Instructor: Lori Hellis

Biography: Author Lori Hellis is a distinguished criminal and family attorney whose seasoned career spanned nearly three decades. Her expertise goes beyond the courtroom as she delves into the most intricate and riveting true crime stories, offering clarity and insight that cuts through the headlines. Lori's profound understanding of the law and an intimate grasp of the criminal psyche position her as a formidable interpreter of even the most complex legal stories.Before her retirement, Lori served as both a prosecutor and a public defender. Her extensive experience includes advocating for hundreds of adult and juvenile defendants across a spectrum of criminal charges, including serious violent offenses. Lori's educational background is as impressive as her legal career; she holds a BA in Journalism, a Juris Doctor, and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction.Lori's passion for the law matches her commitment to service, evidenced by a two-decade-long tenure in the Air National Guard, where she specialized in public affairs. Throughout her career, she has been a staunch advocate for children, victims of domestic violence, and veterans.Her transition from law to literature began with her debut book, The No-nonsense Guide to Divorce, released in 2020 by Rowman and Littlefield. Her next book, Children of Darkness and Light, Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell: A Story of Murderous Faith was released in September 2024.Lori lives in Redmond, Oregon, with her husband and beloved pets. She has an adult daughter who always seemed proud that her mother wore military boots. She's a quilt maker and podcast aficionado who perfectly integrates law, service, and the art of storytelling.

Classes by this instructor

Writing the Gritty Stuff: True Crime Stories

True crime has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with a focus on real-life crimes. This non-fiction genre often explores a single case, or the crimes of a serial killer. It emphasizes accurate reporting and storytelling, aiming to engage the reader with the events and people involved in the case. Learn from a lawyer and published true crime author how to formulate, organize, research, analyze, and write a true crime story. Learn the ins and outs of publishing and complete the course with a finished book proposal and query letter.
November 1-22, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend