By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I’ve been creating fiction since my husband challenged me to write a book—1996. Actually, it was a dare. “Stop telling me you’re going to write a book someday. Quit your job and do it. If you get anything published in the next year, you never need to go back to your job.” So I did! I

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills In CANYON OF DECEIT, danger runs deep in the Texas wilderness—but the greatest risks aren’t always found in the canyon. Meet Therese Palmer, a survival expert haunted by the past, and Blane Gardner, a Texas Ranger trained to talk down criminals but unprepared for what this mission stirs in his heart. Together, they must find a

DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Understanding personalities takes work and patience. Characters are like us—unique individuals whose preferences and life experiences determine our behavior and personality. Most of us recognize a character as an introvert or extrovert, but do we know to what extreme? Is the character a little introverted or a lot? Are they a friendly extrovert or an over-the-top, people-person?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills If I don’t change and grow into a better person when writing a story, I’ve failed —not just the characters, but also the storyline, my readers, myself, and the God who gifted me with the ability to write. My characters help me see life from a new perspective, offering deeper insights into how others live in

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

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

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 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

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 –

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