Writing Craft
Inspiration
Inspiration sparks creativity but must be sustained by discipline. This certificate program explores creative mindset, overcoming blocks, and cultivating habits that support consistent storytelling.
Courses
Finding Story Ideas in Unexpected Places
Great story ideas can come from anywhere. In this lively “Thrift Shop” panel, authors discuss where they find inspiration, how they recognize an idea worth pursuing, and what sparks their excitement to sit down and begin writing.
Keeping Readers Engaged From Beginning to End
What keeps readers turning the pages? In this session, panelists discuss the authors who have influenced their work, where they find inspiration, and the plotting techniques they use to craft engaging stories that capture and hold a reader’s attention.
Step into Another Writer’s Shoes
Jamie Freveletti, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Stephen Mark Rainey share their experiences continuing the work of late authors—discussing the balance between honoring legacy and infusing a fresh creative voice.
The Writers Who Made the Masters
In this engaging conversation, Mark Coggins speaks with leading crime and mystery authors about the writers who shaped their craft. They discuss the books that influenced them, how their reading habits inform their work, and the lasting impact of the masters who inspired a new generation of storytellers.
You Are What You Read: Influences That Shape Your Writing
The books we love leave a lasting mark on how we write. In this session, authors explore the stories and writers that have influenced their craft, examining how reading shapes voice, style, and the evolution of their creative approach.