By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Love anchors Christmas into the hearts of all those who celebrate Peace on Earth Good Will to Men. The older we become, the more we enjoy gift-giving. We want our loved ones to receive the perfect item, one they will remember and treasure. We also want to remember those less fortunate—the people we may never meet. …
What Are the Twelve Days of Christmas?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills For years, I thought the English Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” was about a girl with an incredibly long Christmas list, expecting her boyfriend or husband to gift her all those items. Turns out, I was mistaken! The twelve days of Christmas instead refers to the period between December 25 and January 6. This …
The Perfect Holiday Escape
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to escape into a heartwarming story filled with love, hope, and new beginnings. In my latest release, SNOWFLAKES & SECOND CHANCES – A Heartwarming Contemporary Christmas Novelette, I invite you to join Sophie and her journey of rediscovering the magic of Christmas and the power …
Staying Sensitive During the Holidays
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Most people speed through the holidays with excitement and enthusiasm. They enjoy the many gatherings alongside family and friends, while some people sink into a well of depression. They feel alone and abandoned. Staying sensitive to the needs of others enables us to bless those who are emotionally and physically suffering. A friend said it best, …
Love and Danger: Why Romance and Suspense Are a Perfect Match
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnn Mills Love and danger have caught the reader’s attention since the beginning of time. Storytellers gathered faithful listeners around a crackling fire and told stories that caused others to tremble with danger and swoon with romance. The match seems perfect, but why does it work? The following parts of a novel show why love and danger …
Little Free Libraries
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I discovered Little Free Libraries in a search to donate some of my books. The organization’s concept has sparked ideas for me to support the group, and I think you’ll find their services beneficial to you and your community too. I’ve always been a library fan. Through their many books on varied subjects, worlds unfold, history …
Yummy Fall Recipes
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Fall is the time of year for crisp air, football games, and yummy food. This fall I’ve tried three new recipes that hit the yummy list, and I want to share them with you. Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Servings: 8 serving(s) Ingredients: FOR THE DOUGH: 1 …
October 22 – National Color Day
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills National Color Day celebrates how every person interprets the way light reflects or bounces off an object. The experience is more than what we see and enjoy or avoid. The various hues and shades impact us creatively, physically, and psychologically. Color is one of my favorite literary tools to show emotion and encourage readers to join …
Listening—The Key to Navigating Life
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve grown up hearing instructions to “listen,” and wisdom is woven into the word. As children, we were told to listen to our parents and others who were 1) wiser, 2) chose to protect us, and 3) had more life experience. As teens and adults, sage advice is always to listen. Learning and listening are companions, …
Don’t Use Skim Milk in God’s Recipe for Life
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills In today’s world, many of us are constantly seeking shortcuts in various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s in our diets, our work, or our spiritual journeys, the appeal of the easy way out can be tempting. But when it comes to living a fulfilling and purposeful life, there are no substitutes for the real thing. …