Carrie Herthwell

Canadian Author of Queer Dystopian Fiction

Welcome to my Website! I’m Carrie Herthwell, the writer of Don’t Let Chacha Die and the creator of the GeneEarth universe. Don’t Let Chacha Die is the winner of the 2026 LGBTQ Distinguished Favorite — Independent Press Award! Please subscribe to my newsletter to receive updates on my upcoming book releases!

“... ‘Don’t Let Chacha Die’ isn’t just a dystopian tale, it’s a call to action, a celebration of resistance, and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit...”
— Steve Exeter (Posted on Amazon UK)
Check out Steve Exeter's full Review on Amazon UK
“Don’t Let Chacha Die by Carrie Herthwell was a thrilling, heartbreaking and unique dystopian novel...”
— Donna D, Reviewer (Posted on NetGalley)
“ ...Not many books find the right divide between social commentary, science fiction, and realism. This book did so while also making you root for the main characters...”
— Kyra D, Reviewer (Posted on NetGalley)
Check out DLCD's NetGalley reviews
“...Herthwell masterfully portrays Chacha’s internal struggle and the psychological torment of forced conformity, while highlighting the transformative power of genuine human connection...”
— IndieReader
Check out the original IndieReader post
Learn more about Don't Let Chacha Die
Buy Don't Let Chacha Die

The life of a fiction writer is complicated.

Featured
Writing fictional genders. A reflection on crafting the novel Don’t Let Chacha Die. (with spoilers)
Writing fictional genders. A reflection on crafting the novel Don’t Let Chacha Die. (with spoilers)

I discuss my method when I crafted fictional genders for my novel Don’t Let Chacha Die. This article contains spoilers.

Finding the best writing process for you. A reflection on writing as neurodivergent.
Finding the best writing process for you. A reflection on writing as neurodivergent.

I reflect on my writing process as neurodivergent and why I think only an individual can figure out what writing process works best for them.

That Something More. The secret recipe for fantastic fiction.
That Something More. The secret recipe for fantastic fiction.

What ingredients need to come together to create amazing fiction? Six different flavors and that something more.

Writing sexual assault? Be kind to yourself and your readers.
Writing sexual assault? Be kind to yourself and your readers.

Stories about sexual violence can spread awareness and draw attention to systems that perpetuate it. But, when writing sexual violence, we must remember to take care of ourselves and our readers.