Libby Fischer Hellmann's Blog, page 43

And now a $500 Amazon Shopping Spree Giveaway…

Interested?

It’s being sponsored by the Kindle Book Review, Digital Book Today, and Bargain Booksy. Going on now through December 15th. To enter, all you need to do is click here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Two Cyber-Monday Audiobook Contests

Hi, all. Two Cyber-Monday audiobook contests I want to make sure you know about: I’ve joined 9 other traditionally published authors who’ve now gone indie in this “public service” contest. You can win one of 30+ free audiobooks — in my case, either Havana Lost or An Eye for Murder. Contest goes through December 7th, and you can enter here at the Incredible Indie Authors Audio page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second contest is another audio of Havana Lost. All you need to do is sign up for my e-mail list. Simple, right? It, too, ends December 7. Good luck and good listening!

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Virtual Book Fair Dec 1-7: Audio Giveaway

More holiday specials!

I’m giving away a free audio of Havana Lost sometime between December 1-7, as part of my participation in The Virtual Book Fair. All you have to do is sign-up for my newsletter here. I’ll announce the winner on the 7th.

But, and this is the best part, there are a lot of other authors giving away books. To see the whole line-up, just click here. And enjoy.

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An Ode to Librarians

If I could write a song and sing it I would. But I can’t. So words are going to have to do. I want to thank librarians for the difference they’ve made in my life… and it’s a huge difference.

A magical place right from the beginning

When I was a little girl — no more than three or four — my mother used to take me to the library, where I’d pick out lots of picture books. Of course I usually picked out the same book every week to take home. As I recall, it was Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel or something like that. In addition, I always checked out was Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey. Even now, some 60 years later, I still remember those two magical books. But more importantly the library became a place that I associated with fun, pretty images, and safety.

Five books and I was in heaven…

When I first learned to ride a two wheeler bike, the first place I went was the library. I had baskets on the back of my bike, and I was able to check out as many as five books at a time. That was heaven. I’d come home, park my bike and tear into the first of my books. Libraries became almost like a grocery store of books, where I could find anything I wanted, a treasure trove of discovery, delight and escapism.

Discovering adult books early

I quickly outgrew children’s books and the children’s librarian, being a very intelligent woman, handed me over to the adult librarians. They allowed me to check out books like Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind, which I read when I was about 10 years old. Being so young, I didn’t ‘get’ the subtleties and deeper meaning of the books, and I’ve gone back to reread them since. But it was an indication of the librarians’ trust in me that they allowed me to read adult books at such an early age.

Serious teen research

I used the library as a teenager, mostly for research on the papers I needed to write. The highlight came when, after my senior year in high school, I did research at the Library of Congress for my history teacher, who was writing a thesis on Harold Ickes. That was an experience: she had her own desk or “carrel” deep in the stacks of the library, and it was a real treat to go up there every once in a while, sit, and pretend I was writing my own thesis.

The writer’s best friend

I continued my love affair with libraries when I began to write in earnest. I still use the libraries as my go-to place whenever I need to do research. I’ll check out the book from the library, read it from cover to cover, take notes and return it with a thank you.

New technologies

The most exciting research came when I was writing Havana Lost, and, once again, my library was in the middle of it. I was researching Cuban intervention in Angola, and discovered (through Twitter, actually) a UK fellow who’d written his PhD on the subject. His thesis had been turned into a book, but—alas, it was over $300 on Amazon—and I couldn’t afford to buy it. Instead, I called my local library. Three days later, I held the book in my hands and read it from cover to cover.

A big ‘thank you’ to all librarians

I’ve saved the best for last. I haven’t told you about all the wonderful librarians I’ve met over the years. And I want to because they are some of my favorite people. They’re intelligent, articulate, and they understand what I want, sometimes before I know it myself.

But, most of all, they are really fun people. Have you ever been out drinking with a bunch of librarians? If not, you’re in for a treat! They’re some of the most entertaining and interesting people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.

Librarians have been a part of my life at every stage of my life. I couldn’t do what I do without them, and I am so grateful that they exist. So I hope, if you’re a librarian, you’ll have a very special holiday. You deserve it.

And if you’re not a librarian, go to your library and make friends with one.  You won’t be sorry.

What’s your library story?

Do you have fond memories of libraries? Do you still haunt them? What was the first book that inspired your imagination when you were little? I’d love to hear your stories.

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Women’s Voices Magazine Sale!

Some of you may know I write a monthly column about books and movies for Women’s Voices Magazine. If you don’t, here’s  a fabulous chance to get to know this online magazine. We have over 50 (yup… 50) columnists writing about everything from politics, work life, financial matters, wine, fashion, and more — and it’s all geared toward women.

In fact, this would make a GREAT holiday gift for someone, and at this low price, it’s pretty much a slam dunk. I do hope you’ll take a look.

 

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Crime fiction 101 – How I develop my characters

“Character is plot and plot is character” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Now and again a character steps onto the page and explodes into life. In fact they seem to write themselves. Ellie Foreman’s (the protagonist in my first series) father, Jake, is like that. I never have to worry when he’s around. He always does or says something unique, even compelling. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen all the time.

So what can an author do to increase the odds of it happening? I like what Fitzgerald says about plot being character and character being plot. It fits with my experience as a writer. The method I use helps flesh out my characters, but it also helps drive plot.

Backstories

I use character backstories. Not for everyone who appears in a book, but for the most important characters. It helps me define them and often gives me plot ideas as well.

First I determine who the major characters are; there are usually three or four. Then I enter a sort of ‘stream of consciousness.’ I let my subconscious mind explore every aspect of their lives and write it down. This includes a detailed background that drives the way they think, feel, act and react. I touch on their education, family background, personality, pets, friends, reactions to specific events, upbringing, schooling—in other words, just about everything. I just let it fill the page. I pay no attention to how it sounds; it’s just data at this point. I also include a couple of incidents from the character’s youth that helped shaped them as adults. This can be really powerful stuff, helping me create characters with depth and the right amount of flaws.

I might falter a bit at first, until I get into the flow. But at some point the blockage breaks down and it comes naturally. It usually ends up to be two or three single-space pages.

The key is that I probably use only two to five percent of the backstory in the book itself. However, the intimate knowledge I have built about each person means I can anticipate their beliefs, dysfunctions, and behaviors. And when I present them with plot conflicts, obstacles, or choices (Hobbsian or not), I usually know what they’re going to do.

Expect the Unexpected

I said “usually” above. That’s important because the other point I keep in mind is to allow my characters to change; to do the unexpected. For example if readers think someone’s a bitch, she’ll do something noble. Take Ricki Feldman, a recurring character in both my series. Just when you think it’s okay to hate her, she’ll do something heroic, or reveal her vulnerability in a way that makes it impossible to cross her off completely. Or Hassan, in A Bitter Veil, whom readers think has swallowed the Islamic Republic’s propaganda whole, but ultimately risks everything to help Anna. These unexpected choices and behavior not only drive plot but reveal whether a character is a hero or a coward.

However, the process isn’t as simple as it sounds. While I do want characters to change and surprise readers, their actions have to be authentic and believable. Ricki Feldman, a sharp realtor who sometimes cuts corners, wouldn’t suddenly decide to go to, say, nursing school. And Hassan, a values-driven character at his core, has simply decided to honor a different set of values when he changes course. In fact, if a reader ever thinks “She wouldn’t do that…” and throws my book against the wall, I’ve failed the “authenticity” challenge.

Even minor characters need to feel real. I may not write backstories for them, but I still need to get into their heads. How do they think, what do they see, what kind of words do they use? That’s where dialogue and telling details help.

Some tips about creating powerful characters

Those are the main things I turn over when I’m developing character. But here are some tips you might find useful as well.

Your main character must always want something on every page, even if it’s just a glass of water that they can’t get. Usually they’re more desperate. Marcus Sakey (link to his website here) says you should always think of your protagonist at the end of his or her rope.
A good rule is to make your protagonist confront the thing he/she fears most and overcome it in order to win the thing he desires the most.
Know your villain as well as you know your hero. Remember that everyone is a hero in their own story. Believe it, make them act accordingly, and they’ll be a lot scarier. Or scared!
Emotional impact and tension rises almost entirely out of character motivation. Put a pacifist in a position of having to fight. Make someone who has a new life confront the old. Without motivation, all you have is a scenario. A plot. And plot is nothing without character.
Every character should have a conflict of their own.
Have as many characters as possible in a state of change. Or wanting change.

What’s your favorite ever thriller novel character?

Who are some of the seminal characters in crime thrillers? Why? Are they characters you love to hate, or love to love?

 

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Thoughts on the JFK Assassination– Was Cuba Involved?

I offer some thoughts about the assassination and whether Fidel Castro was involved. The answer is a resounding “No.” In fact, did you know he testified to the Warren Commission? William Colelman, who was on the commission, flew down to Cuba and they talked on a yacht off Havana Bay.

Anyway, that and much more is over at Crimespree Magazine, right here. I hope you’ll take a read. 

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Binge Watch Your Way Through The Holidays

“The holidays are coming.”

If that thought fills you with dread, don’t despair. I have a solution: BingeWatch through them! Many of you already know the term, but for those who don’t, it’s the newest way to watch shows on Netflix, Amazon, OnDemand, or even DVDs—all at once or over a couple of days. Thus, binging. And now with the explosion of tablets, smart phones, and other electronic gadgets large and small, it’s easier than ever.

I first discovered bingewatching when “24” and “Weeds” were all the rage, and I haven’t stopped since. Really. What could be better than passing the time with a bunch of movies, shows, or TV series you can start on whatever screen is handy? No more passing the time trying to chat up Aunt Mildred or the brother-in-law who drives you up the wall. No more stress trying to keep Johnny away from Kevin, or Kevin away from the candy.

Best of all, no more “It’s A Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street.” The shows below have bite. At least most of them. Some are about the holidays, in case you want to plug into the zeitgeist of the season. Others are about families— the nuclear as well as the “extended” kind. And others are some of my all-time favorites.

So, when the time comes, just gather everyone around your tablet, laptop, iPhone, or TV and bingewatch your way through the holidays.

Everyone’s been talking about the end of BREAKING BAD (AMC) and the third season of HOMELAND (Showtime), so if you haven’t discovered these shows yet, you can buy or rent the first few seasons on Amazon or Netflix. Your library might have them too. I wasn’t a BREAKING BAD fan, but they say the finale broke a record for the most people watching TV. Ever. As you may know, the show is about a high school chemistry teacher with terminal lung cancer who turns into a meth dealer and monstrous criminal. And there are a whole lot of people who loved the show.

I prefer HOMELAND, not because I’m an espionage fan (which I am), but because, at its heart, it’s a story about star-crossed lovers. And trust. And also because Claire Danes, Damien Lewis, and Mandy Patinkin are just about the best actors on the small screen these days. Together, they deliver addictive yet credible performances. From week to week I’m never sure what will happen, but unlike some shows, HOMELAND never spins something out just because they can. If an event is going to happen, it usually happens right away. Season 1 and 2 are on Amazon, Netflix, and most likely your library. Season 3 is on the air now. In fact, I’m such an addict that I buy Showtime for three months every year just to watch the show Sunday nights.

Over the past year Netflix has debuted a couple of original series that have turned out to be must-sees. “ORANGE” is loosely based on the memoirs of Piper Kerman, a Smith College alumna who ran drugs for her girlfriend, was arrested, convicted, and sent to a women’s prison in Danbury Connecticut for fifteen months.  Most of it takes place in prison, and the ensemble cast, including Piper, her girlfriend, and various other imprisoned women, is remarkable. So is the writing and dialogue. Although the show is more dramatic than the book, it was still on the edge of believability, and after the first few episodes, I was hooked. I highly recommend this series, and I recommend you bingewatch it.  Btw, the producer, Jenji Kohan may be familiar to you: she produced WEEDS. Season two of ORANGE, btw, is in production.

Based on the British series of the same name, HOC stars Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, and Kate Mara, the sister of Rooney  (she of the Lizbeth Salander movie fame). It’s set in Washington DC (my hometown, as it happens), and it’s a political series. Kevin Spacey is the leader in the House of Representatives, his wife is a clean water advocate, and there are a number of other characters that do a fabulous job. I do have to admit the opening of the show includes shots of DC I don’t recognize—they’re bleak, noir, and anything but noble—and the story line is what you’d expect from politicians who are used to wheeling and dealing away their principles. What makes the show special, though, are the actors. Spacey captures the Southern fried politician all his desultory glory. He even goes to a restaurant where the owner cooks up a slab of ribs for him whenever he wants. His wife is the perfect political wife: a blond queen with a heart of ice. If you like ribs, dirty politics, and double dealing, you’ll love HOUSE OF CARDS, even you feel like taking a shower afterwards.

If you’re a fan of British crime shows (and who isn’t) you’ll like LUTHER, starring the incredibly gorgeous Idris Elba, who also was featured in THE WIRE. Luther is a British detective who continually confronts the thin line between police and criminals. That’s the hook and the appeal of the series. Luther is a good detective, but he deals with the dark side of human behavior, and sometimes finds it difficult to separate lawful from unlawful. A complex, moody guy (aren’t the best ones that way?), Luther is unpredictable in his actions, choice of women, and relationships with other characters on the show. One of those characters, a psychotic murderer who also manages to be quite appealing (I know, sounds like a paradox) has captured the hearts of many viewers’ and plays a pivotal role in the series. There were two seasons, plus four additional episodes in Season 3. They’re on DVDs, BBC America, Amazon, and other video venues. Just Google “LUTHER.”

PRISONERS OF WAR is the Israeli series that HOMELAND was based on, but they are very different shows. POW is quieter, and more character-driven than HOMELAND. The show follows the re-entry to society of three Israeli soldiers who were held prisoner by Arab terrorists for 17 years. In moments as small as how to use a cell phon or as dramatic as reuniting with a former lover, POW alternately breaks your heart or makes you smile. It was recorded in Hebrew with English subtitles, but you almost don’t need them when you pay attention to the actors’ expressions. I cried and laughed my way through the first two seasons, which are free on HULU. They’re producing a third season now.

BONUS BINGES

But what to do if your schedule only allows you a day or even part of a day with family? Never fear… here are some “one-offs” you and your family may enjoy.

LOVE ACTUALLY

This is one of my all-time favorite holiday movies. Hugh Grant, Keira Knightly, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and a host of other talented actors romp through a series of vignettes about love, lost love, and love that can never be. Parts of it are gooey and sugary, but other parts are bittersweet. Hugh Grant does a wonderful pants-off dance impersonation of Tom Cruise, and the conclusion, featuring the famous Beach Boys song, is unforgettable. You can rent it for $2.99 from Amazon and other places.

THE GODFATHERS

Two of my all time favorite family films are the Godfather and Godfather Part 2. Even though I’ve seen both many times (as you probably have as well), and are sprawling stories full of “family” issues, they always seem fresh. In fact, they’re  perfect for that post-turkey dinner stupor. You can rent each on Amazon for $2.99, although I’m sure you can get them at the library as well.

AND NOW MY LOVE

For the hopelessly romantic, AND NOW MY LIFE veers into family film territory. It’s almost forty years old, but it’s a sweet, timeless story about a man and woman (Marthe Keller looking fabulous) who don’t meet until last minute of the film. Still, you know by what’s come before that they are destined to be together. The film is directed by French director Claude LeLouche, who also made A MAN AND A WOMAN, which swept the world by storm (well, yeah, that was a long time ago as well). 

CASABLANCA

Finally, for those of you who don’t like the above suggestions, the always reliable CASABLANCA is free on Amazon if you have a prime membership.

 

 

Hope these will help you and your family enjoy Thanksgiving and beyond.

 

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Easy Innocence — Countdown Deal

Just to let you know that EASY INNOCENCE, the first Georgia Davis PI thriller, is part of Amazon’s new Countdown Deal. The ebook is just $.99 today and tomorrow, then $1.99 Wednesday and Thursday, and $2.99 Friday and Saturday. If you haven’t read it, I hope you’ll take a look here.

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A Narrator’s-Eye View of Audiobooks

Audiobooks are quickly changing the way we “read.” Yes, I’m a book addict, but there’s just not enough time in the day for me to escape with a great story. So I make time. When I’m in the car, walking the dog, or cleaning the house, I now listen to audiobooks. In fact, audio is fast becoming my first “go-to” read.

As an author, I’ve produced audios of all my books and creating them has been fascinating… and fun. The most important decision is, of course, who or what kind of voice should narrate the story. Should it be a man or a woman? Should the woman’s voice be melodic and bouncy? Or alto and sultry? What about diction? Accent? Inflection?  As a producer, I decide all that in advance.

As many of you already know,  ACX has made it easy for producers and narrators to discover each other, and I’ve found some wonderful narrators. And while I’ve written about audio before, this time I wanted to give you a peek “behind the curtain,” so to speak, and let you see how three of them approach the job of narrating a book.  Btw, I’ve loved working with all of them—they are true professionals. And, as it turns out, their responses are fascinating.

Meet Diane Piron-Gelman, Robin Rowan and Karyn O’Bryant.  I couldn’t do what I do without them.

What do you look for in a book that you’re considering recording? What turns you on… and what’s an automatic “no?”

 

Diane: I look first at the quality of the writing. Language has sound and rhythm, texture and shape; if those elements aren’t there as I read, the book isn’t for me. If I can hear the characters talking in my head, I know the narration will go well.

Clumsy, clunky prose that makes the mental “ear” as well as the tongue stumble is a huge turn-off. Bad dialogue is another. I’d rather not have to suppress snorts of laughter while I’m trying to deliver a poorly written or really cheesy line and make it sound brilliant.

 

Robin: What I look for in a book is something meaty, something substantive that I can really get excited about. If you’re not excited about the book, you won’t do a good job. As a voice for commercials and also a former ad agency copywriter, I always followed the great ad man David Ogilvy’s advice: You have to believe that the product you’re selling (or the book you’re narrating) is the absolute greatest product (book) in the world. I think mystery/thrillers are my very favorite type of book, since that’s the type I would pick up and read myself. Ones to steer away from? I would accept any genre, but it is easy to tell in the audition script if the book is not well written, or if it is a page-turner.

 

 

Karyn: I look for an interesting story. I also look for fair compensation for my work.

 

 

 

 

How do you prepare to narrate a book?

Diane: First, I read the whole thing. This lets me know the basics that affect how I voice each character: gender, age, where they grew up, whether they have a distinct accent or mode of speaking, that kind of thing. Is the character a hard-bitten, world-weary type? A sheltered twenty-something? A warm-hearted, bubbly person who spreads cheer wherever she goes? Also, what’s going on with each character in each scene—are they excited, afraid, angry, joyful, falling in love, mourning a loss? All of these things color how I read them, whether we’re talking dialogue or internal POV.

I note what to look up for pronunciation. I also make notes about each character and practice vocalizations that to me express who each character is. If I get a character’s voice in my ear, I can think myself into his or her head-space, and then the reading flows naturally.

Robin: I don’t read the entire book before I begin narrating. Maybe some narrators do, but I just dive right in. I have a good feel for the story beforehand and at least know who the main characters are and how I will portray them. My husband knows that I am in “audiobook” mode when I spend 10 hour days in the studio and he doesn’t see me except for dinner for weeks at a time. Even while I am away from the studio, I’m thinking about the characters, or perhaps I’m deciding to change something along the way. I remember getting to Chapter 21 in a 14-hour book and completely changing one of the characters. That meant going back and finding EVERY line spoken by her and editing it into the chapters. But you know what? I like to find out what happens as I go, just like a listener would.

Karyn: I read the book and take notes on each of the characters. I also look up any word that I’m not 100% sure of how to pronounce. Occasionally, I’ll chat with the author to get a better insight into the tone/style of the piece and extra character clues.

What’s the hardest part? The easiest? What about editing? 

Diane: Some days, the hardest part is getting through a particular sentence without fluffing. Or getting through a highly emotional moment for a character without overdoing volume or enunciation and sending the recording meter into orange or red.

Another challenge is being able to spend several hours in the booth without background noise intruding: airplanes, garbage trucks, house noises like the refrigerator. It can also be hard to keep still so my mic doesn’t pick up chair creaks.

The easiest part is the acting. Narrating is an acting job, though you’re not playing to a 900-seat proscenium theatre. It’s more like TV or movies, the vocal equivalent of being in permanent close-up. A slight shading in tone can convey a whole new emotion, and a little bit goes a very long way.

Thus far, I’ve done minimal editing, as I’m still learning to use the extremely complicated ProTools software. In general, each finished hour I record represents roughly 2 ½ to 3 hours of work, not including text prep.

 

Robin: The most difficult part of narrating is coming across a character with an accent you’ve never tried before, or in one case, a French Canadian man who only spoke French. Sometimes for accents with which I’m unfamiliar, I go to YouTube and type in Charles de Gaulle to listen to his French, or Barbara Streisand for a Brooklyn accent.

Editing takes the most time, but is not the most difficult. I spend about 4 hours per every finished hour recording, editing, and then going back and proofreading with the audio. Narrators get intimately involved with every book, and sometimes it’s sad to say goodbye to a character you particularly loved to portray. I always have the listener in mind. If I’m going to sit down and listen to someone’s voice for 12 or 14 hours, they’d better be pretty darned interesting to listen to, or I can’t get into it. I’m so cognizant of that as I’m recording!

Karyn: The hardest part is the editing. It takes significantly longer than recording or prep. The easiest part is the narration. It is enjoyable, and with good writing, the characters practically narrate themselves.

What tricks do you use to keep your voice going?



Diane: I have a water bottle on hand, make sure to do breathing warm-ups, and I keep a bowl of grapes nearby so I can pop one every now and again. Some narrators swear by green apple slices, but they don’t work for me.

Robin: I can keep recording for about 4 hours max per day before the quality of my voice changes and I have to stop. I swear by Milo’s sweet tea in the studio, because they use corn syrup, and it’s kind of “slickery” and good on the throat. I keep my lips “lubed” with a “Kiss My Face” product, since it is almost liquid and helps with mouth noise. Apples slices are wonderful for helping with the mouth noise as well. You’d be amazed at what you can hear in those headphones!

Karyn: Regular vocal exercises, lots of water, not a lot of booze or caffeine, and throat spray.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Still recording?

Diane: I would love to still be recording in 10 years, hopefully with a large enough body of work that I can command finished-hour rates that are double or more what I make now. What other job is there in the world that pays you to pretend to be other people?

Robin: I’ve been narrating books since 2009 and have finally found my niche. I have never had so much fun at any job in my life, and there’s absolutely no reason why I can’t keep doing it until I’m well into my 80s. How wonderful is it to wake up every morning, looking forward to immersing myself in a great book? There’s nothing like it.

Karyn: I honestly don’t know what the next 10 years will hold, just as I could not have imagined 10 years ago that I would be where I am today. I would love to continue to be involved in voiceover and audiobooks. It is all an adventure, and it’s a delight to experience its unfolding.

So, there you have it. Btw, Diane recorded 3 of my novels:

 

 

 

 

 

Robin has done two plus a lot of my short stories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Karyn voiced the first audio I did myself:

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. Btw, I’m part of an audio raffle that will be held Saturday, November 16-17. I’m raffling off 4 audios for free, including the ones above. There are many others as well… a veritable treasure trove of audio! Be sure to enter, either here or here.

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