What is a fun/unusual/unexpected fact about yourself that has nothing to do with writing?
I’m a retired army officer.
What is your writerly ‘crutch’ or ‘tic’?
Coffee and soft music
What are five things you need in order to write (like a laptop, music, notebook and pen, coffee, etc.)?
my Mac computer, dictionary, special forces weapons book, coffee, notes for names
Where is your favorite place to write?
It used to be my office. Now I like my couch and table for coffee and scones.
What is your favorite outlet for creativity outside of writing?
The fitness center
Where is your favorite place to set a story? Have you ever been there?
My hero works for the president as a National Security Advisor. White House model from Pentagon
Who is your favorite fictional hero?
Jack Reacher
Who is your favorite fictional villain?
Mafia dons
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Hardy Boys series
What fictional character (from someone else’s work) would you like to write into one of your books?
Jack Reacher
What’s the weirdest thing in your writing space?
My dog—likes to sit in my lap.
Did you have any other jobs before becoming a writer?
Army officer
If you weren’t a writer, what job would you hold?
History professor
Which book was the biggest struggle for you to write, and why? Which book was the easiest, and why?
Secret Assault was the toughest book for me to write because it took me back to Vietnam. I often think of my friend who was a Dustoff pilot (medical evacuation) who was shot down and killed. It’s not just him—I think about but his kids who grew up without a dad.
Long Walk Home was the most fun and I think the easiest. Each summer I would go to ThrillerFest. The first year I stayed at the hotel. Then I realized I could stay at a Coast Guard guest house on Staten Island for half the cost. So every morning I’d take the Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan, then the subway to the hotel. While on the Ferry, enjoying the sunshine and the Statue of Liberty, I began to think about who would hijack the Staten Island Ferry — why would they do it — and how would it happen. And Long Walk Home was born.
Did you face any rejection when you began to write?
I do not outline, so I often get to the middle and wonder if it’s going to work.
Writing group or book club?
I spent ten years with the Fourth Wednesday Writers Group. Great memories — fun group.
How do you like to connect with readers? (Please include your website and/or any social media you’d like to share.)
Brief Bio
During his time in the military, Don Helin served at a number of stateside posts as well as overseas in Vietnam and Germany. He is the author of nine thrillers that draw from his military experience, including three tours in the Pentagon.
His novel, Secret Assault, was selected as the Best Suspense/Thriller at the 2015 Indie Book Awards; his novel, Long Walk Home, won a Five-Star review at the Readers Favorites Awards; and his novel, Roof of the World, was a finalist in the 2020 Indie Book.
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