In this practical, no-nonsense session, crime writers learn how to identify and connect with the readers who are already primed to love their work. Rather than trying to appeal to “everyone,” we will focus on understanding the specific tastes, expectations, and emotional drivers of different crime fiction audiences.  

Using real examples, participants explore how tone, stakes, character focus, and story style shape reader experience—and why mismatching these elements can lead to missed connections and poor reviews. Through guided exercises, writers will define their ideal reader, uncover what those readers truly want (and don’t want), and learn how to position their work so the right audience recognises it instantly. 

This session is designed to help writers sharpen their voice, strengthen their storytelling choices, and market their work with clarity and confidence. 

Cat Connor is a New Zealand crime thriller author known for fast-paced, high-stakes stories and sharp, character-driven plots. She is the author of the FBI-Byte series and the Veronica Tracey Spy/PI series, both featuring complex investigations and dangerous adversaries.  

She also teaches and speaks about writing, offering candid, practical advice with a healthy dose of humour.  

When she’s not writing, she’s usually fuelled by coffee and surrounded by her three very spoilt cats.