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 write the first line to a story by studying the photo below.
We writers refer to this as the hook—the exciting first sentence that draws a reader into our stories. Use the photo as a launching point for your hook.
Every person who submits their first line as a comment below will be entered in a random drawing for a $25.00 Starbucks card.
Ok, writers! Fire up your creativity! What is it saying to you?
The first name and state of the winner will be announced next week in our regular blog.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable 
characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.jhcdev.com/diannmills.
Look for Trial by Fire, a Novella eBook available NOW from Tyndale Publishing.
Comments 184
Teddy clung tight, “What is that?” he gasped.
I’m scared,Bear and I are running away because HE’S there again.
The sniper smiled at the cuteness of his target, even as he raised the sight to his eye.
I am the bear minion please make sure when I go to bed each night I have my bear so I am not afraid.
His name is Pookie, and he shall be mine!
Amazement and excitement awaited them as they took in the surrounding as they stepped into this new land for the first time.
They came from different worlds, different species actually, but it did not matter as they were in love and together they could take on anything in their way.
Finally found the courage,now I am on my way to a journey of happiness.Let the good times begin.
They called me “minion,” but I knew myself as dreamer, creator, lover.
I like it.
George knew, despite having a big journey ahead of himself, that he would never fail as his trusted Teddy was in his arms and that was all the bravery he would ever need to accomplish his dreams.
Clutching the ragamuffin bear, Elliot entered the field of dandelions to find the child who needed it next.
I was walking through the meadow in the back of my house, when I noticed what appeared to be an unusual animal.
As we embark on this new journey, my best friend Teddy Bear & I know that there will be plenty of obstacles to overcome.
See, the sun is up, I told them I could stay out here all night!
Soft and fluffy – that’s how me and my teddy roll !
Watching in every direction out of the corners of his eyes, Jimmy marched through the open prairie. He clutched his Teddy, the only thing that made him feel big. The only face that looked up at him instead of down, with a real smile, not a smirk. In the back of his mind, he’d always known that any number of things could rip the furry animal away from his arms forever. Today, the odds of that happening were far and wide, just like the gray sky above.
Teddy Bear, I am taking you to Roy, he doesn’t have any toys and you are my best toy and you be his best friend.
Texas.
Life can be just as fleeting as danalion fluff – tossed to and fro on the breeze…
Bob gasped as he clutched his teddy bear tightly to his chest. Was he seeing what he thought he was seeing?
Charlie, the minion, knew he could win my heart over with the teddy bear, so he slipped into my room to so how far he could go.
It was a dark & stormy night, and the minion clutched his teddy bear tightly.
No, you’re not heavy, you’re my brother! Unfortunately for us you are more Sonny than Fredo — that temper of yours was bound to get you in trouble some day. Not to worry, I’ll get you to safety.
Bob, and his friend teddy, couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw who was coming towards them.
The time had come for him to cross the great meadow, forge the grand waters, climb the towering cliffs, and take his little buddy home.
Please silence your cell phones during the movie, but you may hug your teddy bears.
Mina had hoped that dressing like a boy and clutching a toy would fool the robot overseer, but the biometric scanner would not be fooled; she realised as the light flashed in her eyes that if she didn’t escape now, today she would be Harvested with the other teenage girls.
“Think, think, I must remember why I am holding the cursed teddy before the….” Theo Minion knew it was too late as the words left his lips and cold air pushed against his yellow skin. The darkness had found him.
Writer’s Block
She sat on her bed, Indian style, holding a pencil in her hand tapping it against the yellow legal pad in front of her. As she struggled to think of what to write, the sounds of children’s laughter rang out. Not again, she thought as she envisioned the scene they were watching. What is it about these strange, yellow creatures that seem to capture everyone’s attention? She could o longer use the word “minions” the way she used to without someone picturing a cute, yellow creature who loves bananas and apples. Another peal of laughter had her searching for her headphones. She quickly pulled them on and the sounds of “Music Inspired by the Story” filtered through. Ah, shee thought, now I can focus on my writing. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as she found herself singing along.
Hey, little guy, I’ll help you find your family, even if you can’t Rembrandt where you left them.
Finally Bob found the perfect banana and he’s going to share it with his teddy bear Tim.
Not until Dave looked off into the distance did he come to the realization that It’s always easier to say goodbye when you know it’s just a prelude to hello.
At that very moment: sun shining, eyes wide open, faithful teddy bear in hand – things were still innocent.
What a wonderful world it is when I have my best friend by my side. We will have an exciting day.
Bob was so excited, he won the leading role in the Broadway version of The Revenant!
It is just me and my teddy bear walking in a field it was love from the start.
“What a lovely day for a walk,” thought the little minion as he excitedly clutched his teddy bear to his side.
Ned took his Pooky Bear outside on the first day of Summer, and was in awe of the magnificent view outside.
I believed that I was alone except for the beasts of this land but as I got closer to the light, I noticed even the animals had become eeriely quiet.
As he waits for his next owner to arrive – who will find him this time? will the new owner be a person or an animal? – he thought back to all his previous owners, thoughts that bring forth a smile and a glad heart.
I love my stuffed bear. He is one in a minion.
The toy was all alone on the grass. This was unusual as he knew that was little Jimmy’s favourite toy and that boy and his toy were inseparable. Something must be wrong, he thought.
With hope and anticipation he stood there waiting…
To everyone he looked so happy, if they only knew that he was so broken, holding so much hurt, wanting to run from the lies he must tell just to keep everyone happy, if they only knew……..
Willie held Ted. D. Bear tightly as he gazed up at the large space ship watching the door slid open and a blurry form stepping up to the opening extending his hand out and calling his name.
I remembered the smell of dandelions from my youth, and it always reminded me of the day my whole world changed.
Wow – that is GOOD
Thanks!
After conquering the horrible dragon and setting the beautiful princess free, it felt good to spend the afternoon enjoying the sun and the kind, encouraging words of a good friend.
The possibilities…..you could see them in his eyes…..all the possibilities he could imagine carried with him in his soul along with his trusty forever friend Bear, we all had one and maybe even still have one!
I am confident, strong, proud, happy and most of all determine to bring joy , love and peace to you all, with of course my snugly teddy!!
Clucking Stuffy close, we made a run for our only chance for freedom.
I’m Ben and this Teddy needs a name, can you help?
The brown bear clutched in Min’s arms changed to a funky shade of red as he walked across the field towards the haunting sound.
Don’t be afraid mojo, we’ll find our way home. (then it goes back to the beginning of how they got there.)
When I called her this morning, I could hear it in her voice, the sadness was back. She had good days and bad days. Today was one of her bad days. My only job is too make her smile, make take the sadness away.
As Henry started out across the grassy field clutching his best friend Aussie Bear, and glanced ahead to the edge of the woods, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him!
Hey mini me I think I see your mama – oh shucks it’s just a hot air balloon. Maybe if we ask nice we can ride in it.
Little Freddie could not believe his luck finding his lost best friend Theodore in the laundry basket.
Look out world, here I come., Timmy Minion with my trusty Teddy!
Hi my name is Mikey Minion and my best friend Teddy and today we are going to be going to spread around some love and peace to everyone so look for us soon!!
Those pesky garden gnomes won’t let me pick you a flower, Mrs Greene, because they want me to travel wisely.
With Frederick on one arm and excitement on the other, I knew this was my time to change the Minion World forever.
A minion and his bear head out on a journey with the intent to pay it forward to everyone they meet and knowing they will want to share but wondering who will listen to a minion and his bear?
I’m off to see what the world holds for me.
Hold it right there, Robert, the robber, because, Tyler, the teddy is watching you and is just itching to fire the gun that is hidden behind my hand and I, Melvin, the Minion, will be his witness to the fact that……………..
Who is this stranger approaching me?
For something a bit different,
“Some people had the gawd-awfulest taste in garden ornaments” she mused, as she waited for someone to answer the doorbell.
Picking up Beary for comfort and companionship, I ventured out back to see what the strange noise was that I kept hearing.
Every Minion needs a furry friend.
It never hurts to dream a little dream especially with your favorite friend.
Sometimes the biggest adventures start out with a simple dream.
This day that started out as the best day of my life is just getting better and better!
Mr minion’s two large eyes (one blue and one purple) gazed off into the distance as he imagined a love that would soon find him, as he clutched his soft plush teddy bear tightly.
Much like you, we thought this teddy bear packing Minion was harmless.
It was time to go visit the banana factory and Stewart was so excited!
Life is better when I am with Teddy!
The expression on Joey’s face may be as sweet as a bowl of strawberry ice cream, but the mind behind those wide, innocent eyes said, “Mess with me or Miss Rosie Bear and you’re dead meat!”
First things first — get rid of the body.
Oh, the expression on Joey’s face might seem as sweet as a bowl of strawberry ice cream, but behind those wide eyes is a mind saying, “Mess with me or Miss Rosie Bear, and you are dead meat!”
When I first saw a Teddy at the wedding reception which was so isolated, felt like it was calling out for me #WhenInLove. I fell in love with him for the first time. I literally decided to run away and pack a bag and live at the park.
there was a cool breeze in the grassy fields when I spotted a yellow creature.
Bear, my friend, I have decided that the only thing holding me back is myself and these blasted suspenders and add of right now, that’s going to change, and I’m really hoping that’s not going to get us arrested!
Dave’s calm demeanor masked the fear bubbling inside his small body as he waited for the kidnapper to tell him where to leave the money filled teddy bear.
I have to get away! I don’t care what I’m leaving behind as long as I have my trusty friend with me.
Little Kevin was awe stuck, he and Teddy had fallen in love at first sight.
The first step was the hardest, I clutched my bear tighter and let go of the breath I was holding as I took the second step into the unknown.
The thought of running away frightened me to my very core, but to save Teddy I would do anything…
Jack didn’t mean to take the bear, but, in the moment, as he kissed his daughter goodbye, the bear seemed to call out to him, to remind him why he was going and what was at risk.
Dave was on to a new adventure and he had his best teddy bear with him.
The minion descended the dank steps under the castle to see what unworldly thing was pulling him below.
I first saw them as I looked around the park. A cute man carrying a cuter teddy bear is definitely someone to be noticed. Especially when the man appears to be single, and has eyes that you could melt in. I knew I had to meet him…
Life was always sunny and beautiful for Paulie and his faithful companion Pip, but on this day, Paulie was wondering what a better would be like…
Sunshine, a light breeze, a new day and a new journey.
The time, the time, don’t worry, look! I finally found a pretty yellow flower for Miss Daisy and if we hurry we can just make it for story time and cookies at the Library..
I’m glad my little buddy is with me.
Thoughts of running away from home and everything I love shot through my mind!
Everyone needs a friend sometime to just hold them tight and say this too will pass
Minnon and his trusted friend Fuzzy, were beyond excited, as they frolicked in the grassy green pasture on their way to the festive tea party.
“You’re one in a minion”, he said.
OH NO Fuzzy! I don’t believe we are in Kansas anymore!! Watch out for that contraption they call a “lawnmower”!
Bob woke up on Monday morning with a feeling that there was something different about today. He wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing, but something wasn’t normal. Tucking his very best friend, Chester, under his arm Bob went out into the neighborhood to see what his feelings were telling him. robeader53@yahoo.com
Everybody needs somebody. One just never knows who will be that one.
If someone looks at us they would say we are different. But , oh, they are so wrong. We are soulmates in a universe that expects perfection.
Oh man, my mom’s gonna kill me! We have to hurry.
Tired, lost, and confused. I turned my focus to the one thing that stayed true, my one friend and companion.
As friends they worked together, each seeing things differently, but succeeding by sharing every thought.
Its a beautiful spring day, I guess I’ll go see what my friend is doing today.
He was my very best friend in the world.
They’ll be looking for us soon. Baba–don’t worry.
The sound of the many voices still haunted him to this day, as though it were just this morning that despite the green grass beneath his feet and the sun in the sky above, the taunting began and made him clutch his only friend, Ted, tighter, “Four eyes, four eyes, who do we despise?”
Bob was waiting eagerly with his only toy for his new parents to pick him up from the orphanage play ground.
Fortunately for Teddy, it was chicken nugget day at school!
On this fine day I took my teddy and we went out into the yard to find my onions that i planted.
My best friend is in my arms.
The thing about Darcy was she knew how to accessorize her toys like no one.
My contacts! Not again! I mixed up my contacts again! Why can’t I match colors in my contact cases…sigh….
Even the darkest night will end and bring a new day of sunshine and possibilities.
I was held captive by the most beautiful image that ever existed upon the cloudless sky.
After hours of tears and tantrums, Drew headed back to the park at midnight for a valiant search for his daughter’s favorite minion toy.
Sure, I’d heard about picnics but i’d never been on one myself, so you can understand why I was so excited – eager, even – to go on one with my best fuzzy friend.
What adventure are we starting today? I’m ready!
I never had a friend…a real, true friend…before.
ohhhh!!! the new girl in school has glasses just like me—and a teddy bear too!
Bob and Teddy Bear Tim were so happy to be walking through the field of dandelions, this day would be the best ever. Bob had a plan, a great plan, a plan that can’t possibly go wrong, this plan will change everything.
It broke my heart to leave him behind. .. why does he keep looking at me that way?
Ok buddy, here we go….first day of summer camp!
It wasn’t the stuffed minion that had come to life and was walking towards me that left me speechless; I couldn’t process the fact that the minion was carrying Brownie Bear-that dear little bear we put in our baby Amanda’s coffin just last week.
For the first time worker 9964 stepped outside, tightly squeezing his stuffed comfort toy, his feet touching the green grass; too scared to move, yet full of joy and wonderment.
I’ve found your mom for you Buddy Bear.
When I woke up that fateful morning clutching my teddy bear as I had a million times before I had no idea that this would be the day that would change my entire life.
I am taking my buddy and running away to grandma’s house.
With my friend by my side I can achieve anything!
his piercing eyes stared upon her in wonder
With wife eyes as plates, gripping onto Millie I knew if I couldn’t get through this field to her, I may never see my future again.
With one look, she took dominion of his heart.
😉 😉
nice!!
“The bananas can’t be too far away,” Arlo told Tojo. “Any way, you’re safe with me.”
Bob grabbed his best friend, the only thing in the world he needed and set out to find the mysteries of his past.
I don’t know where we are going Flossie but some place they will never find us and you will be safe, I promise!!!!
Uncle Rob had promised him an adventure so he grabbed Bear and snuck out to cross the mysterious field.
Tired of life passing him by, Bob grabbed his bear, and together they set off to see what really was beyond the next corner.
Squeezing his teddy tight, Bert marched through the dandelions in search of the his mother.
“I’m ready to conquer the world!” he thought as he tucked his bear under his arm and marched across the flower strewn field. “I dare them to try and stop me!”
Finally he was meeting the girl of his dreams
Kevin swore he knew nothing about the purloined milk, but Inspector Snuggles had his suspicions.
Part of me feels like I can conquer the world and another part of me is afraid to try.
While on a quest for roses, Harry and his bear friend couldn’t believe their eyes when all around them grew dandelions.
No more will they treat you bad ,we’re getting out of here . I’m tired of them kicking you around everywhere .
With his friend closely with him , he knew he could do anything.
It’s so good to see the sun after bring in that hell hole and she’s waiting just like she said…but why is she pointing a gun at me?
His first look at her and he knew that his life would be changed forever!
He was exited – but he was a bit scared too – would it be as wonderful as Gru promised – non of his fellow minions were with him, but he had Ted and was off for his own adventure.
Bob and his furry friend made it to the top of the hill just in time to see something he had only dreamed about.
Ok…I am more than a minion, I am a man.
With his constant companion, BooBear, at his side, Bob was on his way to fulfill his destiny by becoming KING.
MM’s smile grew as he realized that he wasn’t the only one who went every where with his best buddy by his side.
It was just a little farther and everyone would be so proud of what he would accomplish!
Clutching Teddy close, he looked around smiling as his friends enjoyed the slip and slide. Best 5th birthday party ever!
It was a warm sunny afternoon and Bob was happily holding his fuzzy friend little knowing that everything will soon change.
One morning I woke up and decided to leave home with my best friend and go on a crazy , wild adventure.
I didn’t want to leave home but they gave me no choice!
He clutched his friend tightly to him , grateful that she was still alive.
It’s been a long, hard and lonely road; yet my heart knows it’s lead to this momentous reunion.
Our eyes met across the field and I knew I would never be the same. In the distance I could hear the faint sound of someone calling “Baaa Naaaa Naaaaaaaaaa”.
He gazed with wonderment as his Mom came near, and it was in that moment that he knew everything was going to be okay.
Minion Mac was so excited to be the big brother given the task of taking furry friend to his sister….
Tightly clutching Furry Brown Friend, Joe’s heart beat quickly as the tall being came toward him from across the meadow.
Sometimes a friend close at heart is all we need to smile.
Love comes in all shapes, sizes, and in many colors.
Love it! Thanks!
In an attempt to look cool and non-chalant John was determined to head out to conquer the world.
The perfect hero! Thanks!
As he clutched his fuzzy friend tightly he took his first steps toward his new adventure, kindergarten.
Fun! Love it!
With his heart thumping wildly in his chest and his furry friend snuggled warmly in his aching arms, he could finally see what he had to do.
So sweet! My 6 year old grandson is here with me, and we’re reading the comments together.
As I first saw you, looking adorable in the brown shaggy oufit, crossing the room, I knew that I was in the presence of my love for a lifetime..
What an adorable picture! My niece, Zoey, loves minions.
That is too funny! Thanks!
Hopes, dreams, ambitions….what do those things really mean?
Oh, thanks! Sounds like our minion is ready to conquer the world!