Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
Just wanted you to know that I’m giving away 3 bound galleys of HAVANA LOST on Goodreads starting June 1 and going through June 15. If you’re interested, here’s more info: Goodreads Book Giveaway HAVANA LOST by Libby Fischer Hellmann Giveaway ends June 15, 2013. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win … Read more
I’m baaack.. with another Writing Lite segment. This time I’m starting a series on character development and how to do it. Today I talk about my favorite technique — writing character backstories. They only have to be a couple of single spaced pages, but they accomplish so much. What do you think?
COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL VS SELF PUBLISHING TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING Pros Cons Support Distribution Editing Bookstores Awards Reviews Agents Ebook Rights and RoyaltiesReporting and payments Smaller advance/print runs Limited time/shelf space Hinky contracts Possible Bankrupty Accounting irregularities Agents Hi, again. In part one we tackled the supposed “pros” of support and distribution that I thought … Read more
Here are two cover versions for my upcoming thriller HAVANA LOST. On has pure white type; the other has blood on the word “Lost”… Which do you like better? I’ll raffle off a PDF to everyone who weighs in… And thanks. Oh… here’s the jacket copy, if it helps: On the eve of the Cuban … Read more
Hi, everyone. A new edition of Writing Lite is below. In it I wrap up our discussion of suspense with “The End” — the last sentence(s) in a chapter. Hope you’ll take a look. It’s only two minutes long.
If you’ve been following me on Twitter, FB, and Google+, you know I’ve been talking about a new online magazine that debuts — today! Starting with the 2012 election, American women have emerged as a new high-target demographic powerbase for media. But the media’s approach has not necessarily changed much from continuing an emphasis on … Read more
I am delighted to announce the release of “The Mystery Box” anthology released by MWA (Mystery Writers of America) today. I am even more delighted to say that my story, “War Secrets,” is in it. It has—well—an unusual backstory. I was casting around for an idea—the anthology’s premise is “Secrets,” which lends itself to a … Read more
Hi, everyone. Welcome to WRITING LITE #2. I’m still talking about suspense, but this time I start at the beginning and discuss the power of that first line. I talk about why it’s important, how to approach it, and give you some of my all-time favorite examples. It is a little longer than I anticipated … Read more
Hi, all. Some of you know I teach a number of workshops devoted to the craft of fiction writing, especially crime fiction. For a while now, I’ve been toying with the idea of producing short videos about craft, and I decided to go ahead with them. I’m calling the series “Writing Lite” because none of … Read more
Hi, all. Just wanted to let you know that The Georgia Davis Boxed Set, which includes my 3 thrillers EASY INNOCENCE, DOUBLEBACK, and TOXICITY is just $2.99 all week until April 6. For all three. A steep discount from the normal $9.99 price. So please, take advantage!! You can find them here.