their sense of realism, detail, and setting, and how truth learned on the job strengthens storytelling on the page.

Accuracy can make the difference between a believable story and one that falls apart. In this session, panelists discuss their paths to becoming writers, how they develop and plot their books, and the research and attention to detail required to create convincing crime fiction.

Alexandra Sokoloff talks with Caro Ramsay, Catriona McPherson, Craig Robertson, and James Oswald about writing crime fiction rooted in Scotland. They discuss how place influences mood, morality, and storytelling, and why Scottish crime fiction has such a distinct and powerful voice.

Steven Womack, Chester D. Campbell, Maggie Toussaint, and Sheila L. Stephens break down the many branches of crime fiction, from cozy mysteries to noir, romantic suspense, and thrillers. They explore how tone, pacing, character, and reader expectations change from subgenre to subgenre, while also revealing what all crime stories share at their core.

Jeffrey Siger, Lisa Brackmann, Peter Rozovsky, and Stanley Trollip discuss the global scope of crime fiction—how international settings deepen narrative complexity and reveal universal truths about justice and culture.

Explore the life, creative process, and lasting influence of Dashiell Hammett. In this session, authors and scholars examine his work, his impact on the crime genre, and the storytelling techniques that continue to shape crime fiction today.

Eoin Colfer, Erin Hart, Erin Mitchell, John Connolly, and Stuart Neville reflect on the rise and evolution of Irish crime fiction. They discuss history, culture, and national identity, and how stories rooted in Ireland have found a strong and distinctive voice on the global crime fiction stage.

Karin Slaughter interviews John Connolly in a compelling discussion that explores the darker edges of crime fiction, the nature of evil, and how setting and psychology shape suspenseful storytelling.

Dan Barden engages with different crime authors to explore the similarities among the characters in their novels, aDan Barden, Catherine Astolfo, Julian Lindsey, Maggie Sefton, and Will Lavender focus on what keeps a mystery story grounded. They discuss how to create believable characters, credible plots, and convincing twists while still delivering tension and excitement.with each author providing detailed descriptions of their protagonists.

Lisa Malice shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author, followed by an in depth conversation between Clay Stafford and Kemper Donovan. Together they explore his background in Hollywood, his podcast All About Agatha, and the lasting influence of Agatha Christie on his writing.

Adrian Magson, Jeri Westerson, John McGorren, Jon McGoran, Kelli Stanley, Tasha Alexander, and Timothy Hallinan explore the wide range of crime fiction subgenres. They discuss how subgenre choices shape a writer’s career, influence tone and style, and require different approaches to character, setting, and plot.

This session highlights the Murder Under the Oaks anthology, a collection of crime stories steeped in Southern atmosphere. Authors discuss their contributions, the themes explored, and what makes regional mysteries set in the South so compelling and distinctive.

Andrew Grant, Bruce DeSilva, Carl Brookins, Matthew C. Funk, and moderator Jason Pinter take a close look at what turns crime fiction into a classic. They debate how classics are defined, what makes certain characters and stories endure, and how those works continue to shape modern crime writing.

Author Paul Marks leads a conversation with emerging writers about their work, the challenges they face, and the opportunities shaping today’s publishing landscape. The panel explores new trends in crime fiction, including cross genre storytelling and how fresh voices are redefining the genre.

Robin Spano, Anthony Bidulka, John McFetridge, Lou Allen, and Rick Blechta take a close look at Canadian crime fiction. They talk about breaking past cultural stereotypes, exploring darker corners of the country, and how moral complexity and place shape stories that feel distinctly Canadian and universally compelling.

Kelli Stanley, Lauren Willig, Lynn Sheen, Tasha Alexander, and Tracy Kiely examine why murder is such a powerful force in fiction. They discuss how death drives plot, deepens relationships, and exposes human truths, with special attention to strong women characters in historical mysteries.

Advances in science and technology continue to shape the way crimes are committed and solved. In this session, authors discuss how scientific discoveries, forensic techniques, and questions of bioethics influence modern crime fiction and the stories they choose to tell.

Otto Penzler joins Eileen Rendahl, Harriet Logan, Jim Kling, and Larry Light to talk about the crime and mystery books every writer should know. They discuss the titles that define the genre, why these stories endure, and how reading the best work can shape and inspire a writer’s own journey.

What lies beneath the perfect exterior? This panel explores the symbolism of the white picket fence as a boundary between appearance and truth, examining how crime fiction exposes the darkness hidden within seemingly safe communities.

Jack Stallings, David John, Jonathan Woods, and Bill Loehfelm talk about what draws them to crime fiction. They explore the inspirations behind their work, the appeal of moral complexity, and why grit, realism, and hard choices sit at the heart of the genre.

Moderated by Emily Krump, this panel explores how real world careers shape crime fiction. Carey Baldwin, Danielle Bartlett, Kristi Belcamino, and Nancy Allen discuss how their backgrounds in law and justice influence plot, character, and authenticity in mysteries and thrillers.

This discussion explores the lasting influence of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on crime fiction. Authors examine how these iconic characters have shaped detective stories and inspired new interpretations and partnerships in modern narratives.

Crime fiction often explores intense and graphic subject matter, but where should writers draw the line? In this session, authors discuss how far they go when depicting violence, the balance between impact and restraint, and the challenges of writing visceral scenes that engage readers without overwhelming them.

War reshapes everything, including the criminal world. In this powerful discussion, authors explore how conflict, occupation, and political upheaval create fertile ground for crime fiction. They examine how wartime pressures transform ordinary people, blur moral lines, and raise the stakes for justice. Discover how history’s darkest moments can fuel gripping, emotionally charged stories.

Brent W. Warberg, Chuck Ambrose, Ernest Lancaster, Jackie Moore, and Jan Walters draw on their careers in law enforcement to show how crime fiction really works. They discuss police culture, investigative procedure, and the small details that make fictional cases feel authentic and believable on the page.

Cathi Stoler, Don Bruns, John Lutz, Rick Mofina, Sheila Connolly, and Steve Hamilton break down how crime stories begin. They discuss where ideas come from, how to shape that first clue, and how to build a trail of evidence that keeps readers turning pages.

In this gritty conversation, Eric Beetner and fellow authors explore the appeal of hard-edged crime stories that refuse to pull their punches. They discuss what makes a story feel raw and authentic, how to balance brutality with purpose, and why readers are drawn to darker, tougher tales that live on the edge of the genre.

Author Brian Panowich leads a discussion on writing mysteries and thrillers in a world before and after the internet and smartphones, exploring how technology affects plot, pacing, investigations, and the choices writers make today.

Gregory Stout, Jim Nesbitt, Poppy Gee, Roy Hiller, Steven Womack, and Thomas A. Burns Jr. dig into what gives Southern Noir its unmistakable power. They discuss how place, culture, history, and moral tension shape crime stories rooted in the American South, and how capturing regional voice can deepen character, conflict, and authenticity.

Crime fiction with youthful protagonists brings fresh perspective and emotional intensity to the genre. In this session, authors discuss writing stories centered on younger characters, exploring themes of morality, rebellion, and coming of age while maintaining the tension and stakes of crime storytelling.