Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
Before I was a writer, I studied to be a film-maker. Watching tons of movies gave me a sense of pacing. It showed me when to cut in and out of a scene. And how long it should be, Not to mention how to show, not tell. Or build suspense. I recommend movies highly. Cut … Read more
This might be called “How To Screw Up a Google Hangout… and then Fix it Afterwards” You see, we were planning a cool event for the Killer Femmes Bundle I’m a part of. We were going to do a Google Hangout and talk about “The Secrets to Writing a Series.” Four of the five of us … Read more
Plotting is a challenge, but it’s the most enjoyable part of the process for me. I love figuring out motivations, what happened to a character that made him/her the way they are, and what conflicts or obstacles I can present that will reveal who they really are and move the plot forward. Hypotheticals help in … Read more
Exciting News: Win a $100 or $50 Book Gift Card! The Killer Femmes Rafflecopter Contest is on! From today through July 25, you can win a $100 or $50 e-Book Gift Card to the bookseller of your choice! And Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hi, all. My upcoming crime thriller, Nobody’s Child, will be released September 2nd, and I’m offering free ARCs (for just a few weeks) in exchange for an honest review by August 15. After writing 3 stand-alones, I’ve returned to the Georgia Davis PI series. Nobody’s Child is a very dark story, probably the darkest I’ve ever … Read more
Not much more needs to be said. Read as much as you can, both in and out of your genre. You will absorb good writing techniques and learn to recognize those that aren’t. PS Sorry the last couple of tips were out of order. Oh well.
The Killer Femmes “bundle” (also available on Nook, Kobo, and iBooks) is special because I’m sharing space with some of my favorite authors in the crime fiction community. They are all terrific writers, and I gobble up their books as soon as they come out. But I realize you might not know them… so today I’m … Read more
Just wanted you to know I’m giving away some print ARCs of Nobody’s Child, my 11th novel and the 4th Georgia Davis PI novel. If you’re a Goodreads person, maybe you’d like to sign up. Btw, more news coming in a few days. Goodreads Book Giveaway Nobody’s Child by Libby Fischer Hellmann Giveaway ends … Read more
Of the 4 cities we visited last month, Prague is definitely the most vibrant, western, and energetic… in fact, there is almost a frenetic energy to the city. I’m told the city has changed dramatically since its days under the Soviet umbrella, and when you pass the luxury designer stores that have sprung up (I … Read more
One of the best writing tips ever comes from the late Elmore Leonard, who said: “Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.” In other words, those long, boring descriptions of setting, mood, internal thinking, etc. Here’s the bottom line: If you’re bored reading them, the chances are good your reader will be … Read more