By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Tweet this: Highways, Speed Bumps, and Traffic Lights
Writers seldom become successful and create a marketable book—overnight. At least that wasn’t my experience. The victories and 
triumphs are waylaid with rejection slips, disappointments, and lots of rewrites. But when the first sale was made, I knew it was worth every drop of sweat and tears.
My journey began in 1996 when my husband gave me the ultimate challenge – “Stop telling me you’re going to one day write a book. Do it now. Quit your job, and if you can get anything published in the next year, then you never have to go back.”
I’m not a big person, but the cliche that dynamite comes in small packages fits my temperament. “All right. I will.” I’d sensed for a long time God wanted me to write, and I’d done so since a second grader. But an itch to write stories is a whole lot different from actually taking the necessary steps to make it happen.
The “I will” response to my husband meant I needed to approach my writing career as a novelist, not only to fulfill my dreams but also to look at my new position as a business. The first day in my writing career was met with lots of paper and a pencil, so I could erase and add to my thoughts. Being a newbie, a huge word count was writing 500 words per day. That goal became an action item in the DiAnn Mills’ plan.
Did I mention I had to learn how to use a computer? My husband worked in the computer industry, and he gave me patient instruction. Good thing, because I needed patience!
The final outline looked something like this:
- Priorities: God, my husband, my family, and my writing. In that order.
- Develop a mission statement—This is unique for every writer.
- Write 500 words per day. Stay in the chair until it is done. (This now 2000 to 2500 words).
- Read every day from a how-to book.
- Read from the genre I want to write.
- Read from the bestseller list—the Christian and the General market top sellers.
- Search out a writer’s group and become an active participant.
The seven items were simple, but they kept me busy more than eight hours a day. As time went on, I watched movies to discover plot points, characterization, and dialogue.
When I realized I needed a critique partner, I started a group in my home. All I needed was writers, freshly baked cookies, coffee, and an open heart. For ten years Wordsmith met once a month, encouraging and supporting each other. One of the valuable lessons I’ve learned is when to say no to the demands of my schedule. That one was tough!
Over the years, I’ve adjusted my style and thinking according to changes in the publishing industry. If I believed a character grew into a better person by dealing appropriately with change, then I must apply the principle to my own writing. I started publishing romance novels but wanted to write suspense. I took a deep breath and made the plunge into writing suspense-filled novels.
Social media rose as the number one means of reaching others around the world. The process of establishing myself on various social media platforms was a means of making friends, helping others, and growing my relationship with those whom I’d never met.
In case you’re wondering, during that first year of determined writing, I sold devotionals, a short story, and a novel. Never went back to the old job.
The past twenty years have been well worth my husband’s challenge. He’s my best cheerleader.
Dreams and goals don’t have to be a dead end street. No matter what challenges you face when starting something new, seek out the knowledge and take the ride of your life.
What goal is nudging you forward?
Tweet this: Highways, Speed Bumps, and Traffic Lights
Comments 20
Thank you. This helps a lot. I love the challenge and the checklist. I am so taking that on for myself. One year to push past my current boundaries [mindsets and habits]. It starts now.
Sometimes we need a push to reach our goals and build our confidence.
From the first time I opened one of your books I was completely hooked (hope that is an okay word). Then I had to get more of your books. I also appreciated your responding to my question about the coffee and the snickers bar. Actually tried and liked it. Keep writing and thanks for sharing your journey. Blessings to you.
Oh, thank you for your kind words! My primary goal is to entertain a reader with story. Readers are my focus – and I appreciate you!
What a timely and practical story. Thank you DiAnn.Those who’ve walked that path knows all the bumps and areas to avoid.
Right now, I have hit a bump. My mother’s home going coincided with the processing of my first manuscript, and although I am pleased, I am missing my mother so much that I cannot get up from the jolt I experienced from that bump.
That bump, is however planting the seeds of new ideas and further insights for the next book I have in mind.
Our best writing comes from our personal pain. Journal what you are feeling so you may bless others.
What a lovely story of your journey. Thank you and thank you for all the great reading.
Thanks so much! Truth is – I’d never stepped forward if my husband hadn’t challenged me to begin.
It has been my awesome privilege to have known you from those early days even though we live far apart now. I’ve also enjoyed reading and re-reading your books. I’m reading one now. And some of my prized possessions are signed paperbacks of your first novels. May God continue to bless you with many more new stories.
Thank you, Jana, friendships are what knit us together. Be blessed!
Thanks, DiAnne for reminding us we can do it!
And we can – with a gentle shove 🙂
Retirement, I want to do it and I don’t want to do it. Not quite reached retirement age but, still that’s my focus.
Doris, I think retirement is grand as long as we have a list of what we want to do then. So far I’m not ready. 🙂
From my perspective, I’ve thankful for your husband’s challenge! You just happen to write in my favorite genre. I like suspense best with romance included. I have long been a big fan of your writing. Toward the end of last year, I introduced a friend to your stories also.
Last night I finished reading FIREWALL. What a journey that was to even read! I can’t begin to imagine writing the story. I admit to having one concern about that story which was believable to a point. Here is my problem, wouldn’t Taryn have gone into shock at some point with all the betrayal, so many friends dead not to mention her injuries? I loved the story, but felt like it was overkill. I hope this makes sense to you. But I’m ready to read the next book! 😉
Hi Faith, thanks for reading my books and commenting. I always felt Taryn was a strong woman and she’d have fought shock. From personal experience, my shock occurred after the situation had been resolved. Guess I gave myself permission then – so that’s what I was basing Taryn’s reactions.
So glad you are looking forward to the next book!
I loved reading about your journey, DiAnn! The writing life is such an amazing journey. I agree with Richard Mabry, you are an inspiration!
Hi Donna, thank you! We are all on a journey, and writing is one that keeps pushing us to make our best better.
DiAnne, you remain an inspiration to so many of us. Thanks for sharing the story.
Hi Richard, thanks so much. I think you’re story is incredible. You could be on the golf course – instead you’re creating stories for us to read!