DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Guest Post: Leilani Squires
“I think I want to be a writer,” teenager me said to one of my heroes. “Do you have any advice?”
Jill Briscoe paused between bites of brunch. “Learn as many styles of writing as you can,” she said, looking me in the eyes. “Then, no matter what kind of genre is of most interest or what questions the world is asking, you can provide the answer with God’s help.”
So, I did.
I spent the next 20 years learning from mentors (looking at you, DiAnn!) and experts and developing my writing skills in numerous styles and genres and as an editor. I worked in education, publishing, marketing, social media, and with nonprofit organizations. I worked on projects as small as one-word ads to as large as book manuscripts. I did projects I loved and projects that simply paid the bills.
Whatever the project, I most enjoy determining the “heart need” question being asked by the intended readers and incorporating techniques from other genres to best answer it. For example, the manuscript was nonfiction, but incorporating fiction and marketing techniques enhanced the manuscript greatly.
I now work full time as the Head Creative Writer at Answers in Genesis. Last September, my bosses gave me a project to develop a kids animated TV show from a book series.
Okay, so the content is nonfiction, but for kids… So, I needed to develop a character… And create a setting… Then I had fun establishing the character’s dialogue style and catch phrases… Next was choosing how to best visually demonstrate what the character was teaching or learning with the audience…
I needed to figure out age-appropriate wording and explanations… I also had to ensure that the question asked in each episode was answered thoroughly enough…
I revised the scripts to say a lot in as few words as possible… I then submitted the 12 scripts to the team’s review process and my additional revisions… And then it was time to work with the production team… And help match a voiceover actor’s voice with the personality the character… Then I needed to write promo scripts for the show.
It was a fantastic challenge of a project and an opportunity to incorporate many techniques I’d learned and practiced over the years.
It all came together as Lily’s Lab, released on Answers.tv in November 2023! In each episode, kids join Lily the Leaellynasaura (LEE-ELL-IN-a-SORE-a) dinosaur, as she digs for answers—always starting with the truth of the Bible—to big questions about creation, science, and the Bible.
One of the best experiences of my career has been seeing my children love Lily’s Lab and quote this little character I created around the house. Ranking very close to that was showing one of my mentors a preview of an episode so she could see how I utilized her guidance in this project.
Since its release, Lily’s Lab has become a popular show on Answers.tv and placed as a top five finalist in the International Christian Visual Media Crown Awards in the Best Children’s Program category.
Incorporating these techniques at the beginning of my career took intentional focus and effort. It wasn’t easy! But because of the abundance of practice, Lily’s Lab came together rather easily for me.
I still feel I have a lot to learn. I look forward to adding more to my toolbox of writing and editing techniques. And I pass along to you what I learned from Jill Briscoe: “Learn as many styles of writing as you can.”
What style are you going to try next?
Leilani
View Lily’s Lab and other projects Leilani has written at www.answers.tv. Free trial available.
Leilani Squires is the Head Creative Writer for the A/V department at Answers in Genesis. She has been a writer and editor since 2002. View Leilani’s projects and services for writers at leilanisquires.com.
Thank you so much, Leilani!
Comments 31
Thanks DiAnn, for the usual inspiration. Yes, we write to teach in some way., something I want to do.
Frances, you are teaching every time someone is in your presence. God is using you to further His kingdom.
Leilani,
Amazing article and to see God’s working and weaving in your life to bring to Answers in Genesis. Thank you for sharing and I too have had an investment from Jill Briscoe in my writing life. Congratulations!
Laura Lee, like you, I’m amazed at all God’s doing in Leilani’s life.
Thank you, Laura! Love that Jill Briscoe has been influential in your life, too.
Such an encouraging post ma’am. I see we have the same taste in mentors. 🙂 Ms. DiAnn has inspired, encouraged, and helped many along their publishing journey. A double-blessing today. “The Praying Farmer” loves “Lily the Leaellynasaura” and the wonderful way she’s helping children discover God’s answers. Keep it up young lady.
J.D., you are so kind. Look at all you are teaching me about how God works uniquely in our lives.
Thank you, Sir! Very much appreciate your kind words. 🙂 And I agree, the way DiAnn serves others in their writing is something I hope to do as well someday!
What a sweet article! I love (and have supported) Answers in Genesis for decades. Everything is of such great quality. I have not seen these videos probably because I don’t have any little kids. I hang out with anymore. But I would recommend them from what you have written.
Thanks, Stephanie, the videos have reminded me the value of instilling in our children the values of a God-purposed life.
Thank you, Stephanie! And thank you for your support. It has been amazing to me to hear how adults are enjoying Lily’s Lab because of how she helps answer big questions, some which adults have been wondering for years. I was especially blessed to hear how one of the character designers and animators grew in her faith because of working on this show. Hope you’ll check it out! My kiddos highly recommend watching it with your Bible nearby and with your favorite snack. 🙂
Thank you for sharing Leilani’s hard work, talent, and wisdom. She paints a true picture of what’s involved in the writing process.
Donna, learning the craft of writing takes time like any art, and Leilani has worked hard for years. So proud of her!
Thank you for your kind words, Donna!
I love your advice and encouragement. I often read books on fiction and creating characters even though I write non-fiction. The principles do help with inserting stories into non-fiction work. Congratulations on Lily’s Lab!
Thanks, Barbara, I’m so proud of Leilani’s creation of Lily’s Lab too!
Thank you, DiAnn! <3
Thank you, Barbara! And yes, exactly… read and study all the techniques. 🙂
Wow! I love this! How encouraging and inspiring! (And what a great mentor in DiAnn Mills! 😉) I, too, love to grow as a writer of different genres, and I suppose I’ll always be learning… until heaven! Thank you for these good words and congratulations!
Thanks, Maureen, for your kind words. Leilani is incredibly talented, and I have much to learn from her.
Thank you, Maureen! So glad you found it inspiring and encouraging. And that is something I love about the writing world… there’s always something else to learn and try!
Leilani, you were one I connected with when I was in Jerry Jenkins’ Writing for the Soul classes. Love to hear how God is using you!
Debbie, that’s when Leilani and I connected. Don’t you love how God puts us together?
Yes! Hi, Debbie! Hope all is going well for you!
Leilani had the benefit of mentors and great relationships that positioned her to have successful
outcomes requiring different styles of writing. Her food to do Gods will has resulted in skills being honed and projects that are popular with children.
My writing style will be one which reflects the truth of Gods word and demonstrate that Im a writer after Gods own 💗 all the while utilizing my own creativity and design.
Dawn, thank you for encouraging Leilani and me. Creativity comes in so many shapes and sizes. God knows the right people to carry on His work.
Dawn, Praying for you as you continue to grow and serve the Lord through your writing.
This article shows the adventure of learning more about a subject. I loved Leilani’s enthusiasm concerning being creative.
Jackie, she is incredible. I’m looking forward to what God has in store for her.
Aww, thank you, DiAnn! And especially thank you for believing in me and cheering me on! <3
Thank you, Jackie! That is very kind of you to say. 🙂