I’D FOLLOW HER ANYWHERE: CREATING THE FEMALE PROTAGONIST

Presented by the Diana Pinckley Prize for Crime Fiction

What does it take to invent a female protagonist who will compel readers’ attention? For some, it’s a quirky personality, a fierce sense of independence, or an ongoing personal struggle of her own. For others, it’s finding a place in the world or developing a sense of community or family. And in crime fiction, characters need to have a bit of a dark side. Whether you’re beginning a series or writing a standalone novel, your female protagonist must be unique, memorable, and tough. Panelists discussing female protagonists include authors Trudy Nan Boyce, Margot Douaihy, and Ashley Elston, with New Orleans writer Greg Herren moderating.