By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Some people have journaled since they received their first notebook or diary. They entered information daily, weekly, or whenever the whim urged them to complete an empty page. Some of them used a lock to prevent others from reading their inner thoughts, while others hid their recollections where no one could find them. Many people today …
Whodunit – Discovering the Antagonist
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills A reader asked me how I discover the antagonist when I write a story. The short answer is: discovering the bad guy or guys is as much a surprise to me as the characters and the reader. For those of you who know me … and my OCD with organization, discipline, and schedules, the thought of …
Are You Cut Out to Write a Novel?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve all wondered if we’re cut out to write a novel. We experience an unusual or exciting event and ask ourselves, “Could I write a story about this?” Sometimes we dwell on it for days, weeks, months, and even years, still asking ourselves the same question. Why not take a novelist writing quiz to see if …
DiAnn Teaching @ 2019 Write-To-Publish Conference
DiAnn is on faculty for the 2019 Write-To-Publish Conference in Wheaton, IL and will be teaching a continuing class: Characterization: The Key to Great Fiction Learn how great characters open the door to masterful storytelling and an unforgettable experience for your readers, whether you’re writing novels or short stories. Click on Event Website link for all the details and to …
Creating Powerful Fiction in the 21st Century @ Helen Hall Library
DiAnn will be teaching on creating powerful fiction in the 21st century all day at Helen Hall Library in League City, TX, Saturday, May 12th starting at 10:30 a.m. Presentations on Writing Fiction to include: 10:30 – 11:30 – Characterization and Backstory – The Muscle of Motivation and Plot 11:30 – 12:15 – Creating Lightning Emotion and Symbolism 12:20 – …
13 Characteristics of a Heroine
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I’m writing the second novel in a new series titled FBI – Rapid Response Series, and my heroine is a tough gal. While working on her characteristics, I discovered strengths and challenges. Her strong points are designed to help her journey through difficult situations. Some of her weaknesses will become victory points as she learns how …
The Power of a Minion
Announcing DOUBLE CROSS Giveaway winners! Sabrina from Ohio won the Keurig Coffee Maker Jackie from Texas won the Double Cross puzzle and playing cards Sharon from Indiana won the FBI K-9 and a red FBI pen Gail from Nevada won the $20.00 Starbucks gift card Congratulations! The Power of a Minion Tweetable – Latest From DiAnn’s Desk – The Power of a …
The Reader Adventure
Tweetable – Latest From DiAnn’s Desk – The Reader Adventure – via @DiAnnMills http://bit.ly/1GOrnET #WritersLife (Click to Tweet) Writing is a tough profession. The competition in today’s publishing world makes the strongest writers think twice about their commitment to excellence. But those of us who are lured by the magnificence of story are committed to creating a world where our readers slip into …
Reducing the Flab by DiAnn Mills
Ever read something you wrote one year ago, six months ago, or yesterday and cringe at the writing? Everything from word choice, descriptions, characters, plotting, and setting screamed back at you. I bet you even checked to make sure you actually wrote the piece. That was because we are always changing, growing, and learning the craft. Our job as writers …
The Light Side by DiAnn Mills
I write suspense and work hard at plunging characters into one abyss after another. My goal is to have danger creep across my characters’ lives in every scene while adding a spark of romance. Sometimes my hero and heroine are wounded. Sometimes they have to display courage when they’d rather run. Sometimes they have to find logic in the midst …