Writing Crime Fiction Archives - Page 11 of 14

Using CASTS to Write and Edit a Chapter

October 27, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Hi, all. I’m guest-posting today on Writer Unboxed, and I’m talking about CASTS, a writing and editing method developed by author extraordinaire Nancy Pickard. I can’t say enough good things about CASTS and Nancy, so I hope you’ll take a look. It’s completely changed how I write a chapter. For the better, I hope. You … Read more

My Crime Subgenres Post reprinted by Digital Book Today

October 20, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Delighted that Digital Book Today reprinted one of my blogposts on Crime Fiction Subgenres. Would love your comments over there. Did I get it right?

The Fussy Librarian

October 9, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

There’s a new “discovery” website called The Fussy Librarian launching this week. It’s a place where readers sign up, indicate what kinds of books, ebooks, or audios they prefer (genre, degree of violence, sex, etc) and get customized emails either daily or weekly with recommendations. You don’t buy anything on the site, you simply take a look, … Read more

Five Rules for a Successful Writers’ Group

September 12, 2013September 11, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

I’ve been in a writing group for 16 years. I joined way before I was published, and they deserve most of the credit for the fact that I did get published. It was in my group that I learned most of the craft of writing crime fiction as well as what works and what doesn’t. … Read more

Writing Lite #11 — The Rhythm of Language by Libby Hellmann

September 4, 2013September 2, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Hi, all. I managed to squeeze in another Writing Lite over the weekend. In this segment, I wrap up my discussion of language with one of my favorite passages from Raymond Chandler. Enjoy!

Revolution noir – The darker side of conflict

September 13, 2013August 20, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Havana Lost has launched at last. Feedback has started to roll in. And I’m fascinated by how many readers say they are ‘disturbed’ by Frankie Pacelli’s transformation from a young vulnerable likeable girl into—well (spoiler alert averted), what she ultimately became.

Why I Started Writing

August 6, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

One of the most common question writers are asked is, “what made you start writing crime fiction?” For years I always answered the same way: I can tell you how and when I started writing, but I wasn’t exactly sure why. I didn’t plan it. I was going to be a film-maker. I have an … Read more

Reviewing From The Other Side

August 4, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

This is a reprint from CrimeSpree magazine but it appeared back in 2007. So I think it’s safe to say most of you never read it. I’ve updated it. As I wait for the reviews of Havana Lost to come in, I can’t help but remember the first (and only) first professional review I wrote. It was … Read more

Writing Lite #10 — Less is More

July 27, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

This installment of Writing Lite is a wrap-up of some language tips, all under the general umbrella of “Less is More.” It includes how much description and backstory to use, plus adjectives and words to strip out of your fiction.

Lean Where?

July 24, 2013July 24, 2013 by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Ex-VP of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google and a former Facebook CEO, Sheryl Sandberg is a powerful woman. Her best-selling first book Lean In – Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, deals with the importance for women to ‘lean into’ life to capitalize on both professional and personal opportunities. A heady mix, … Read more