By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last week, the American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference hit the Nashville, Tennessee scene. Catching up with old friends and making new ones is always a plus. The speaking and teaching took writers to a deeper level of understanding the craft and the God who gave who purposed us to write. Some of the presenters were: …
How Important are First Impressions?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve all heard about the importance of first impressions. Last week, I was having a discussion with a writer friend about how so many times, those first impressions are lasting. What can we do when ours is tainted? I’ve fallen prey to being judged by a first impression and regret those times. We can apologize, even …
National Happiness Happens Day
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills What a great way to start the work week with a national holiday that makes us smile. Even laugh! A key part of making today a success is all the fun things we can do. Life isn’t all about us but the joy we share with others. Choose today to be a blessing. Here are 10 …
5 Ways to Ensure a Memorable Summer
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 …
What Makes a Woman a Heroine?
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills As a writer, I have a list of what I feel is vital for a woman to be a heroine in a romantic suspense novel. Determining who my female character is takes time and lots of thought. My criteria may not be what you expected. It’s not brains or beauty. It’s not an ivy-league education. It’s …
The Thrill of Writing Suspense
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Many of you have asked me why I enjoy writing suspense. A recent interview answers that question for you along with why I view the process a rewarding challenge. Question: Suspense novels usually feature grittier scenes than other genres. In writing about crime scenes and killers, how do you write about them realistically without making your …
The Best Stress Reliever
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills First of all, big accolades to everyone for the great entries from last week’s blog. It was fun to see all the creative things people came up with based on the picture I supplied. Are some of you now ready to continue your start and complete the adventure in story form? Here are the three randomly …
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 …
Work Hard and Then Play Hard
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Tweet this: Work Hard Play Hard Last week, I was on faculty at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. A beautiful conference center nestled in the Smoky Mountains. We had over 400 conferees. Wow! Lots of learning for fiction and nonfiction writers, taught by multi-published writers who are valued in the …
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 …