Thursday Master Class: Cops and First Responders

If you're writing crime fiction, you owe it to your readers—and to the real heroes behind the badge—to get it right. In this unflinching, eye-opening session, clinical psychologist and acclaimed author Ellen Kirschman pulls back the curtain on the true emotional lives of cops and first responders. Through a powerful mix of expert teaching and raw, unscripted testimony from real first responders, you'll gain a deep, authentic understanding of PTSD: what it feels like, how it shapes behavior, and how it transforms lives. You'll hear the stories behind the uniforms—and learn how to portray your characters with the depth, dignity, and emotional truth they deserve. If you want to write crime fiction that resonates on a level most writers never touch, this session will change the way you tell stories forever. Don't just write about heroes. Understand them.