Ever Want to Strangle Your Co-Writer?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills When Grace was 8 1/2 years old, I asked what she wanted me to write her. She said, “I want us to write a story together.” That took me by surprise. “Do you have a story idea?” I said. “Yes. It’s about a little girl who finds a purple dragon egg, and she accidentally cracks it.” …

7 Mistakes That Make Every Writer Look Unprofessional

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Every writer wants to be viewed as professional, intelligent, and bestselling. These goals are honorable, worthy, and attainable. But when a writer consistently makes mistakes that label him/her unprofessional, credibility takes a nose dive as well. Examine the following mistakes. If you are a writer, changes may be on your horizon. 1.  Practicing poor grammar and …

Is a Staycation for You?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills It’s June, and most people are looking forward to a vacation. But is that on your summer calendar? For some, a staycation makes more sense. Tension and stress war against our minds and bodies, making it critical to leave our work-related obligations behind. Becoming consumed day after day with fulfilling responsibilities is a vicious trap. We …

What do Lions and Writing a Novel have in Common?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Lions fascinate me. They represent nobility and respect, and their muscular bodies are to be admired and feared. No fat anywhere. Like I hope my stories resonate with readers. The more I thought about lions, the more I realized writing a novel has much in common with these animals. Here are my 10 comparisons. If you …

Tips to Add Balance to Social Media

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve all experienced the occurrence of “alone together.” It’s a reference to social media users: a crowd of people busy with their devices and ignoring those around them. Social media is a valuable connection and communication tool designed to link people all over the world. Imagine the impact we can have on other people’s lives for …

Honoring the Women Who Shaped Our Lives

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last week, we lost a remarkable and talented woman, Barbara Bush. She was the wife of President George H. W. Bush and mother of President George W. Bush. That says a lot about her special traits without mentioning a single other attribute. We’ve all been touched by her dynamic personality. Of all Barbara Bush’s many accomplishments, …