By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Whenever someone finds out I’m a writer, I usually see widened eyes, hear a few “wows,” and sometimes I think they smell money. Their reactions always make me laugh. None of these people would want me to balance their checkbook — and most wouldn’t want to spend hours alone inside the writing process either. And I’m certainly not in the writing world for the money.
I’m a writer because I cannot not write.
I’m a writer because I love story.
And the more I write, the more I learn about myself, my views on life, and how to impact the world for good.
Over the years, I’ve discovered three main writing goals:
- Entertain with story. Yes! Nonfiction, too — facts and real events can (and should) entertain when presented well.
- Inspire others to dream big and find the tools to accomplish what once seemed impossible.
- Encourage the downtrodden and weak by offering light and hope. Life isn’t always good, but we can always choose joy.
I’m not sure you’d want to climb inside my head. On any given day, I can take on the identity of a dozen different people! I’m disciplined — maybe too much — and a bit OCD about my goals.
- I write fiction because we live in a dangerous and unpredictable world.
- I want to show readers that there are men and women trained to keep us safe.
- Christian fiction allows readers to experience a Christian worldview in a natural, non-threatening way.
- Romantic suspense — my chosen genre — lets two characters work together to solve or prevent a crime while finding lasting love along the way.
- I love creating a world filled with distinct characters — then sending them (and the reader) on an unforgettable adventure.
Where do I get my ideas?
Actually—everywhere. Be careful what you say to me!
For me, story is about character — a likable hero or heroine who has a problem to solve or a goal to achieve. Heroes and heroines are not victims. From the very first line, I want my readers to cheer for the character, care about their flaws, and root for them to overcome mental, physical, and spiritual obstacles.
As Helen Keller said:
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
What do I do for fun?
- Cooking and baking
- Gardening
- Reading
- Enjoying my grandkids
- Spending time in nature
- Traveling
- People watching
DiAnn’s 5 Habits for a Successful Writer
1. Begin every day with God.
I fuel my heart and mind with Him before I engage with writing. In short, I tune into God before I turn on the computer.
2. Write five days a week.
I commit to writing regularly. I set a daily word count and stick to it.
3. Read. Read. Read.
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Read craft books.
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Read marketing books.
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Read bestsellers.
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Read in your genre.
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Then repeat.
4. Stay active on social media.
I view social media as a ministry, a way to connect with readers and offer encouragement. I keep learning, practicing, and focusing on content that adds value to others’ lives.
5. Stay aware of the world.
It’s impossible to meet readers’ heartfelt needs without knowing what’s happening around us. I choose daily awareness by visiting trusted media sites.
The writing life is an adventure — and worth every mile of the journey. I can be whoever I choose, wherever I choose. To me, that’s the perfect life.
What do you enjoy most about your life? I’d love to hear!
Comments 17
Thank you, DiAnn.Your insight and revelation into the practical side of things is always motivating and refreshing.
Author
Thank you, Tripp for your kind words. Glad to help.
I itch to write. Writing is both challenging and fulfilling. I write to share lessons the Lord has taught me. I write to tell the world about our wondrous Savior.
Blessings,
SD Simms
Author
Sharon, your writing reveals your passion for our Lord and Savior. You are one gifted writer!
I write because my head will explode if I don’t get those pesky words out of it, and I don’t want anyone to see how few brains I have!
See you at Ridgecrest!
Author
Peggy, that is hilarious! I’d never thought about my head exploding with unwritten words. Love it!
I run, walk with my wife, serve my church in various capacities, and play pickleball, my newest passion. But nothing is cooler than turning a blank screen into story!
Thanks for this post, DiAnn. I enjoyed it!
Author
Thank you, Tim. Glad you enjoyed it. Yes! Let’s keep turning those blank screens into stories!
Thank you DiAnn,
I love the way you value connecting with your audience, which is what reading is really all about.
Do you have another job on top of writing, or are you retired?
PS Now that I have finished Plot and Structure, I have started Concrete Evidence. I am now reading books with different eyes.
Author
Hi Philip, I’m not retired. 🙂 Full time writer, speaker, mentor, and editor.
Let me know your thoughts about Concrete Evidence.
DiAnn,
I just started reading Concrete Evidence. After reading your book, and others, on plot and structure, I am reading these with different eyes. What hooks do you use, how is the book structured, can I realize the character POV, and recognize character development.
Oh my! Where do i begin? I just enjoy life…most of the time. As I age, I find myself physically not being able to do many things i used to enjoy. While there is grief surrounding this, I have learned to ask God, “What’s next?” Then I can joyfully discover something I can do.
One of the things I have discovered is writing and illustrating children’s picture books. This is part of the legacy I want to leave for my 20+ grandchildren and others. Thank you for your support and encouragement!
Author
Thank you, Cindy. 20 plus grandchildren and others! No wonder you write for children. God always has a “what’s next” for us!
I love all this so much. So much! Such wisdom. Thank you so much for sharing.
Like you, I write because I cannot not write! I just love it so much. So grateful God has enabled me to do this for his glory.💚🦋💚
Author
Thank you, Maureen. We are so fortunate to love what we do – and all for the glory of God. We are blessed!
DiAnn,
You are such an inspiration to me! I love your books, but even more I love getting to know you. I have talked with you several times at TLA Conference and each time I leave with a smile. You were missed this year. I hope that your husband is better.
Thanks for being open, transparent and such a motivator!
Jayne Pleasant
Author
Thank you, Jayne. I missed being at TLA. Such a special time of the year – a time to chat with wonderful people, like you, who love books! I hope to be there next year.