By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Two weeks ago, I co-directed the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference in North Carolina. Edie Melson and I worked hard all year with our assistants to ensure conferees and faculty valued the conference. We enjoyed a spectacular week. But two weeks before, everything seemed to head downhill. Speaking events and book signings are fun. But …
The Chocolate Fetish
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills No matter where I travel, a chocolate shop always gets my attention. The attraction is a strong sense of smell and taste for rich, delectable chocolate—the perfect blend that swirls and pacifies the palate. I can’t think of a better reason to take a break from writing. Whoa! Who needs an excuse for chocolate? While in …
When the Brain Needs a Break
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last Thursday, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference at Ridgecrest, North Carolina came to a close. The conference began the previous Sunday evening and ended on Thursday at noon. As co-director with Edie Melson, all of us, including our leadership team, faculty, and fabulous conferees were blessed, pleased, excited about the conference, looking forward to …
5 Ways to Avoid Summer Stress
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Summer is a few weeks away, and it begins with Memorial Day, a time for families to explore the many activities waiting for us outside. Schools will soon be out for the summer. Vacation plans take form. Family reunions, sports activities, camping, etc. Supposedly summer is a season to relax. We can’t enjoy the beautiful weather …
May – National Get Caught Reading Month
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills When I learned that May is National Get Caught Reading Month, I did a little research to see what the celebration means to young and old. Here are three facts: The celebration is sponsored by the Association of American Publishers. It’s supported by many well-known people. Online websites offer hints to teachers and parents about how …
When Life Needs a Perk
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills The good times of our lives are the super memory-makers. We take photos, fill scrapbooks, and tell the world through social media about our good fortune. Then the downside of life hits us square in the face. Where did this come from? I thought my job was secure. My kids made great choices until now. Divorce …
Unsung Heroes – Bookstore Owners and Librarians
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last week, my husband and I flew to Colorado Springs to meet with bookstore owners and their staff in southeast Colorado, conduct events, and to meet with readers at two Kansas libraries. We were greeted by incredible people who are passionate about books and readers. What do these words and places have in common? Junction – …
Relationships and Friends – Not Just Followers
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills This may be your first DiAnn Mills’ blog since subscribing to my weekly posts. Last week I announced an incredible giveaway as a celebration of my new romantic suspense novel DEEP EXTRACTION. The random drawing is for all blog subscribers as of 1:00 p.m. Central on Thursday, April 13. Take a look at these fantastic prizes! …
Deep Extraction Giveaway!
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills The day has finally arrived. To celebrate Deep Extraction’s official release, I’m announcing a random drawing for multiple giveaway prizes. If you subscribe to my blog then you don’t have to do a thing . . . just wait to see if your name is drawn! Take a look at these fantastic prizes! 1st Place – …
Time Management – I Need Help!
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve all heard quotes about time: “Hey, all you people who use emojis, what are you doing with the time you’ve saved?” “The problem with saving time is that as soon as we get it, we spend it.” “Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.” Hector Louis Berlioz “The bad news …