By Julie Garmon @DiAnnMills This week’s blog post is from Julie Garmon, a long-time friend and great writer. For months I pretended not to notice, but last week there was no denying it. As I vacuumed the den, the late afternoon sun poured through the windows, highlighting the scratches in our pine floors. Our floors had been through hard times. Life …
The Best Part About Being a Writer
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills The best part of writing is you, the reader. Last week I shared “A Fiction Writer’s Hardest Task”, and this week I want to talk about the fun stuff. My list may not contain every writer’s favorite moments, but these are most treasured to me. Entertain A writer’s stories are built on a foundation of pleasing …
A Fiction Writer’s Hardest Task
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last week a reader asked about my hardest task as a writer. I had to think before answering. I’m in the midst of line edits before turning in my next story, so I’m totally emerged in every word, goal, voice, gesture, motive, plot line, romance, suspense, symbol, character(s), emotion, dialogue, narrative, transition, spiritual impact, as well …
Everyday Heroes
By Margaret Daley @DiAnnMills This week’s blog post is written by my good friend and USA Bestselling Writer Margaret Daley I started a new series called Everyday Heroes, and I’m excited to talk to you about the first book Hunted. I finished a long series about Strong Women and had so much fun writing about women who went through difficult, …
Ever Feel Invisible?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills At times, we feel no one sees us, and sometimes that’s okay. It’s normal and even healthy to occasionally be in an uncomfortable place. Situations that cause us to think, feel, and analyze help us to grow and change into better people. The reasons are plentiful: left out of a social situation, belittled by family, bullied …
5 Ways Plants and People are Alike
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills For those of us who live along the Texas Gulf, now is the time to cut back our plants, remove those growing things that didn’t survive the cold winter, and nurture the doubtful ones back to health. If possible. I enjoy gardening. It provides time for me to think while doing my best to make the …
Strong Women in Fiction
By Katie Briggs @DiAnnMills This week’s blog post is written by Katie Briggs Think of your top ten favorite characters in literature and cinema. How many are women? If you’re like me, your number of leading men outweighs your favorite ladies. Even worse, you might also be a writer and find female characters difficult to create! So, I asked my …
Getting Along with Difficult People
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Difficult people can make life miserable. Even to the point we can dread waking up in the morning. They seldom hide or avoid us; neither are they courteous. Difficult people can roam our homes, live next-door, be seated at a desk beside us, take the role of a boss, or simply pop up when we least …
February – Bake for Family Fun Month
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I love to bake. There’s something about creating a sweet treat for those I love that fills me with satisfaction. Baking with my grandchildren is incredibly rewarding. We build our relationship while learning skills—measuring, reading recipes, what different ingredients do for the finished product, how to break eggs, using a rolling pin, setting the timer on …
11 Ways to Say I Love You on Valentine’s Day That Won’t Break the Bank
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Since the 14th century, Valentine’s Day has been celebrated as a time of romantic love. But let’s face it, candy, flowers (roses), exquisite restaurants, get-away weekends, and one-of-a-kind gifts can blow our budget. Even paying for a babysitter is expensive. This week, I have your back. Here are 11 ways to say, “I Love You”, that …