No matter what genre of fiction you are writing, there are many reasons why you may wish to deceive, distract, or mislead your reader. Whether you are trying to hide the identity of a criminal, keep a secret from being revealed, or simply unsettle your readers by sowing doubts, deception can play an important role in plot and character development. In this hands-on writing workshop, we will consider different forms of misdirection, drawn from popular literature, television and film, and consider unexpected ways to keep your readers guessing and surprised.
Susanna Calkins writes the award-winning Lucy Campion mysteries, set in 17th century England and the Speakeasy Mysteries set in 1920s Chicago. Her books have been nominated for the Anthony, Agatha, Mary Higgins Clark, Lefty, and Macavity awards. She holds a PhD in history and teaches at the college level. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two sons.
