by DiAnnMills @DiAnnMills By this time in August, I’m ready to busy my mind with a puzzle. Below is a little wit for your day. August Wit ACROSS 2. Most kids dread 3. A way to cool off in the heat 5. August birthstone 6. Days in August 7. The month following August 8. A means to keep the sun …
12 Things I’ve Learned About Writing
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills In the past two decades plus, I’ve learned a lot about writing, the publishing industry, social media, marketing, and promotion. Along the way, I’ve made some embarrassing mistakes too. But I’m not diving into those. Here are 12 things I’ve learned about writing since publishing my first book. Maybe some will help you. 1. Research doesn’t …
In Pursuit of Tenacity
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I was introduced to tenacity in middle school. We had a week of learning about tenacious people and how they were more than determined or stubborn, but persistent in their goals. The teacher designed the lessons to show the value of staying on task and shaking off negativity. Now, I look around me at the number …
How to Pack for the Perfect Vacation
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills July becomes vacation spectacular for many people around the world, and you may be one of them. Over the years, I’ve simplified my packing method, and I’d like to share with you 10 easy ways to ensure your trip meets expectations with a plan for taking just what you need—and ensuring the perfect vacation. Here are …
Danger Signs of a Too Comfortable Writer
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We live in a comfortable society. But that can be dangerous for writers who choose complacency rather than pouring a steady stream of effort into their writing. Have you ever met a writer who expected and demanded results from readers, other writers, and those involved in the profession without doing their share of the work? It’s …
10 Ways for Writers to Toss Out Perfectionism
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Do you know writers who are miserable because they equate success with perfectionism? They seldom find satisfaction with their creativity and are rarely pleased with others’ accomplishments. Some say the perfectionism trait is determined by the writer’s personality, childhood, education, life experiences, and a host of other variables. Really? None of us are perfect writers, so …
Managing Life with Motivational Quotes
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Quotes that inspire, encourage, make us laugh, and motivate us into action are those words of wisdom that we return to time and time again. The following quotes are some of my favorites, and they may be special to you too. There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The …
Where to Find Ideas for Your Novel
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Where do authors find their ideas? From experience I can assure you a drone hasn’t delivered any of my stories to my front door or drop-shipped a complete novel into my brain. Sometimes I waken from a dream with an amazing idea, but that’s rare. Novel ideas are everywhere. We simply must train our minds to …
Recipes to Swing into Spring
By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Trying new recipes doesn’t need a special season of the year but swinging into spring with light and fun dishes makes sense to me. The following are a few favorites that will tickle your tastebuds. Crispy Jicama Apple Salad Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 I tried this for the …
41 Tips to Make You a Better Writer
by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Writers today search for tips to help them move forward in the craft. The following are 41 ways to sharpen your writing career. Pray for your writing ministry. Read in the genre you are writing. Read a craft how-to book each month. Read a marketing book each month. Study the bestsellers like a textbook. Study daily …