By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve all heard about the importance of first impressions. Last week, I was having a discussion with a writer friend about how so many times, those first impressions are lasting. What can we do when ours is tainted? I’ve fallen prey to being judged by a first impression and regret those times. We can apologize, even …
National Happiness Happens Day
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills What a great way to start the work week with a national holiday that makes us smile. Even laugh! A key part of making today a success is all the fun things we can do. Life isn’t all about us but the joy we share with others. Choose today to be a blessing. Here are 10 …
Giveaway to Celebrate Deadly Encounter Release!
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Drum Roll, Please! After many hours of writing and editing and working with the folks at Tyndale, the first book in the FBI Task Force series has hit shelves! Today, Deadly Encounter is available for purchase at your favorite retail bookstores and online. I am so excited for you to meet Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard …
Summer Reading for You!
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Summer is the perfect time to catch up on reading. Between vacations and stealing away a few hours to ourselves, the lure of a good book draws us to read. We’re always looking for our favorite writers to release their next book, and we love exploring new ones. Many of you have asked who are my favorite …
5 Ways to Ensure a Memorable Summer
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills It’s July and the heat index is rising. Here in Houston, we’re looking at 100+ degrees and lots of humidity. Pool time and ocean beaches. I love it! Add a tall glass of cold lemonade or an iced tea, and I’m ready for some serious summer activities. But sometimes the heat drags us down, and that’s when …
What Makes a Woman a Heroine?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills As a writer, I have a list of what I feel is vital for a woman to be a heroine in a romantic suspense novel. Determining who my female character is takes time and lots of thought. My criteria may not be what you expected. It’s not brains or beauty. It’s not an ivy-league education. It’s …
The Thrill of Writing Suspense
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Many of you have asked me why I enjoy writing suspense. A recent interview answers that question for you along with why I view the process a rewarding challenge. Question: Suspense novels usually feature grittier scenes than other genres. In writing about crime scenes and killers, how do you write about them realistically without making your …
Packing Checklist for Your Next Trip
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Traveling is a part of my life as a writer, and I love it. Over the years, I’ve simplified my packing method, and I’d like to share with you 9 easy ways to ensure your next trip meets expectations with a perfect plan for taking just what you need. Here are 9 easy ways to make …
The Best Stress Reliever
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills First of all, big accolades to everyone for the great entries from last week’s blog. It was fun to see all the creative things people came up with based on the picture I supplied. Are some of you now ready to continue your start and complete the adventure in story form? Here are the three randomly …
Win a $25 Starbucks Card
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills You can Win! I love story. It’s been my passion since before I could hold a pencil. Maybe you’ve thought about writing for a long time but just couldn’t get started. Yet communicating through the written word will not leave you alone. This is your opportunity to get started now. All you need to do is …