Sensory perception is a valuable tool when incorporating symbolism into a novel. What a character sees in a story can have a symbolic nuance, whether it is physical or in the character’s mind. In Charles Frazier’s novel Cold Mountain, the mountain is home to the characters, but the mountain represents the harshness and unfairness of life as the characters struggle …
The Light Side by DiAnn Mills
I write suspense and work hard at plunging characters into one abyss after another. My goal is to have danger creep across my characters’ lives in every scene while adding a spark of romance. Sometimes my hero and heroine are wounded. Sometimes they have to display courage when they’d rather run. Sometimes they have to find logic in the midst …
Movie Magic by DiAnn Mills
Writers are always looking for ways to deepen their craft. Movies offer an opportunity to see a story line in action. We view the characters, observe the setting, hear the dialogue, and analyze the plot twists. This often provides new insight into our own stories. Close your eyes and imagine your story as a movie. Would viewers be interested? The …
Taking the High Road by DiAnn Mills
We writers would like to take the easiest and surest path to publication, but those distinctions contradict themselves. The surest path is often not the easiest to a bestseller. Good habits and a conscientious effort to work hard at our craft means commitment and dedication. Whew! But you can do it. Each time we position our fingers on the keyboard, …
One in a Million by DiAnn Mills
Every writer has a story. Some of the behind-the-scenes events strike a gallant pose of purpose and education and inspiration, while others are mediocre in the laborious uphill climb to the city on the hill called Publishedville. If I had majored in creative writing in college and had earned a MA or PhD that elevated me to bestseller potential, or …
Giving Back by DiAnn Mills
Writers are in the business of learning all they can about their craft. We attend conferences and learn from those who are successful. Our personal libraries contain the how-to books as well as books from our favorite authors’ both we study. We labor over our manuscripts while aiming for perfection. The publishing world is not for the fainthearted and to …
Expect an Adventure by DiAnn Mills
Writing is a tough profession. The competition in today’s publishing world makes the strongest writers think twice about their commitment to excellence. But those of us who are lured by the magnificence of story are committed to creating a world where our readers slip into the shoes of our characters and are whisked away to an amazing thrill filled with …
Strong Women, Unlikely Roles by DiAnn Mills
Women who accept nontraditional roles and succeed with dynamic outcomes are the heroines in my novels. These are Glock-totin’ gals with southern charm who understand grits aren’t just for breakfast. These women embrace their femininity with an added boost–they aren’t afraid to go after the bad guys or say they love Jesus. This style of heroine understands her peace can …
Hooks, Lines and Sinkers by DiAnn Mills
I bet you’re thinking this article is about fishing. Well it is, and it isn’t. We all have favorite novels, rich stories that send us back into a setting where the characters are real-and even become our friends. We’re right there with them, sharing their joys and sorrows, weaknesses and strengths. But how were we ushered into their lives? By …