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 …
Once Upon a Time
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: Once Upon a Time It wasn’t a dark and stormy night. Thunder didn’t rumble, and lightning didn’t streak across the sky. In fact, it was a summer day in Houston—99+ and the pool felt wonderful. My grandchildren and I were laughing, splashing, and enjoying Popsicles. “Mimi, will we always be able to swim in …
Great Graduation Gifts
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: Great Graduation Gifts It’s that time of the year when high school and college seniors are taking steps into the future with graduation ceremonies. We want to honor them, but what gift ideas are meaningful and practical? We want a fun and useful gift, something different and exciting. But what? When I received graduation …
Celebrating Writer Milestones
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: Celebrating Writer Milestones Every writer has her own definition of achievements, and most of us celebrate success in different ways. I posed two questions to some of my author buddies. Loved their responses and I think you will too. What is a writing milestone for you and how do you celebrate? Lynette Eason – …
Fun Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: Fun Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day May 8, Mother’s Day, will soon be here. I’m issuing you a challenge. This year plan a celebration your mother or the woman you honor as mother never forgets. Today’s blog will give you a few ideas to make this momentous occasion truly special. Generation Celebration Invite the …
5 Things We Want to Hear When We’re Down
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: 5 Things We Want to Hear When We’re Down When we’ve been slammed with bad news or rude comments, our first instinct is to either cry, run, or punch someone in the nose. Too many times the situation heads us toward depression. Not fun. Being down is like finding yourself at the bottom of …
First Lines of Stories that Inspire
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: First Lines of Stories that Inspire I’m an avid reader, but I’m also picky. Confession time here . . . If a story doesn’t grab me in the first line, I’m reluctant to read further. Out of respect for the writer, I might continue for a paragraph. Normally, I’m done and ready to move …
Highways, Speed Bumps, and Traffic Lights
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: Highways, Speed Bumps, and Traffic Lights Writers seldom become successful and create a marketable book—overnight. At least that wasn’t my experience. The victories and triumphs are waylaid with rejection slips, disappointments, and lots of rewrites. But when the first sale was made, I knew it was worth every drop of sweat and tears. My …
Vacation Magic
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: Vacation Magic Last week, husband and I spent six days in Estes Park, Colorado. We love the Rocky Mountain National Park, and often retreat there. We work at home, so unless we leave, we don’t have a break. We packed our coats, scarves, gloves, and hiking boots for a March getaway. Once in Estes …
A Writer’s Workspace
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: A Writer’s Workspace Is your workplace special to you? Many times I’ve been asked where I write. The answer is anywhere, yet I do have a designated office, a room where bits and pieces of me are scattered throughout. I’d like to share a few photos with you today. Okay, so my desk is slightly …