Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
Libby Fischer Hellmann 
Thought I’d give you some updates on my situation with AT&T. There was one bright spot, but then the light was snuffed out. For those who don’t know what’s going on, my post from Feb. 24 explains it, although you are not required to read it. Update 1: By the evening of Feb. 24, an … Read more
I am so angry and frustrated with AT&T I dont know where to begin. I have spent the better part of this week trying to fix a screw-up that THEY made. With no success. Finally, I decided to do a chat, so I would have a written transcript. I don’t expect you to read the … Read more
I don’t recommend many books on writing, but this one is an exception. Carolyn Wheat’s HOW TO WRITE KILLER FICTION is an excellent analysis, not only of the difference between mystery and thriller, but also of plot structure. Wheat calls each act an “arc” and lays out the elements of each. It’s a highly worthwhile investment. … Read more
I did something REALLY stupid the other day, and it’s taken me a few days to get up the nerve to admit it. A good friend of mine works at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. We decided to have lunch, and he emailed where I should park to meet him. I’ve been to the Zoo … Read more
I talk about character backstories and how to write them here. Basically, I believe they’re the best way to get to know your characters and what motivates them. How passionate or emotional they are. What their style of interacting is. The lengths they’ll go to to achieve their goals. A backstory will help you create … Read more
Today, more than three million tourists visit Cuba every year –except for Americans, of course, although that’s bound to change. And soon. In fact, tourism is the country’s #1 source of revenue. People are drawn by Cuba’s climate, beaches, attractive prices, and remarkable history. It wasn’t always this way. Poor post-revolution relations After the revolution, … Read more
This year started off with a bang, but every time I think things are slowing down, something else happens. I won’t go into details, because I don’t know too many, but A Bitter Veil has been selected as a semi-finalist in The Book Pipeline Competition. What’s that, you ask? Here’s what they say on their … Read more
…Especially if you’re writing about a time or setting that’s unfamiliar. Check regional or foreign slang on the internet; listen to people from that particular place on YouTube, or make some calls to suss out how folks really talk to each other. If you’re writing historicals, the reference librarian at your local library will be … Read more
I’m being intentionally cute here, because alliteration isn’t. Unless you’re writing broad comedy, there’s no reason to use alliteration in your fiction. It calls attention to itself and takes the reader out of the story. Too much alliteration can result in a reader gnashing his/her teeth and throwing the book across the room. At least … Read more
Hi, all. As some of you know, since January I have hosting an Authors on the Air radio show which I call “Second Sunday Crime.” It’s going well, and I’m having fun doing it. So I wanted to bring you up to speed on a couple of interviews I just recorded. The … Read more