The Performance Cycle

By DiAnn Mills

The performance cycle can destroy a writer’s passion for communicating through the written word. We writers create in solitary environments. Granted social media invites community from the comforts of our devices, but too often writers fall into the pit of their self-worth dependent on what’s accomplished. Career-focused agenda consumes far too many writers: social media numbers, published articles and books, high-ranking blog posts, invitations to teach and speak, and the list goes on.

The problems fall deep within our views of self-worth. We have goals and expectations, and that’s grand! No one can be successful without developing a sound plan to work smart and strong. But lofty heights do not define who we are.

God will not one day ask me how many books I’ve written or sold in order to enter heaven. He doesn’t keep track of my successes; He keeps track of my obedience.

How to know if we are driven by performance:

1.          We are compulsive in reading reviews and attempt to please all readers.

2.          We are constantly checking our sales and belittling ourselves when the numbers aren’t increasing.

3.          We are driven by the bestseller lists.

4.          We ignore our families and friends.

5.          We establish goals that aren’t realistic.

6.          We experience constant headaches or stomach issues.

7.          We neglect good health and exercise.

8.          We obsess about getting the writing and social media done, done, and done.

9.          We know we aren’t working efficiently or effectively but we can’t seem to stop.

10.      We crave positive feedback and never feel good enough.

11.      We compare our careers with others.

12.      We feel guilty about our miserable lack of progress. There must be something more we can do.

13.      We live with stress.

Once we realize we have a problem, what can we do to eliminate the negative traits and turn them into positive attributes? The following are ways to stop pedaling on the performance cycle treadmill:

1.          Make a list of all the tasks we do well.

2.          Schedule time to rest and relax.

3.          Establish realistic goals that fit our personality.

4.          Understand our strengths and weaknesses. Strive to improve but don’t obsess. 

5.          Reward ourselves for a job well done.

6.          Turn off the computer and refuse to work 16 hours a day.

7.          Accept who we are as writers. No one works exactly the same way, at the same time, or achieves success in the same manner.

8.          Define who we are by our faith in God, not by the world’s definition.

9.          Give back to others either in a writer’s group or mentoring.

10.      Take responsibility for our actions and learn from them.

11.      Embrace challenges as a positive, not a personal war.

Although I strive to incorporate these items into my daily routine, I struggle too. We’re human. When we find ourselves slipping into old habits, we shake off the problem areas and try again.

“There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible.” Mother Teresa

Writers are purpose-filled people who want to share carefully formed words with the world in hopes of making it a better place to live. But don’t let the accolades or lack of rule your life.

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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her latest book, Burden of Proof has released. 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. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014. 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 Mountainside Marketing Conference 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 Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed atwww.diannmills.com.

Writing Authentic and Accurate Law Enforcement

By DiAnn Mills

Some writers of suspense and crime fiction believe TV shows and movies provide accurate representation for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Unless a professional is hired to assist the script and scene, the depictions on the screen are designed to entertain and move the story along, and may miss correct protocol.

Writers, this means the professionals want to help us create realistic stories about their critical roles.

While we enjoy the peace of mind of having a trained person carry a weapon and keep us safe, we also have the responsibility of supporting the courageous people who put their lives on the line for us. They can’t do their job alone. For this partnership to work, law enforcement agencies seek to educate the community on the how and why of their unique positions. They offer programs and immerse themselves into neighborhoods to listen to the needs of others.

Procedure, laws, jurisdiction, and terminology differ according to the agency. So how does a writer ensure a story’s research is factual?

The answer is to contact the law enforcement agency directly. Most all agencies have a media specialist or public relations person assigned to answer questions. When I began writing suspense, I had to move from my introverted self to an extrovert and make a few phone calls. I kept telling myself that the person on the other end of the phone could only say no. What I discovered is just the opposite! Just like I enjoyed talking about my life as a writer, I found the law enforcement agency representatives were excited to talk about their chosen profession.

Here are a few tips to help you reach out for the correct information:

1.          Establish what law enforcement agency will be featured in your book—local, state, or federal.

2.          Prepare questions for an interview. A writer wants to know what the person likes about his/her job, dislikes, a typical day, how the job affects personal life, hobbies, what the person does for fun, and the list goes on. If you have a characterization sketch, look at those prompts as guidelines to prepare the interview.

3.          Contact the agency and introduce yourself. Ask to speak to the public relations person. Explain what you need and schedule a physical, phone, or email Q&A. Thank the person.

4.          If the writer is fortunate to have a face-to-face with the expert, take the time to get to know the person. Many traits of our heroes and heroines rise from these conversations. Listen to how the person talks and the words used.

Many law enforcement agencies in bigger cities offer citizens programs to those who desire to help be liaisons between the agency and the community. Those involved in citizens outreach programs influence their own circle of people. The classes are approximately 6 to 8 weeks long with regular meetings to keep those in the program informed, educated—and have fun.

Understand some agencies can’t provide us with details due to the sensitive nature of their work. The following law enforcement agencies are known for their citizens programs and there may be more:

1.          Citizens Police Academy

2.          FBI Citizens Academy

3.          DEA Citizens Academy

4.          U.S. Marshals Service Citizens Academy

5.          State Highway Patrol Citizens Academy

6.          ICE Citizens Academy

Writers, step out of your comfort zone and search for the information to ensure your story is rich with facts.

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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. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014. 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 Mountainside Marketing Conference 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 Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Lighting a Fire to Your Writing Career

By DiAnn Mills

When writers realize the embers of their careers are dying, stomping out the few remaining flames is not the answer. Instead, effective writers look for new ways to promote themselves that explodes with ingenuity and creativity.

Is your career on the verge of smoldering? Try adding a spark to your marketing and promotion plan with these ideas.

1.   Brainstorm with other writers about your brand and marketing and promotion efforts. I could write several blogs on this topic. In short, brainstorming is the best method I know to expand creativity from the writing process to branding and promotion.

2.   A new professional photo. Invest in a good photographer who will not only create a great new look for media but will also snap a few candid and fun pics that can be used for social networking.

3.   Update your website. Now may be the time to consider an exciting design that uses your brand as the focus. Your website is your calling card. It must reflect you, your writing, and your uniqueness.

4.   Author bio. A writer uses his/her flair for words to enhance a bio that draws readers into your world. Make it personal and professional. Also, develop a shorter version for those times when media has space for two or three sentences.

5.   If you’re social media networking includes only Facebook or Twitter, stretch yourself. Dive into the advantages of Goodreads where a writer can communicate with readers. Take the time to read all the benefits of Goodreads for writers. Pinterest is addictive, and the many uses of images in marketing and promotion are endless. Don’t limit yourself! Are podcasts in your future?

6.   Use Buffer or Hootsuite to organize and simplify your social media posts. This relieves the stress of watching the clock and questioning when followers are online. Analytics provide information critical to posting and content. Other methods are available, but these are my favorites. https://bufferapp.com https://hootsuite.com. 

7.   Is blogging a part of your plan? A successful writer understands a blog is only as good as the subject matter and how the material is presented. This is not about you but what you can offer to readers with your expertise. Use images and make it fun.

8.   Commit to reading blogs and books about marketing and promotion for writers in your genre.

9.   Are you taking care of yourself physically? A writer who’s not healthy or regularly exercising can’t expect the brain and heart to engage to maximum potential.

10.  Are you ensuring each book is written better than the previous one? Are writing challenges met with determination by studying the craft, deepening skills, and evaluating your own work?

11.  Prayer. This should be first. Seek God’s guidance for ways to glorify Him as we seek to entertain, inspire, and encourage readers.

Perhaps one of these eleven ideas have motivated you to add fire to your writing career. Determine today to light a match to one of them. 

How are you igniting a fire in your writing?

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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; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 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.