In this webinar, we will deal with how fire can be used in a crime, from using it as a way to cover up a crime or as an act of arson to destroy property and endanger lives. Mystery and crime writers will benefit from an honest talk about fire behaviour from a 31 yr veteran. Dave will delve into the fascinating and complex world of fire behavior and arson, providing crime writers with the technical knowledge and creative inspiration to craft authentic and compelling stories. From the science of combustion to the psychology of arsonists, participants will explore the key elements of fire dynamics, investigative techniques, and storytelling strategies to bring their crime plots to life.
Presenter
Dave Wickenden has spent time in the Canadian Armed Forces before the Fire Service, so is as comfortable with a rocket launcher as a fire hose. Dave Wickenden has spent time in the Canadian Armed Forces before the Fire Service, so he is as comfortable with a rocket launcher as a fire hose. After 31 years, Dave traded business plans and council reports as Deputy Fire Chief for creative writing. He’s the author of seven thriller novels, including his most recent, The Origami Deception.
Are you thinking about pitching an agent or a publisher? Or maybe you have and would like a refresher? In this 1-hour session, Angela will give you an overview of the types of pitching and how to put one together to make the most of the 3-5 minutes you usually get to pitch yourself and your manuscript. Bring something to take notes with, and your questions!
Presenter
Angela Douglas is a Canadian author who lives in the Okanagan with her husband and kids. Her debut novel and psychological thriller, EVERY FALL, was published by Rising Action Publishing in January 2025, and her sophomore novel, THE BONE TRAIL will follow in June 2026. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers of Canada, the Federation of BC Writers and Sisters in Crime - Canada West. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her family, she hides in her studio, writing her next book. You can find her @angeladouglasbooks on social media or angeladouglasbooks.com.
The goal of this talk is to persuade you to fore-front the connection between public issues and personal troubles in your own crime novels. In the webinar, we will consider why you should do that and How you can do that without slowing down the story. We will also talk briefly about how Lorne did that his recent novel, DEADLY DONATION.
Presenter
Lorne Tepperman, a retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, ventures into the realm of fiction with his debut crime novel. As an academic, Tepperman authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited 88 academic books, delving into topics ranging from social inequality to families to gambling addiction, deviance, and crime.
DEADLY DONATION, Tepperman’s first novel, draws inspiration from his extensive research on families, crime, and gambling addiction. The Rachel Tile Mystery Series promises to captivate readers with its exploration of these themes within the framework of mystery and suspense.
Lorne is a CWC director for Ontario Southwest/North/Greater Toronto Region.
By Amber Cowie, award-winning author of The Off Season
Every story needs a setting. Amber Cowie—Squamish-based novelist and non-fiction writer recognized for West Coast atmospheric thrillers—will present tools that help successfully integrate place and plot to drive suspense and tension in crime writing. The one-hour on-line class will include writing prompts to assist in creating a strong and compelling sense of place. Bring a work in progress or a fresh notebook.
About the Presenter
Amber Cowie is a novelist living in a small town on the west coast of British Columbia. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Salon, The Globe and Mail, Crime Reads, and Scary Mommy and has been endorsed by numerous bestsellers including Samantha M. Bailey, Shannon Kirk, Kerry Lonsdale, Catherine McKenzie, Robyn Harding, and Blake Crouch. Her first novel, Rapid Falls, was a Whistler Book Awards nominee, hit number one overall on Amazon, and was a top-100 bestselling Kindle book of 2018. She was awarded Squamish’s Best Writer twice in the Squamish Chief’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
Visit Amber at: https://www.ambercowie.com/