Let’s Laugh Day – March 19

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Who doesn’t enjoy a good belly laugh? We’re told it’s great medicine and usually done best with others. That’s a party! When I learned March 19 is Let’s Laugh Day, I was on board for the celebration. But before I planned my day of chuckles and giggles, I had a few questions: Is laughter beneficial? Why …

Special Recipes to Comfort the Soul

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills A writer’s life is busy, hectic, and varied. Much like everyone else on the planet. But when I crave think time and the ability to process ideas and yet be creative, I often cook or bake. At least if the dish doesn’t turn out tasty, the rejection is minimal. A few years ago, I realized I …

What are You Afraid of?

Guy Gourley @DiAnnMills My guest blogger today is Guy Gourley, a good friend, and excellent writer. Recently, I was sitting with my writing coach, DiAnn Mills at a local Panera as she sipped on her third cup of black java. We were going over my novel, which has taken years to complete. No wonder she needed that much caffeine. Thankfully, …

How a Writer Faces Thanksgiving

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills For some people, Thanksgiving is about the food. For others, Thanksgiving is about spending time with family and friends. Some can’t wait to finish the meal to tune into the football games. Some look forward to everything Thanksgiving. Then there are writers. Oh, we love the food, family, football, and friends, but what about the inevitable …

7 Mistakes That Make Every Writer Look Unprofessional

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Every writer wants to be viewed as professional, intelligent, and bestselling. These goals are honorable, worthy, and attainable. But when a writer consistently makes mistakes that label him/her unprofessional, credibility takes a nose dive as well. Examine the following mistakes. If you are a writer, changes may be on your horizon. 1.  Practicing poor grammar and …

What do Lions and Writing a Novel have in Common?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Lions fascinate me. They represent nobility and respect, and their muscular bodies are to be admired and feared. No fat anywhere. Like I hope my stories resonate with readers. The more I thought about lions, the more I realized writing a novel has much in common with these animals. Here are my 10 comparisons. If you …

A Fiction Writer’s Hardest Task

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Last week a reader asked about my hardest task as a writer. I had to think before answering. I’m in the midst of line edits before turning in my next story, so I’m totally emerged in every word, goal, voice, gesture, motive, plot line, romance, suspense, symbol, character(s), emotion, dialogue, narrative, transition, spiritual impact, as well …