PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. - Marylandian -- The Prince George's County Chapter of the Maryland Writers' Association (MWA) hosted an engaging online craft event on July 14 at 7 PM EST featuring author and writing coach Austin S. Camacho. The session explored core elements of conflict and suspense in fiction and offered writers practical tools to strengthen their storytelling.

Camacho guided attendees through conflict as human motivation and suspense as pacing and timing. He explained how plotting begins with knowing what the hero wants, who opposes that goal, and why the stakes matter. Drawing on Rocky, Die Hard, The Odyssey, and works by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Stephen King, and Alfred Hitchcock, he showed how internal and external conflicts shape character arcs and how rising tension keeps readers engaged.

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Participants learned that suspense can emerge from frustration, worry, danger, or moral challenge. Camacho noted that readers must understand what the character wants, what blocks achievement, and what consequences follow. He encouraged writers to build empathy, raise stakes, and deliver meaningful payoffs. He also discussed promises in storytelling, feared negative events, and how pacing, isolation, and personal stakes deepen narrative impact.

The event included active discussion and questions from attendees. Participants such as Terri Haynes, Michael Murray, Ahmanda O'Neal, Dave Strang, and others shared insights and engaged with Camacho's guidance on plotting, tension, character development, and reader investment. The group explored three‑act structure, secondary conflicts, advance readers, character flaws, long‑form arcs, trends in fiction, and opportunities available through MWA including conferences, networking, and statewide events.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: AUSTIN S. CAMACHO Austin S. Camacho is a prolific crime and suspense novelist and respected writing instructor. He is known for the Hannibal Jones Mystery Series and the Morgan Stark & Felicity O'Brien Action Adventures. His work blends sharp plotting, compelling characters, and fast‑paced suspense. A longtime member of MWA, he frequently teaches workshops on conflict, suspense, and fiction craft. His background in journalism informs his clear, practical approach to helping writers strengthen their narratives.

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ABOUT THE MARYLAND WRITERS' ASSOCIATION The Maryland Writers' Association is a statewide nonprofit supporting writers at all levels. MWA offers chapter meetings, workshops, critique groups, annual conferences, writing contests, and multiple publications open for member submissions. Members may attend events hosted by any chapter across the state. More information is available at www.marylandwriters.org.

For questions about the Prince George's County Chapter or upcoming events, contact pgpresident@marylandwriters.org.