By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Do you ever feel guilty about taking a break to rest and relax? I do. Sometimes I fall into that pit where my thoughts whisper that stepping away from my responsibilities is wrong—as though life will ding me for not keeping to my schedule. But should we take time to be free from obligations? To enjoy

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Fiction writing addicts tend to have common set of traits, and these are personal and professional. It’s who we are, how we think, and how we process information. For the Christian, writing is not just how we are wired but it is our calling. Fiction writers are wired to juggle character, plot, emotion, dialogue, setting, and

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I’ve often been asked how I view my writing. Is it a career, hobby, a means to gain recognition, purchase something special? Or is it a ministry? The Christian writer who communicates through the written word journeys into a personal ministry. Every genre needs wholesome material that entertains, inspires, teaches, or informs. Exploring the process of

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Have you ever met someone who could soften even the hardest conversation with kindness and a few simple words of encouragement? Perhaps someone has done that for us! We experienced a gifted person soothing an angry or troubled mood or situation and successfully created an environment of peace. God desires an attitude of love: loving our

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I know of no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that of tenacity of purpose. Ralph Waldo Emerson In middle school, I learned about tenacious people. I thought it was a fancy word for stubborn, and I wore the label well. But I discovered so much more, a mark of persistence that

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills None of us want to be labeled with a negative attitude—that is not a trait for how to keep or win friends. Yet, many of us implore the use of negativity to get our point across and often without any idea of our harshness. Emotion draws us to the speaker or kicks us to the curb.

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Every writer’s journey of the soul is illuminated with a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and obscure shadows. Whether we experience bright pieces of glass that sparkle and entertain us or jagged edges that sear our hearts, the result is a pattern of beauty that reflects God’s glory on our lives. “Finally, be strong in the Lord

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Staying fit in today’s world began when at age fifteen I recognized the importance of eating healthy and exercising at least five days a week. That determination has remained a part of my life longer than many of you are old. We often read articles, blog posts, and emails that focus on how to stay fit

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 Most people speed through the holidays with excitement and enthusiasm. They enjoy the many gatherings alongside family and friends, while some people sink into a well of depression. They feel alone and abandoned. Staying sensitive to the needs of others enables us to bless those who are emotionally and physically suffering. A friend said it best,