Simplifying Writer Research

by DiAnn Mills, @diannmills

Writing and research go hand in hand. Every topic in a novel needs an element of research. If the manuscript isn’t accurate, the reader will recognize the flaw and toss our work aside. If a writer is spot-on, she will be rewarded with good reviews and more readers. Sort of a no-brainer for us writers.

How do we conduct the process effectively and efficiently?

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Color Your Writing with Emotion

by DiAnn Mills, @diannmills

Writers are always looking for ways to deepen their writing. That’s who we are and what we do.

We explore the psychology of our characters to add tension and conflict to our projects.

We twist our plots and add dimension to narrative and setting.

When writers use color to establish emotion, the reader is able to experience the actions and reactions on a higher level. Emotions become vivid, and symbolism weaves into the storyline.

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5 Habits of a Successful Writer

by DiAnn Mills, @diannmills

Emulating those whose writing careers have soared into bestseller status provides us with amazing role models. We look for a roadmap with precise steps and no detours. But every writer is different, and the destination isn’t always reached the same way.

We can accomplish the same goals as those writers who inspire us. It’s a matter of determining the practices that most fit our personalities. The following is what I feel makes a notable difference in a writer’s career.

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The Power of Pinterest

By DiAnn Mills, @diannmills

Pinterest claims to have 100 million active monthly users while noting 176 million registered users. Those stats are amazing, especially when writers are geared up to market and promote a new book.

Using Pinterest for promoting novels allows writers to expand their creativity. An easy way to entice a reader to check out our work involves pulling out special sections of the novel that can be translated into a picture or meme.

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Story Foundations for the Serious Writer

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnn Mills

Story ideas can be like fireworks. They soar and explode in beautiful colors…then their dance fizzles to the ground and we turn our attention to the next one. But story ideas don’t have to fade away. A writer can take those wild moments of inspiration and build a credible, colorful, creative, and compelling story.

Where do story ideas come from when we’ve spent hours brainstorming and feel like giving up? Buster Moon from the movie Sing says: “When you've reached rock bottom, there's only one way to go, and that's up!”

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7 Mistakes Authors Make

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Every writer wants to be viewed as professional, intelligent, and bestselling. Nothing wrong with those goals, and they are worthy and attainable. But when a writer consistently makes dumb mistakes, her credibility takes a nose dive as well as her career.

Take a look at the following mistakes. Are there changes on your horizon?

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Novel Preparation 101

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We writers have habits, some quirky, that help us get started on new writing projects. Today I’d like to share with you how I organize my thoughts and preparations before writing chapter one, line one of a new novel. I’m mostly an organic/pantster writer, but some things I have to know before I begin.

1. Idea! Oh, these come from so many different places—from a movie, a current happening in the news, overheard conversation, a what-if from everyday life, and dreams.

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5 Tips to Brand Your Writing Style

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Developing a writer’s brand can sound like scaling a cliff unless the writer has sound footing. Unfortunately, if a writer fails to take distinct steps to establish a brand, the publishing industry will do the job themselves, and you might not like their choice.

A professional writer seizes control of her career and develops a brand that is an asset, not a liability. This begins by assessing what a writer knows about herself and her readers.

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Write What You Know or Not?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We’ve all received the following writer’s advice:

“Write what you know.”
“Write what you don’t know.”
“Stretch.”
“Visit the novel’s setting.”
“No need to visit the novel’s setting.”
“Write family dysfunction.”
“Avoid family dysfunction.”

There’s evidence to substantiate every one of the above comments: the guidance has worked successfully for several writers.

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4 Words a Writer Needs to Hear During Christmas

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Attempting to write during the Christmas holidays adds another line in the dictionary’s definition for stress. We’re busier now than at any time during the year. Our planning and preparation is fun, and we feel like kids who’ve eaten way too much sugar. But the joy of the season vanishes when a red-circle on the calendar says, “This writing deadline has priority.”

Looming deadlines are a writer's fact of life—why not embrace them and list each one with Christmas responsibilities? When I want to bake or shop, I take a deep breath and remember the four words my husband said to me in 1996 when he challenged me to write.

I believe in you. 

Something about those words puts my life into perspective. I can successfully separate what needs to be done from what I want to do. Sounds simple, and it is. Here’s how it works for me, and I have confidence these four words can help you ease through deadlines and love every minute of December.

I
The word “I” doesn’t mean life is a solo trip. Neither does it mean I have to do it all.

The idea of store-bought goodies makes me cringe, but not when I order my special treats from a bakery. It also gives me time to write! Thirty minutes here and an hour there adds to a tremendous word count. (Bakery goodies are incredibly good.)

Shop online and eliminate standing in lines. When the mood strikes to feel the spirit of Christmas, enjoy a stroll through a favorite shopping area, listen to the season’s music, and sip on great coffee or hot chocolate without the burden of lines.

Here’s a fun story about Edie Melson and me just prior to Christmas. We had much to discuss about writing and The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, so we went shopping and chatted.

Believe
The word ushers in encouragement and confidence. It also fills my heart knowing my husband believes in my abilities to craft novels, articles, short stories, and blogs while ensuring my family delights in a memorable Christmas. The editors and publishers who issue contracts also believe I can fulfill their assignments. Believe is also how I feel about the God who gave me the gift of writing.

Believe is a word wrapped in blue for love, white for truth, and green for nurturing.

In
Think about this word as within our hearts. That’s where creativity for writing or preparing for Christmas develops. Our hearts are woven with a deep need to give our best to others, but it has to begin within.

You
This is why we write, bake, shop, wrap gifts, and decorate. When we stop giving, then we fail as human beings.

Whisper I believe in you when you’re stressed. You’ll find a wealth of energy and enthusiasm to supply you long after the New Year.

What is your secret when life tosses you a curve during the holidays?

 


TWEETABLE
 4 Words a Writer Needs to Hear During Christmas 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Why Fiction?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: Why Fiction

Christian writers are often posed the questions:

“Why fiction when you could be writing nonfiction?”
 
“If you feel writing is a ministry, then why are you putting your time and effort into fiction?”
 
“A real Christian would be writing something with real sustenance, not fiction.”
 
When I first started writing in 1996, I swallowed my displeasure with those questions and composed a gracious response that sounded like I was playing defense for a losing team. 

Not any more. I’m proud of what I do, and I'm not ashamed of my purpose. After years of following my passion for communicating the written word through story, I simply term the individual questioning my life’s work as a “low information reader.” They mean well. 

"Isn’t nonfiction the means by which people learn how to live life to its fullest and better themselves?"

Not necessarily.
 
How many abused women purchase books about how to prevent a beating? Do those women reach for information on a retailer’s shelf about abused victim’s legal rights, or counseling, or finding courage in the midst of pain?
 
How many victims of human trafficking find freedom by asking their captor to buy them a book about overcoming trust issues or how to escape an inappropriate relationship?
 
How many addictions were resolved by forcing the sufferer to read a book about drug abuse?
 
How many marriages were saved because a woman shoved a counseling book into her husband’s face? 

How many relationships survived because a man insisted his wife read books about how to cook, clean, child care, etc?
 
You get the picture. 

It’s unlikely any of the above examples found solace, peace, answers, escape, or courage in a nonfiction book because they were either too frightened to be found reading it, or they simply weren’t interested. But that victim could read a novel about abuse, human trafficking, an addiction, or a failing marriage and learn how someone changed and grew into a better person. 

A novel provides hope and inspires the reader to make needed changes.
 
A novel is a non-threatening environment that offers sound solutions to real problems. The abuser, the captor, the addicted person, or the unfaithful spouse will not feel exposed when their victims engage in a novel. 

The writer plants the seeds of change and subtlety challengers the reader to grow beyond her own world.
 
If the suggestion of using story to change dire circumstances sounds familiar, then you’ve read your Bible. Jesus used stories to convict, teach, and comfort the people to whom He ministered. He orchestrated a means of entertainment through culture to reach the people of His day. Story still meets a psychological or spiritual need in 2016, and I believe story will be a means of helping people until this earth ceases to spin.
 
I challenge the novelist to explore the passions of her theme and premise. Don’t be afraid to tackle the tough issues with grace and truth within the pages of an excellent story.
 
Now I ask you: Why do you write fiction?

Tweet this: Why Fiction?

 
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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The Cold Hard/Ugly Truth about Novel Writing

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: The Cold Hard/Ugly Truth about Novel Writing 

Writers are survivors. If in doubt, take a look at what it takes to reach publication. It’s a little scary, but if you have courage, take a look at what’s needed. 

Writing Ain’t Easy.

If every person on the planet was destined to be a writer, then everyone would be churning out one bestseller after another. How boring! How average!

So what do we writers need to survive the front lines?

1. Training. Every writer has a learning curve, time to explore the craft and apply technique to a manuscript. *The training never ends.
2. Thirst. How badly does a writer want to create worthwhile nonfiction or fiction projects? *Our thirst or passion for writing must be forefront or we fail.
3. Time. For those who claim they don’t have time to write, perhaps they don’t have the guts to carve out extra minutes and hours to pursue their goals. A writer’s time is spent in training, writing, re-writing, branding through marketing and promotion, and social media. *We all have time. It’s our choice on how we use it.
4. Touchy comments. Family and friends often don’t understand our dream of reaching others through the written word. We have a message, and our habits and commitments can meet ridicule and teasing. *Ignore the naysayers. No one needs them.
5. Turndown. Until our writing meets a publisher’s guidelines, we writers will face rejection. To reach our goals, we may sometimes need to take additional workshops and classes, hire a professional editor, or do a complete rewrite. *A turndown today can mean a contract tomorrow.
6. Trust. The Bible says that if God is for us, who can be against us? Trust in the One who purposed you to write. *Believe in yourself and the God who gave you the gift.

Now that you’ve worked past all those ugly facts and you’re still determined to be a writer, then welcome to the eccentric, bizarre, and entertaining world of writing.

What obstacles have you had to overcome as you strive toward your publication goals?

 Tweet this: The Cold Hard/Ugly Truth about Novel Writing 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect

an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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10 Steps to Nail Your Story

By DiAnnMills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this:  10 Steps to Nail Your Novel

I’m all about ways to ensure stories delight our readers. That’s why we write. The process of shifting through blogs, how-to books, and conference speakers for the most effective way to create reader appeal is an ongoing process.

Someone is always trying to hammer a new method into our brains.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen writers get so caught up with all the dos and don’ts that their creativity becomes paralyzed. They become stuck and spend their time constantly revising their stories without making them better. Some writers spend years perfecting a manuscript and never submitting. Instead of overthinking story, the writer could have written more books to improve their craft while entertaining readers.

The following 10 guidelines will help the writer find clarity by beginning strong and carrying the novel all the way through to “The End” in a timely and efficient manner
 
1. Why do you want to write this story? What do you want to show? Have you developed a premise that adds passion to every keystroke? If not, do so now. The why of characters is rooted in the story premise. A motivated writer is a determined writer.

2. Have you considered the hours involved? Do you have an inner drive for what is ahead of you—learning the craft, sharpening your tools, developing a brand, and diving into social media? Are you prepared to invest your time, effort, and money into a dream? Write down your thoughts and read them often. Use a calendar to set realistic goals.

3. Before beginning a story, complete the pre-writing. This includes genre, characterization, backstory, layering the plot, planning the setting, necessary research, and a synopsis of what your story is about. I hear the moans! No matter if you’re a careful outliner or organic, preliminaries have to be established before the first sentence. Planning saves the writer headaches and rewrites.

4. Organize and record the pre-writing into a program such as Scrivener or in a file folder that will contain subfiles for your story. I recommend a subfile for each: 

Are you organized?

A. Characterization - Include pics and backstory. Go deep for a three- dimensional character. Give your characters strengths and challenges sure to win a reader’s heart. A writer always learns more about the characters during the pre-write.
B. Plot - Plot results from a character struggling to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It’s rooted in the character’s wants, needs, strengths, and flaws. How will your character move ahead according to his/her temperament? What do you know about the characters’ problems? Can you lay out the journey?
C. Setting - How can you make the setting an antagonist, an unexpected foe disguised as innocuous.
D. Dialogue - Are the spoken words true to character, plot, and genre? How is body language unique?
E. Research - This adds credibility to story. I encourage you not to sidestep this stage and journal your findings.
F. Synopsis - How much do you know about the story? Have you established a midpoint that shakes up the characters? What about the climax? Resolution? Record as much as you know.
G. Questions - Use this folder for story questions that must be answered upon completion.
H. Outtakes- These are scenes I may or may not use in the story. But nothing is ever wasted.
I. Blog topic - Every scene holds the potential to be a blog about your book.

5. Establish when the story will be finished and a doable word count per writing day. Use a calendar to set reasonable goals.

6. Craft a one sentence hook for the story as it pertains now. This may change, and that’s okay. Ensure it has “wow” value.

7. Write your story. You may choose to keep the entire manuscript in one document or break it down into scenes or chapters. I prefer a subfile for each scene in which I record the POV character. This is incredibly valuable.

8. When a scene is completed, make a note of unanswered plot questions and place in the “Questions” file.

9. When a scene is completed, make a note of any blog topics that can be written and used in the marketing and promotion phase. Place these in the “Blog Topics” file.

10. Self-editing is an opportunity to make your best writing even better. Your personal process determines whether you write the entire story before rereading any chapters or reading sections sooner. If you have a critique partner or Beta reader, now’s the time for feedback.
 
Ten steps to ensure your story’s written professionally. Simple and easy to follow. Are you ready to begin?

Tweet this:  10 Steps to Nail Your Novel

 
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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How to Create the High Concept Novel

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: How to Create the High Concept Novel
 
Are you a novelist striving for a high concept story? Have you heard the term and not fully understood what it means? Worse yet, has an agent or

editor challenged you to create a high concept novel, and now you have brain freeze? Let me help you unpack what agents, editors, and readers are desperately seeking.

A high concept story is one that has potential to spread like wildfire, either within a genre or across a large audience. Think of Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Hunger Games, Divergent, Forrest Gump, Gone with the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird, Les Misérables, and the list continues.

Rachelle Gardner writes, “High concept means the PREMISE of your book will get attention, before anyone sees even one word of your writing.”

Are you still scratching your head? What is this thing called a premise?
Do you know why you must write this?

• What is the burning passion to spend hours perfecting your craft?
• What is the moral truth to be explored, revisited, and turned upside down?
• What sears your heart with a what-if?
• What keeps you up at night and preoccupied during the day?

Begin now for a powerful premise.

Sometimes the premise can blow away an agent or editor in one sentence; sometimes it takes three. But it must be unique to the writer and to the story’s concept, something the writer has never written before.

Another element is how the premise affects you, and why you are the only one to write the story.

When you are brainstorming your novel’s potential high concept, ask yourself the following questions.

1. What is your distinctively different premise?
2. How is your story original?
3. Why are you the only writer who can pen this story?
4. How are your characters intriguing?
5. Is your story idea fresh and exciting?
6. Are the plot twists super-unpredictable and yet believable?
7. Will your story touch the hearts of cross-genre readers or a wide-niche market?
8. Does your story entertain?
9. Are strong emotions a part of the high stakes?
10. Can your readers step into the closet of your character and emerge satisfied that they have lived a true adventure?

Now write your high-concept idea in one sentence. Make every word count. Don’t settle for the first draft. Refine what you’ve written. Let your passion swell. Give yourself time to ponder over ideas, and consider if this type of novel writing is for you. Come back to it. How has it changed?

When I wrote Deadly Encounter, I believed in my premise. What if a woman is riding her horse and stumbles onto a dead body, a wounded dog, a drone, and a motorcycle?

Perhaps your story idea falls within the high-concept criteria. I hope so! If you believe in your premise, then get started with the groundwork of making your novel idea the next bestseller.



Tweet this: How to Create the High Concept Novel

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect

an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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The Writer’s Nemesis - Clichés

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: The Writer's Nemesis - Clichés 
  
Every writer craves accolades from her readers and the industry. She wants exemplary recognition about her plot, voice, genre, setting, dialogue, narrative, and characters. She treasures 5-star reviews and eager readers who can’t wait for her next book.

Unfortunately when a writer dips into tired clichés, credibility lands with a dull thud. The story lacks:

Originality.
Phrases clothed in character.
Unpredictability.
Excitement.

A cliché is a writer’s nemesis. Writers, it’s time to become soldiers. Let’s shine our boots and clean our weapons. We must fight the urge o use familiar wording. Carry the banner of creating something fresh and alive.Are you ready to wield the sword and destroy your nemesis? Here are five ways to ensure you’re the victor.

1. Conduct a line-by-line edit. If a cliché threatens your position as a bestselling writer, delete it!
2. Explore the scene in which the cliché appeared. Is it necessary? If so, how might your character form a phrase that accomplishes the same purpose? Every detail of characterization plays into a strategic plan to offer a unique way of saying something.
3. Design three phrases of your own to replace every cliché.
4. List your original clichés in a file. These can only be used by your character. Ever. An award-winning writer is proud to eliminate all traces of a previous character in a new book.
5. Re-read your story again and admire your willingness to fight for your own literary voice.

Writers use words as their defense line, a means of reaching the goal of increased leadership.

Have you spent time creating your character clichés? 

Tweet this: The Writer's Nemesis - Clichés

 DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Hook Your Reader by Knowing Their Habits

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: Hook Your Reader by Knowing Their Habits
 

Your books keep me glued to the page!

The best compliment a writer can hear is, “Your book kept me up all night. I was hooked from the very first line.”

We’re pumped! What wonderful affirmation for our hard work. All the hours, tears, rewrites, digesting critiques, and muscle-cramped fingers just paid off. A 
lovely nap is in order.

But in addition to all the effort it takes to write a dynamic story, a wise writer understands her readers have certain habits. Those peculiarities and preferences are vital to creating a novel that leaves the reader satisfied and wanting more. Our desire is for our books to be shared with others, via word of mouth and social media.How can we writers determine the best way to engage readers? We can begin by understanding the demographics of our readers. Know who they are and write to heartfelt needs. By penning the answers to the following questions, we writers can ensure our books are well received.

• Who is the reader? Can you describe her (him)?
• What is the reader’s age? How can a story appeal specifically to that reader, and what she is experiencing at this stage of her life?
• What is the reader’s career? Can the writer pen a story that relates to the reader’s expertise or interest?
• Where does the reader live? Is her home the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, etc? Does the story idea draw in the reader’s home or travels? If the reader lives in a different area than the book’s setting, does the story paint a vivid image of the location? 

Keeping a reader glued to the pages of our books is more than crafting
unique characters, a strong plot, vivid setting, witty dialogue, appropriate emotion and body language, correct grammar and punctuation, and all the other techniques involved in writing a quality story. A bestselling novel caters to the world of the reader and invites her inside with an adventure that promises to live on in her heart. 

How do you hook your readers?






Tweet this: Hook Your Reader by Knowing Their Habits

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Social Media - A Writer’s A Fresh Vision

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: Social Media - A Writer's Fresh Vision

When a writer grows tired of social media and dreads creating a blog or post, it’s time to create new ideas. So how is this accomplished when a writer feels like she’s scraping the bottom of inspiration?

Writers can’t find fresh vision while sitting in front of a computer screen.

We need to:

• Climb out of our comfort zone.
• Do something different.
• Free out hearts and minds of all things mundane.

Look at nature with awe and wonder

The following suggestions may excite you to explore new ways to build your followers while filling the needs of your present ones.Grab your keys and take a drive through the country.

• What do you see in nature?
• Snap a picture and create a meme. Add a humorous or serious line that reflects the writing life.
• Take a short video.
• Relax and allow your imagination to soar.
  

Slip into your walking shoes and explore a new walking trail.

• Listen to the sounds of nature.
• Observe animals in their own habitat. Stand still and watch how they live and move.
• Make your own path and note the satisfaction.
• How does the weather affect your attitude?
• Use Instagram!

Dig in the dirt—pull weeds and plant flowers.

• How does beautifying the exterior of your home open your mind?
• Are you hands dirty or are you wearing gloves?
• Translate the before and after pic into a meaningful post.
• Forget about time and embrace the outdoors.
  

Express your creativity

Express your creativity in another venue—dance, paint, sculpture, needlework, photography, play a musical instrument, etc.

• Play soft music while your hands are busy.
• Can each step be an instructional video?
• What analogies can you weave?
• Does the project spark new interest in social media?
  

Talk to God about your lack of enthusiasm and interest in promoting your work. He does have answers.

• Read Scripture as though having a conversation with God.
• Pray for direction in your writing career dilemma.
• Be sure to listen.

In each instance above, the writer is encouraged to allow the surroundings nurture and energize her creative spirit. A writer who can free herself of the familiar allows the gift of communication to take a new direction. The experiences can be blended into social media messages that heighten the awareness of the writer’s brand, deepen the value of what is offered to followers, and speak to followers in a fresh new way.

How do you find unique material for social media?



DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Critique Groups - How to Find the Perfect One for You

Groups that meet together socially enjoy the friendships.

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writers search for the best ways to receive helpful feedback for their manuscripts. We all desire to develop new skills by learning from those who know the craft. Face to face meetings offer an opportunity for the writer to reach professional goals. Meeting with a select group of writers who share the same joys and challenges inspires us to continue toward our goals.

Critique partners can help us define our manuscripts. But finding the personality and expertise with other writers is like searching for a new doctor. Not everyone is a good fit. A writer seeks those special people who have the same or advanced skills. To some writers, a critique group who writes in the same genre is helpful.

Critique partners who meet in person develop trust and share social time. Online critiquing help battle the time crunch. I’ve done both and understand the advantages and —the disadvantages.

Positive feedback makes us better writers!

If a situation no longer works for whatever reason, graciously resign from your commitment. A sense of responsibility is not a reason to continue in a relationship that no longer has value.


Establish a few ground rules with a potential critique group or partner so writers understand the expectations. Each member must be committed to the group and willing to give back.


Here are a few considerations:

• Will you and your partner(s) meet online or in a physical place?
• How many pages will be exchanged?
• How many writers will be in the group?
• Will the critiques be a line edit or a content edit?
• What will be the turnaround time?
• How will you handle a critique partner who fails to submit her work on a consistent basis?

These guidelines will help ensure success for any critique groups. Merely tweak for the format that best suits the writers’ needs.

1.  Determine how many writers in the group.
2.  Establish a meeting place.
3.  Establish manuscript format.

• 1 inch margins
• Double Spacing
• 12 point - Times New Roman or New Courier Font
• Header with automatic page numbering

4.  Establish length of submitted manuscript.
5.  Automatically format the manuscript to number lines.
6.  Members understand the manuscript’s contents and genre.
7.  Submit polished writing as though each member is an editor.
8.  Writer brings copies of manuscript for each participant.
9.  Someone other than the writer reads the work aloud.
10. Writer is permitted two minute lead-in before work is read.
11. Writer does not speak during the reading.
12. Each writer is given 15 minutes of critique time.
13. It is inappropriate to interrupt.
14. Always thank the person who has given the critique.
15. Don’t take suggestions personally.
16. Ground rules for constructive criticism. Use the Oreo method. Begin with a       compliment, make appropriate suggestions, close the critique with encouragement. Honesty is critical, but unkind remarks are forbidden. Harshness does not make a better writer.
17. Make specific suggestions. General comments do not help the writer.
18. Address punctuation, flow, content, and credibility.
19. Critique according to writer’s ability/level of expertise.
20. Each member of the group is responsible for adhering to guidelines.
21. If a writer doesn’t submit her own writing, she shouldn’t critique other’s work.
22. Enjoy the experience! This is a time to admire and respect your peers.

I treasure the friendship of my critique partners. We pray and play together, which ensures our friendships are mentally and spiritually rewarding. 

What tips can you offer for a successful critique group?


DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Read More

Book Clubs with Pizzazz

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Tweet this: Book Clubs with Pizzazz
 
Forming a fiction book club within your library may seem a bit daunting, but the enthusiasm and new friendships that form are well worth the effort. It’s not difficult because I’ve done it, and I believe the following information will persuade you to take the initial steps.

This is your opportunity to sponsor an outreach event that shows the women of the community that your library is there for all of them.

Consider this:

• Women were created with the idea of relationships. If in doubt, read the first few chapters of Genesis.
• Women look to each other for support and encouragement. We’re compassionate, empathetic, and sympathetic.
• Women seek out relationships by using their life experiences and faith to mirror their beliefs to others.
• Women love to get together and socialize.

Sounds like a book club to me.

Take the jitters and fears out of forming a book club by following these ten easy tips to building a dynamic and fun organization. I’ve covered the who, what, where, when, why, and how. After all this is a party!

1. Where do I begin?
    A. Make inquiries - show excitement - generate interest.
    B. Talk to library director to enlist her support
    C. Word of mouth
    D. Article in library newsletter
    E. Notice in library
    F. Community social media announcements
 
2.  Where do I find participants?
     A. Library patrons
     B. Friends
     C. Neighbors
     D. Among the community

3.  Where do we meet?
    A. What area in the library works best for the meeting?
    B. Have seating arranged in a circular fashion to encourage book           
        discussion. Suggest cell phones be turned to vibrate so not to                 interrupt the discussion.

4.  How and when do members receive their books?
     A. Books are purchased the month before the discussion
     B. Contact a local book store to see if books can be purchased                      in bulk at a reduced price?
     C. Consider some readers prefer an e-copy.
     D. If an author is participating, she may offer the books at a                 
         discounted price and will personally autograph each copy.
     E. Designate one person to be the book buyer.
     F. Arrange for how members pick up their books.
     G. Some members may already have purchased the book
     H. Make sure a copy of the book is retained in the library
 
5. How are books chosen?
    A. The first book is always the hardest: consider a bestseller or popular
        author.
    B. Other ways to choose books
        1. Take a poll of book choices from the members at the first                         meeting.
        2. Find out if there are published writers within your community                     and surrounding area.
        3. Search online book clubs and read reviews from other                     readers.

6. How can I make my club 
    interesting and unique?
    A. Invite local authors for    
        discussion. Make sure their   
        books are read the month  
        before the meeting. Writers  
        love book clubs!
    B. Use the discussion questions
        in the back of the book or  
        posted online.
    C. Contact authors who do not live in your area and schedule a call or             Skype meeting.
    D. Celebrate holidays, birthdays, seasons, and special events as part             of the meeting.
    E. Ask for volunteers for refreshments.
    F. Have a contest to see who can invite the most new members.
    G. Have someone write a short report about each meeting and post it              in the library and library newsletter.
     H.  Add contests, a party atmosphere, and fun!

7. Feed them, and they will return.

8. Evaluate your club by having formal feedback
    A. Verbal or written

Establish an e-mail loop to remind others of upcoming meetings.
    A. If book club is Christian, establish a prayer and praise leader.
   
Are you a member of a book club? What tips can you offer? We want to hear them.


DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Read More