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.”
I continued to ask more questions, thoroughly fascinated by her creativity.
“. . . and the little girl’s name is Arroah, not like a bow and arrow but spelled A-r-r-o-a-h.”
I knew I had a writer. “Okay, but if we do this, it’s a together project. I’m not writing your story and putting your name on it. I’ll teach you how to write fiction.”
She nodded while I thought this won’t last.
That conversation happened three years ago, and in May we released the first book in The Breckonwood Chronicle series, The Eye of Lariloth, a middle-grade fantasy. The process did take us a long time. Grace had priorities: school, church, extra curricular activities, family, friends, social time, and the book. But we didn’t give up!
In this video, we talk about the fun and not-so-fun stuff of co-writing a book together. But the frowns never outweighed the perks, and we’re so glad to offer our book to you.
Comment on our blog post and be entered for one of two personalized copies of The Eye of Lariloth. The giveway ends on Saturday, June 30 at 12:00 PM CST.
Click on this link if you can’t view embedded video clip – https://youtu.be/TLPIsvuBzbs
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Library Tip: Young and old enjoy fantasy fiction. Ask your patrons for their favorite authors.
Middle-Grade Fantasy Just Released! – – Available Wherever Books Are Sold
Comments 64
I think this is exciting that you wrote a book together. I look forward to reading it in the future! Fantasy stories are my favorite. My family watches all of the Lord of the Rings movies and Hobbit movies every summer. Thanks for making this video together too. It’s nice to see Grace writing at her age! Think of all the adventures to come.
Thanks, Katy, we had an awesome time writing the book – and doing the video.
Just bought The Eye of Lariloth for my grandsons. Well done you two. What a precious way to pass on the writing torch, DiAnn.
Thank you, Don! I’ll pass your our kind words on to Grace. We’re working on book 2.
Oh. My. Goodness!! So adorable! I finally got a chance to watch this. I absolutely loved it as I knew I would. Grace is as darling as her sweet grandmother is! I would love to be a fly on the wall and watch y’all talk and work! Such an amazing gift this is to both of you…and to all who will enjoy this incredible story. Can’t wait to read book 2!
This is Grace, Thank you so much for commenting on our video! I am so excited for book 2 also!!! Thank you so much for the good review. 🙂
Grace is amazing. Wow! I have to share your news and can’t wait to read this book to my granddaughter. She’s only six, but I know she will love it. She has also told she wants to write a book someday. What a great adventure and such a blessing to have these memories together. She’s incredibly gifted and beautiful like you. I love how God used you to inspire your granddaughter’s writing. I’m in the process of writing a middle-grade fantasy too, but I have a long way to go. I’d love to hear more about your collaboration process.
Hi Joann, the process took 3 years because Grace had to learn how to write fiction then apply it to our story. She and I shared in the writing – and edited the other.
What a great video of you two chatting! And I also watched the video of Grace reading from the book. What a wonderful project you’ve finished together. Congratulations!
Thank you, Dana, we had a super time. Last night we talked until 11 about the next book.
What a great way for a grandmother to connect with her granddaughter. I enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing. I have granddaughters who like to write.
Thanks, Beth, I hope your granddaughters continue to write!
The best part of this adventure is seeing the love and connection you are making with each other. The book, is the by-product of love!
Lori, love your description – a by-product of love.
The video is endearing and congrats for persevering through the three years! Looks like a great story.
Thank you, Kim! We do have great fun together.
Loved the video I hope you write more books together I will give this book to my grandson for him to read he is a reader like me thank you so much for the opportunity and your generosity .
Thanks, Debbie! The story is an adventure in a fantasy world.
This is Grace, Thank you guys so much for commenting! This is like a dream come true to see so many people loving this video 🙂
The book was just great!! Great depth and Of course, I love dragons. Everyone will love it!! I know if I win one I will gift it!! God bless you both!!
Thanks, Pat, so appreciate you!
Love, love this video! DiAnn, Grace’s body language is so much like yours! I think it’s fabulous that the two of you have written this book together and are starting another one! Hurry, get it done before school starts! ?
Thanks, Loretta, Grace is special, and I treasure our time together.
This is Grace, I sure hope we get it done before school! Six Grade is a big change.
What a wonderful project you had together! I’m sure Grace learned a lot during the writing process that will help her in the future. Now I want to know what happens with Arroah (love that name).
Diane, I will never forget that 8 year old saying . . . and she spells her name A-r-r-o-a-h.
This is Grace, Thank you for commenting! I can’t believe I came up with that name.
The story sounds fantastic and I love that you and your granddaughter wrote it together! I am an elementary librarian, I look forward to reading this book and possibly adding it to my school collection.
Thanks, Pamela, I hope you enjoy the story. Let me know if there’s anything Grace and I can do.
This is Grace, Thank you so much! Do you like reading in your school library or at home?
That video was great. I can’t wait to read this. She looks a lot like you and you both are beautiful.
Tina, you made me smile and Grace is too! Thanks so much!
I am learning to like the genre of fantasy. This book sounds amazing. Congratulations to you both.
Barbara, after writing suspense all these years, and loving it, fantasy sparks my imagination in a great way too.
Loved the video. Inspires my granddaughter and I to write the story we discussed writing together a couple of years ago. I’d love to win and see how you wrote together.
Thank you, Daphne, If you ever need tips for how we did it, just email me.
Loved the video. Cuter than two peas in a pod, you are. Best of luck. Can’t wait to read a book written by “grand” peeps. ?
Hi Belinda, thank you so much! Grace and I are excited about our book.
I love the video of you both! It was most enjoyable. Grace is just enchanting and beautiful! I know you are so very proud of her accomplishments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading chapter one!
Thanks, Sandra, so appreciate your encouragement!
This sounds like quite the writing adventure! The book would be neat to read,so pick me to win!?
Hi, Martha, you are definitely entered in the giveaway! Thanks for entering.
Wow! I think this is amazing. I truly look forward to reading your creation.
As I child I used to write stories but never anything so imaginativ and fully thought out or developed. It’s inspiring! 🙂
My mom (Lonzine Lee) already commented but I wanted to comment too.
Arayna, thanks so much for your comments. By the way, love your name 🙂
DiAnn and Grace,
my daughter Arayna and I just watched your YouTube video. How fun! Congratulations on this new project. We both look forward to reading the adventures of Arroah.
Grace, Arayna says, “I’m twice your age, but wow! That’s amazing. You go girl. Keep up the great work. I look forward to reading your story.”
Thank you both for your encouraging comments!
DiAnn,
What an adventure you and Grace are having together! I pray your memories will grow exponentially as you dig in for your second book in the series.
Enjoy every minute together.
Love to you both!
Sandi
Thanks, Sandi, I know they grow up much too fast!
I just finished “The Eye of Lariloth” and LOVED it! I’m in the middle of writing a blog post for my web page and inkyquill blog! I’m so excited for you both! What a fantastic endeavor! As my granddaughter would say – “I’m telling everyone!” Blessings and thanks bunches that you are continuing to write this story into a series! Yeah!
Thanks, Susan, so appreciate you!
Love the interview and the trailer with Grace reading from the book. My grands will love this book. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks, Nancy, appreciate your kind words!
Oh, DiAnn, Grace is amazing! She reminds me of my spunky little great niece of the same age. Congratulations to you both on your new release! Wishing you much success!
Thanks, Annette! We do have a good time.
How wonderful to see a young person God has given a gift and a vision that she has held onto and then brought to life. And how fun to see the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. You are both super blessed.
Thanks, Cathy, we don’t take our blessing lightly – Appreciate your comments!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I LOVE this video! Sharing now!
Two beautiful, creative females!!
Oh, Julie, thanks so much! We are a team!
LOVE this! What an amazing ride for both of you.
Thank you, Sandy. We had a great time and now we’re working on book 2.
What a blessing for both of you to be able to do this together. The memories made will last a lifetime and talk about incredible on the job training! WooWee! Also, I’m wondering what that series of books with the green covers are on the shelf behind you. They caught my attention!
Hi Josie, thanks so much! We appreciate your encouragement! The green books are collector copies of Louisa May Alcott books, a gift from my husband.
What a fabulous video. Grace is such a mature young lady. I know you had a ball making those memories and crating together, The Eye of Lariloth. Oh, she’s beautiful, just like her grandmother.
Thanks, Debbie, I’ll pass on your kind words to Grace. I’m riding this cloud with her for as long as she likes.