By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills As readers, many of us finish a novel or nonfiction book and post a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, Goodreads, LifeWay, Mardel, etc. In addition to reviews, many of us post our opinions about a title on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Still others choose word of mouth to recommend …
Swapping Snake Stories
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last week, I was a guest at a book club of a special group of ladies who read my books and encourage me. These ladies are grandmothers and great grandmothers, full of life and dear friends. If you suffer from Ophidiophobia, read no further. As a kickoff to the evening, one of the ladies prepared a …
5 Things I Learned at New York’s Central Park
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills New York City is a beautiful city filled with wonder, adventure, entertainment, many cultures, and the real estate that goes straight up. Visiting New York is always a treat, and this 8 day trip exceeded my expectations. My destination was ThrillerFest, a comprehensive learning and networking with writers working on all levels of their career. When …
Things Mothers Said About Writing
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Our mothers are notorious for giving us advice about life. Sometimes their guidelines are appreciated and sometimes not so much. The older we grow, the smarter our mothers become. Quotes from mothers play an inspiring role in the lives of writers, and I think you might enjoy a few. “My mother had a great deal of …
When All We Can Do is Laugh
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 …
Websites That Add Value to My Life
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Most of us have ‘go-to’ websites for education, entertainment, and information. We’ve found sites we trust because of the originator’s integrity, reputation and quality of information. I have my favorites too. Below are some of the websites that I have found helpful. Physical The Mayo Clinic When I have a question about nutrition, health, exercise, symptoms, …
For the Love of Cookies!
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills If I have a weakness, other than great coffee and creating a story, it’s a sweet, delicious, satisfying cookie. While reading through the latest copy of Martha Stewart Living magazine, I found the most mouth-watering Mexican Hot-Chocolate cookie recipe. I made them and they are the perfect, cinnamon spicy, chocolate cookie. Easy too! Mexican Hot-Chocolate Cookies …
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! …
Quirky Writer Habits
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Creative people are . . . quirky. We can also be labeled as eccentric, bizarre, and probably-should- be-on-meds. But I don’t want to go there. We are simply creative. Let’s explore some of my friends’ unusual writing habits as well as my own. Lynette Eason She gave me 3, but I’m tossing in a 4th. …