Love and Danger: Why Romance and Suspense Are a Perfect Match

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnn Mills Love and danger have caught the reader’s attention since the beginning of time. Storytellers gathered faithful listeners around a crackling fire and told stories that caused others to tremble with danger and swoon with romance. The match seems perfect, but why does it work? The following parts of a novel show why love and danger …

Get Out of Dodge—Where Did That Phrase Originate?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Less than a month ago, my city, Houston, met the challenge of Hurricane Beryl. I’ve experienced hurricanes before, but this one got my attention. I felt like I was living in a documentary about those who attempt to ride out a storm. And don’t get me started on the days without power in 90+ degree temps …

Story Souls: The Magic of Characters

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I believe stories have souls that breathe immortality into a reader’s life. An unforgettable story steps beyond “Once upon a time” to a kingdom that captures the heart of a reader forever. Not every story has that golden world, and not every reader experiences the same soul-grabbing story. What lingers as a memorable novel for me …

BookBub – A Reader’s and a Writer’s Best Book Friend

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills BookBub invites readers and writers to a party where both indulge in the joy of books. Readers look for recommendations in their favorite genre, and writers not only encourage the reader to explore their books but recommend other writers’ books. It’s like playing pin-the-tail on your favorite read. Everyone wins. Reader-Focused Features Find your favorite author …

Inspiring Readers

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I am a storyteller. My purpose is to create stories that engage and entertain the reader. I believe a story should breathe life into the reader with a message that helps navigate the unpredictable waters of life. Within the elements of my story, my characters, plot, dialogue, emotion, and setting together weave a message that inspires …

Read to Know and Grow

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Reading makes us heroes,. The habit encourages us to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. The more we know, the more we grow, and the more we can show others information or a slice of life that will add value to their lives. Tall expectations, but it’s motivated me to read for—never mind the years. Let’s say …

Are You Ready for May – Get Caught Reading Month?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills May is National Get Caught Reading Month, so I researched what the celebration means to readers young and old. Here are four facts! The month of May is dedicated to reading. The Association of American Publishers sponsors the celebration. Many well-known people support the month-long celebration. Online websites offer hints to how we can support reading. https://nationaltoday.com/get-caught-reading-month/ …

The Reading Challenge for 2023

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Reading and goal setting are two topics that nibble on my 2023 New Year’s plans. I weave both to include fiction and nonfiction books. Goodreads encourages its members to expand their minds by issuing a challenge. I’ve accepted their reading challenge for years. What are the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a reading challenge? Advantages of …

Christmas Stories to Warm the Soul

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Every year we read Christmas stories that warm our souls and sometimes in between. These tales are precious to many of us. They spark the Christmas spirit in big and small ways, and if you look closely, you can find Jesus in all of them with peace on earth, and goodwill to men. This week I’d …