By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Fiction writers use their imaginations to transport readers into an adventure. Imagination and creativity are not the same tools, but they work together. Imagination propels creativity by connecting what our mind sees with how best to show it to readers: an inner landscape is used to develop the outer landscape. For example, a writer imagines a …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Valentine’s Day is a time of romantic love. Since the 14th century, hugs and kisses (with the help of the card and candy industry) have grown to include many more people in our lives. But let’s face it. Candy, flowers, exquisite restaurants, getaway weekends, and one-of-a-kind gifts can blow our budget. Showing love and caring don’t …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We writers are a passionate, emotional group. While these traits help us create beautifully worded fiction and non-fiction, nothing slashes the heart deeper than a harsh critique of our work. We might catch ourselves reading a harsh critique and thinking: “Even an idiot would get this.” “What? You’ve got to be kidding?” “Obviously, my style doesn’t …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I like to cook and bake almost as much as I love writing. Spending time in the kitchen is relaxing, satisfying, and hopefully the results are tasty. I’ve discovered my passion for writing has a lot in common with food prep. Cooking makes me a better writer. Look at the following comparisons; I think you’ll understand …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills For those who know me, I have a huge food weakness—peanut butter. In celebration of today, I’ll share a story of my fondness, more like an addiction to peanut butter. When I was sixteen, I’d been ill and my normally picky eating habits grew worse. I’ve always had an aversion to red meat, which bothered Dad. …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills A true friend cares for us with love, honesty, and sincerity while knowing our flaws and weaknesses. The qualities of a good friend are a treasure because reciprocating the relationship comes with a price. “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. To be a good friend means we practice …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Would you rather be normal or peculiar? Think about the successful and noteworthy people through the ages, the ones you admire and respect. Were they boring or a bit quirky? Courageous? Distinctive? Set apart? Not afraid to take a stand for what was right? Mysterious? Bold? Resilient? Outliers? Unaffected by others’ opinion? I think you understand …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Reading and goal setting are two topics that nibble on my 2023 New Year’s plans. I weave both to include fiction and nonfiction books. Goodreads encourages its members to expand their minds by issuing a challenge. I’ve accepted their reading challenge for years. What are the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a reading challenge? Advantages of …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills It’s never too late to get into the Christmas spirit. THE ORNAMENT MAKER is a FREE PDF download. A Christmas Short Story written just for you this season. Journey with me to an old German village and rediscover the miracle of Christmas. CLICK THIS FOR FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF CHRISTMAS SHORT …
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Have you ever read what other writers have said about Christmas? Curiosity, like a writerly-child (I made that up), propelled me to explore several quotes. These are so special that I wanted to share twelve of them with you. —“Do give books—religious or otherwise—for Christmas. They’re never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.” – Lenore Hershey —”Christmas! …
