A Twelve-Step Program for NOT Becoming a Successful Writer

DiAnn Mills 

 

We fiction writers chase successful and entertaining stories like toddlers on a sugar-high. I’m one of them. I can dream and plan and plot all day long. Yet sometimes we can be stopped cold by research, social media, and the reality of all the hard work writing takes.

 

For writers who live and breathe their writing addiction but have a problem staying on task, I’m offering a twelve-step program called Story Chasers (SC). These are writers who want to be called authors but don’t want to do the necessary work. That is not us! So, let’s beware.

 

1. Pacifier Writers

A pacifier is used to keep a baby from crying. In the instance of a writer, it’s whining about the publishing industry instead of writing better manuscripts.

 

2. Paint Writers

Don’t paint your world with illusions such as, “My mom says I’m the best writer in the state. I don’t need feedback.” If you want realistic feedback, ask someone other than a relative.

 

3. Passionless Writers

If a writer’s passion is not for his/her story idea, then a reader won’t be enthusiastic about it either. Develop ideas that keep you excited about the project.

 

4.  Peacock Writers

Ouch. Pride stops us from success. It also brands us as unteachable. A humble writer learns the craft, develops a sense of the market, and is enthusiastic about edits.

 

5. Peanut Writers

George Washington Carver discovered 325 uses for the peanut. A peanut writer pens everything from T-shirt sayings to theology books. We all have varied interests, and that’s commendable, but find your writing niche and stick with it.

 

6. Perspiration Writers

Some writers don’t like to sweat. If you’re not dripping over your manuscript, then you’re not writing a quality story. Writing is a contact sport: your mind is engaged with your heart and fingers. Sweat. It’s good for the soul.

 

7. Pickle Writers

Weak writers are afraid to write themselves into a pickle. They don’t want the challenge of discovery, research, or unpredictable outcomes. They also don’t sell their work.

 

8. Plumber Writers

Plumber writers flush all their work down the toilet and never seek publication. Need I say more? Find your confidence and reach your goals.

 

9. Plywood Writers

Plywood is flexible, inexpensive, easy to work with and reusable. But it’s very hard to bend perpendicular to the grain. A plywood writer refuses to accept constructive criticism or change with the industry. In short, a plywood writer insists upon writing his/her way. 

 

10. Popcorn Writers

Popcorn writers are those who jump from one frying pan to another. They submit, are rejected, and submit again without looking at the manuscript for ways to improve it.

 

11. Potato Writers

Some writers don’t want to write for free. It’s beneath them. Small potatoes grow into big ones, and those nonpaying manuscripts build our resume. A writer always learns in the creative process.

 

12. Piranha writers   

Some writers will do anything to keep from writing. They like to swim through swift

waters with published writers, but they have one excuse after another not to work. They never make deadlines, even self-imposed ones. Piranha writers set themselves up to be devoured by the sharks who are swimming upstream.

 

If you’ve discovered a characteristic that slides you into a Story Chaser mode, now’s the time to change bad habits and begin the next bestseller. How are you changing your writing habits?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.

For more info visit DiAnn Mills at: https://diannmills.com/

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10 Reasons for Writers to Read

DiAnn Mills

I’m a writer who reads incessantly. I believe it’s a healthy and a much-needed approach to creating exciting stories and valuable nonfiction. My reading list includes . . . texts, emails, articles, blogs, novels, nonfiction, devotionals, even cereal boxes.

 

Every written word is a learning experience, and every sentence is a textbook. My goal is to take what I discover to determine if the principle can be applied to my writing.

 

Reading while writing encourages me to soar above my best. And here are my 10 reasons why:

 

1. Appreciate the creativity and imagination of others.

How a writer expresses him/herself through words is an art, a type of beauty that weaves sensory perception into a new adventure.

 

2. Approach a topic to improve me.

Fiction is a nonthreatening environment to explore our world through story and characters, providing us a unique perspective.

Nonfiction uses facts, documented events, and real people to teach concepts. We read those authors who are committed to truth and accuracy to improve our lives physically, mentally, and spiritually.

 

3. Challenge me to try a new technique.

Some techniques add a positive dimension to our writing. Others don’t work for us, and we choose to discard them. But until we give one a try, we will never know if a new technique improves and enhances our style, voice, and presentation.

 

4. Cultivate new ideas.

I believe writers who are open to new ideas are successful. Too many times we get stuck in the same plot line, character, nonfiction focus, method of delivery, or marketing and promotion. Concepts, viewpoints, and opinions that motivate us to review our old practices also cause us to grow in our craft.

 

5. Deepen characterization.

Studying other novels and authors demonstrates the many ways all areas of novel writing deepens characterization. A word, a phrase, a gesture, or a new perspective can improve a story.

 

6. Discover what the competition is publishing.

How can I become a better writer if I don’t know what fills the bestseller lists or retailer shelves? Writing fiction or nonfiction is competitive, and we must read and study to win the race.

 

7. Enjoy the book.

We read to find entertainment, inspiration, encouragement, learn new things about the world and ourselves, and engage our minds in the many possibilities for mental and spiritual growth.

 

8. Explore plotting techniques.

All the plots have been written, and every story falls into one of those categories. Yet, every writer is a distinct personality who offers a method of spinning his/her story.

 

9. Increase my vocabulary.

Writers crave and love words. It’s who we are. We ask, “Will this word work for my character or nonfiction topic?” Many writers (like me) have a file of hundreds of favorite words, their meanings, and an example of how to use the word in a sentence.

 

10. Reading is my mentor.

A writer who reads discovers what he/she prefers A book that fails me as a reader, can mentor me not to use a specific method or technique. If I’m halted in my reading for some reason, pause and analyze why. I certainly wouldn’t want to add those to my own writing.

 

These are my reasons for reading while I’m writing. What are yours?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.


Visit DiAnn Mills at https://diannmills.com/, https://www.facebook.com/diannmills, https://twitter.com/diannmills

How to Stand Out as a Professional Writer

DiAnn Mills

A professional writer stands out like a shining star on a moonless night. No need to ask if the person is a professional writer because we know their status by the way they react and respond to others.


· We see the way they carry themselves.

· We hear their wisdom and insight.

· We taste their sweet way of explaining literary techniques.

· We smell the fresh scent of vitality and energy in their mannerisms.

· We feel their warmth to all levels and genres of writers.


How can we writers emulate our heroes and heroines of the writing and publishing world?


Professional Writers are Active on Social Media

They recognize readers are why we write. Writers focus on followers who are interested in what the writer has to offer. Social media isn’t an opportunity to push our books but help others.



Professional Writers are Relational

They are real people. The writer we see in public appearances is the same person in a face-to-face meeting.



Professional Writers are Sincere

They believe in helping serious writers by passing along writing tips, instruction, and encouragement.



Professional Writers Care About Their Health

These people aim high with proper nutrition, exercise, and regular medical and dental checkups—a mindset that a healthy body fuels a healthy mind.



Professional Writers Look the Part

They dress their role in public. My husband laughs at me, but I refuse to walk the half block to our mailbox without decent clothes, makeup, and my hair in a stylish manner. We never know who will see us or judge our writing based on how good or not-so-good that we look.



Professional Writers Never Stop Learning

Not a day goes by without these writers sharpening their craft, social media skills, marketing, and learning more about themselves.



Professional Writers Practice Priorities

They protect God, family, friendship responsibilities, and then writing.



Professional Writers Understand the Creative Soul

They too live in a world where creativity is how we worship and experience life. Many writers simply observe their surroundings. They feel deeply so they can express their emotions onto the written page and share them with others.



Professional Writers Write

They spend time diligently working their craft. They don’t talk about writing; they schedule when to do it.



A writing career is not for the faint-hearted. Professionalism is critical in every aspect of their lives. What other characteristics surfaced in your mind?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.


Visit DiAnn Mills at https://diannmills.com/, https://www.facebook.com/diannmills, https://twitter.com/diannmills

Why Write Fiction?

DiAnn Mills              

@diannmills

As a fiction writer, I’ve often been 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 a story?”

“A real Christian would be writing something with real sustenance, not fiction.”

I used to swallow my anger with those questions and quickly compose a gracious response that might have sounded like I was playing defense for a losing team.

Not anymore. I’m proud of what I do and privileged to create characters and plots that entertain readers. After years of following my passion for communicating the written word through story, I simply term the individual questioning my life’s work as uninformed. These people mean well. Some of them think entertainment is a waste. After all, isn’t nonfiction how people learn how to live life to its fullest and better themselves?

Not necessarily.

How many abused women purchase books about how to stop a man from beating them? Do those women reach for nonfiction aids on a retailer’s shelf about abused victim’s legal rights, counseling, self-defense, or how to find courage in the midst of abuse?

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 on the statistics of US drug use? Or the likelihood of addicts committing suicide?

How many marriages were saved because a woman shoved a book into her husband’s face about how to win back an unfaithful husband?

I think you get the picture. It’s doubtful 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 instead read a novel about abuse, human trafficking, an addiction, or a failing marriage and learn how someone changed and grew into a better person. The reader sees an overcomer and may see how they too can overcome their situation.

First and foremost, a novel entertains. But story also provides hope and inspires readers to take steps forward to embrace a quality life. It’s a nonthreatening environment. A writer’s novel can plant subtle seeds of positive change and challenge the reader to grow beyond their world.

Have you read a novel and found yourself a better person?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.

Visit DiAnn Mills at https://diannmills.com/, https://www.facebook.com/diannmills, https://twitter.com/diannmills

10 Ways to Identify a Writer

DiAnn Mills                     @diannmills

We writers can be a bit eccentric, sometimes bizarre, and those who love us may wonder if we need to be on meds. The truth is we’re creative people, and we look at life a little differently. You may be wondering if you’re a writer or suspect someone close to you is a writer because you’ve seen how they string words together into memorable passages.

"Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don’t see any."
– Orson Scott Card

Take a look at the following characteristics of a writer.

1. Writers explore people, places, and things. We want to see how life is impacted by every object placed on and around our planet. We are filled with curiosity and love to explore the world.

2. Some of us have a difficult time paying attention because we are always in our creative writing mode. Our minds wander, so our responses to questions are often quirky. It’s not that we don’t care what is happening. The possibilities dancing in our mind is more powerful than reality.

3. We wear our emotions like a model wears a designer outfit. Many life experiences are expressed through our tear ducts.

4. I’m an early morning riser. While the rest of the world is sleeping, I’m wired to write while the sun awaits it’s appearance on the horizon. Some writers treasure late nights. They don’t come alive until the sun goes down. Embrace when your mind can focus and work best.

5. We’d rather listen and watch what is going on instead of being the center of attention. Time speeds past us, and we are oblivious to the rest of the world. We prefer it that way.

6. We’re comfortable in our own skin. Our minds are filled with nonfiction topics or characters from our stories, and we can choose with whom we want to spend our hours.

7. It’s personal. It’s who we are. The beauty of the written word gives us purpose. Yet sometimes we are melancholy.

8. We manage life in our own time. Change is great when it’s our idea, but not when it comes from someone else.

9. We scribble outside the lines, blend colors, and allow possibilities to embrace our minds and heart. Play is vital to mental health, and truth matters instinctively.

10. We imagine ourselves in other worlds, and we fit just fine.



There you have my 10 ways to identify a writer. Or perhaps you’re creative in other areas. What is an identifier for you?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.



Visit DiAnn Mills at https://diannmills.com/, https://www.facebook.com/diannmills, https://twitter.com/diannmills

Quality Writing Impacts Future Readers

DiAnn Mills            

@diannmills

Do we writers consider how our commitment to writing can make a positive impression on future readers? Creating is hard work. We must approach our craft with diligence and continuously educate ourselves in every area of the publishing industry. The process takes hours of laboring over every word, but we don’t mind because we love our calling as writers. The editing and polishing are worth the finished manuscript.

Motivation impacts every area of the writer’s life and transfers into the quality of our work.

Some writers are motivated by the short-term future: pay the bills, meet deadlines, schedule blog posts, speaking engagements, and conference attendance. Those are all high-principled goals requiring our attention. But have we considered our readers when our time on earth is finished—will others see positive traits in our work and lives worthy to emulate?

How would we like to be remembered? Will anyone care if our work-ethics are stellar? Do we believe in paying it forward by helping other writers be successful? What did we find as virtuous tasks that fed our writerly soul?

The following are ten references I’ve heard about writers. Some are outstanding, and some not so much. Perhaps if we recognize a trait that warms us, then we have confirmation we’re on the right track. If something derogatory seems to resonate and we hope people forget it, there’s time to change and put quality back into our lives.

1. She published four books a year, but I never saw her smile.

2. He wrote early in the morning and late at night—always put his family first. His priorities must have worked because his books consistently hit the bestseller list.

3. I will never forget one of her characters who inspired me to climb my own mountains. I’m a better person because the writer took the time to develop believable characters.

4. He never had time for me . . . always too busy writing.

5. I tried to talk to her at a writing conference, but she ignored me. Even when I stood in line to have a book signed, she never acknowledged any of us.

6. He took the time to mentor me, offering suggestions that made my writing stronger—and publishable.

7. She shared her method of writing a book and encouraged me to personalize a plan that worked according to my personality.

8. Even after consistent bestseller status, she always challenged herself to write a better book.

9. He told me that if I didn’t educate myself everyday in some aspect of publishing, then I was setting myself up to fail.

10.She claimed God had first place in her life, and He’d called her into the ministry of communicating through the written word.



Quality writing impacts how we feel about ourselves. Are you ready to commit to an outstanding manuscript that shows your commitment to readers now and in the future? 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.



Visit DiAnn Mills at https://diannmills.com/, https://www.facebook.com/diannmills, https://twitter.com/diannmills

Christmas Songs for Writers

 DiAnn Mills

Are Christmas songs rolling through your head, making it difficult to concentrate on your writing project? I’m humming and singing along to favorites and loving the distraction. Is it possible to change the words to our fun Christmas songs and make them more writerly? Can you help me finish any of these?

“White Christmas” 

I’m dreaming of a new contract. 

With every Christmas card I write . . . 

“Jingle Bells” 

Jingle bells, jingle bells 

Jingle all the way 

Oh what fun it is to write 

In a comfy chair today. 

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” 

It’s beginning to look a lot like edits. 

Everywhere I go . . . 

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” 

I really must write (but baby, you have no deal) 

My deadline is tonight. (but baby, you have no deal) . . . 

“Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer” 

Rudolph, the one who’s published, 

Had a very shiny hook. 

And if you stop to read it. 

You’d even buy the book. 

“All I Want for Christmas is You” 

All I want for Christmas is a good review. 

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” 

Have yourself a little writing conference. 

Make your hard work bright . . . 

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” 

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree with a social media twist . . . 

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” 

You’re a mean one, Mr. Editor 

You keep sending back my prose. 

You’re picky and your stubborn 

You’re details makes me cry, 

You’re a mean one, Mr. Editor . . . 

“Up On the Housetop” 

Up on the laptop words do fly 

Out jumps more than who or why. 

Off to the agent with lots of prayer . . . 

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” 

Santa Claus is coming to town. 

He’s making a list, checking those hints 

Gonna find out if I have an agent. 

“Frosty the Snowman” 

Frosty the snowman was a suspense writer, they say . . . 

“Last Christmas” 

Last Christmas, I gave you my book. 

The very next day you refused a look . . . 

I didn’t use the traditional Christmas carols. The words and the meaning are much too sacred and precious. So let me suggest when the season becomes a bit too hectic, allow the sweet sounds of “Silent Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem,” and “Joy to the World” fill you with the reason for the season.



For some fun, how about completing one of the songs above OR writing an original verse to one of your favorite Christmas songs and sharing with us in the comments below?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.



Visit DiAnn Mills at https://diannmills.com/, https://www.facebook.com/diannmills, https://twitter.com/diannmills

Staying Healthy During Holidays

 DiAnn Mills

From the Harvest Festival candy corn to Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie, to Christmas cookies, and finally to New Year’s goodies, we are planning and racing from one spectacular event to the other. Workloads and family responsibilities typically do not change, we just slide the holiday activities in.

What can that mean for writers? Holiday activities often mean a little less sleep and a lot more carbs. But our deadlines do not budge. We must keep on top of our game and that means turning in our manuscripts and posting on social media in a timely fashion.

The hurried pace can make us cranky. The fast pace can give us a headache. We might experience weight gain, possible illness—all preventing us from enjoying a most favorite time of the year.

So how can we celebrate, stay healthy, and maintain our writing schedule? Here are 7 tips to help us manage the fun and avoid the stress of a weakened body during precious family times and exciting visits with friends.

1.     Insist upon 8 hours of sleep. This average amount of sleep for an adult is vital to keeping the body physically healthy and mentally alert. While asleep, the body repairs itself which means we stay healthier. Appetites are more easily managed, and our memories are heightened.

2.     Learn to say no. The invitations trickle in until we realize we are too heavily scheduled. Attending parties becomes a chore. Carefully select the events you want to attend. Consider your family’s needs. Your writing responsibilities. What parties include spouses or children?

3.     Make nutritious food choices. Many of today’s hosts understand the demands of individual dietary needs. Alongside traditional appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts, you may find gluten-free, sugar-free, and low-fat options are also available.

4.     Drink lots of water. This allows our bodies to flush out wastes, stay hydrated, perform better, fight disease, and maintain a balanced body.

5.     Exercise. Those of you who know me have heard my stand on daily exercise. Not only does it fight diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, but it also helps maintain weight, improves mood, fires brain cells for optimum creativity, and gives us energy.

6.     Establish a budget at the start of the season and stick to it. Nothing destroys relationships faster than a refusal to adhere to a budget. The funds allotted for the season should include all expenses. How sad for individuals to go in debt for holiday expenses. We can avoid post-holiday depression by staying within budget.

7.     Start the day with prayer. Let God guide you through every minute of the day.

 

What tips do you have for writers to stay healthy during the holidays?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 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. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful.

Visit DiAnn Mills at https://diannmills.com/, https://www.facebook.com/diannmills, https://twitter.com/diannmills