Writer in Residence: What is the Why? Building a Backstory

A compelling and believable protagonist begins with a strong backstory. In this hands-on workshop, we develop a backstory for your protagonist, taking into account the context that shaped them and considering their beliefs, desires, quirks, and the stories they tell themselves about the world and their place in it.  Presented by Writer in Residence Karen Odden.

USA Today bestselling author Karen Odden earned her PhD in English at New York University, writing her dissertation on Victorian literature. After teaching at UW-Milwaukee and editing for an academic journal, she turned to writing mysteries, all of which are set in 1870s London. Her fourth, Down a Dark River, an Oprah Daily pick, introduces readers to Inspector Michael Corravan at Scotland Yard; the sequel, Under a Veiled Moon, was nominated for the Agatha, Lefty, and Anthony awards for best historical mystery in 2023. She is a member of the national board of Sisters in Crime and has taught workshops across the US for writing groups, libraries, and conferences, including Desert Nights, Rising Stars at ASU. She makes her home in Arizona and Utah, where she loves to hike while plotting crimes. www.karenodden.com