By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We all have something that frightens us. Our list of fears is endless—heights, flying, public speaking, the dark, snakes, spiders, falling, doctors, germs, and the list goes on. Today is Columbus Day, and I wonder what Christopher Columbus might have been afraid of. Here are six things that I doubt he feared because history shows us …
Tis the Season to Cook and Bake
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Although the temperature highs here in Houston haven’t dipped below 85, I have my home decorated in colorful fall reminders. Perhaps the gold and orange will usher in cooler temps. I also have my list of favorite recipes and new ones to try out on my husband before presenting them to guests. Whether it’s a breakfast item, …
Learning From the Past
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Have you ever searched through old family memorabilia and found a spark of excitement? While looking through old photographs and yellowed letters, I discovered how my husband’s deceased aunt made her lifelong dream come true. Aunt Marj’s goal was to have a consignment shop of unique handmade gift items. She never stopped thinking about it, and …
How to Home Roast Coffee Beans
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Those of you who know me are aware of my fondness for coffee. My bio even states I’m a coffee snob. Actually, just like some of you have a favorite recipe for triple layer chocolate cake or yeast rolls or delicious soup, I’m particular about my coffee. This weekend, I roasted some of my favorite beans …
How Heavy is a Glock and Other Cool Stuff?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills In creating romantic suspense novels, research takes me into areas I never dreamed. My goal is to know my character and how that person walks through life. What if I were the character? Ever wonder how much extra weight a Glock adds to an FBI agent? I’m kind of a lightweight, so that thought has crossed …
How Important are First Impressions?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve all heard about the importance of first impressions. Last week, I was having a discussion with a writer friend about how so many times, those first impressions are lasting. What can we do when ours is tainted? I’ve fallen prey to being judged by a first impression and regret those times. We can apologize, even …
5 Ways to Ensure a Memorable Summer
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills It’s July and the heat index is rising. Here in Houston, we’re looking at 100+ degrees and lots of humidity. Pool time and ocean beaches. I love it! Add a tall glass of cold lemonade or an iced tea, and I’m ready for some serious summer activities. But sometimes the heat drags us down, and that’s when …
What Makes a Woman a Heroine?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills As a writer, I have a list of what I feel is vital for a woman to be a heroine in a romantic suspense novel. Determining who my female character is takes time and lots of thought. My criteria may not be what you expected. It’s not brains or beauty. It’s not an ivy-league education. It’s …
The Thrill of Writing Suspense
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Many of you have asked me why I enjoy writing suspense. A recent interview answers that question for you along with why I view the process a rewarding challenge. Question: Suspense novels usually feature grittier scenes than other genres. In writing about crime scenes and killers, how do you write about them realistically without making your …
The Best Stress Reliever
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills First of all, big accolades to everyone for the great entries from last week’s blog. It was fun to see all the creative things people came up with based on the picture I supplied. Are some of you now ready to continue your start and complete the adventure in story form? Here are the three randomly …