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By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

What does commitment to learning the craft of writing mean to you? Do any of the traits below apply to your writing life?

1. A dedication to acquiring new writing skills. 
2. A continuous striving for more readers. 
3. A push to master marketing and promotion. 
4. Adhering to a specific word count during concentrated time.
5. Attending writing conferences.
6. Involvement in a writer’s group.
7. The practice of reading bestsellers.

Does commitment to learning the craft mean exploring one or more of these? The seven items above are all learning opportunities to incorporate those things and more according to our time, talents, and abilities. Writing isn’t an easy task, and to succeed, a writer incorporates discipline and purpose. 

Learning and applying the techniques that work for us daily isn’t easy—it takes time and a plan. No matter what field or specialty a person undertakes, keeping up to date is a part of their career if they want to succeed. Writing is no exception. Is the commitment the same for everyone?

Passion, Discipline, and the Long Road to Better Writing by @DiannMills on @BRMCWC #Writing #Writinglife #BRMCWC Share on X

I encourage writers to create a mission statement that states their goals, values, and how to proceed with hard work and integrity. Consider including “passion.” We’ve all heard, “I’m passionate about my book.” The definition of passion includes something we would die for.  A bit strong, I agree. But if faced with physical, psychological, or professional death, would we give up our writing? Something worth us to think about. Our writing is a calling but maybe not in this season of our lives.

What tips can we use to masterfully achieve our writing goals?

1. Examine our mission statement and set aside time to write, learn, and give back to other writers. Many of us have day jobs and family responsibilities that have priority.
2. Within the allotted time, learning how to improve our craft and staying updated on the latest trends in the publishing and marketing world is critical. This can be accomplished through blogs, how-to books, face-to-face groups, online workshops, and in-person or online writing conferences.
3. Find social media platform (platforms) that feel comfortable and develop your following. Understand the platform and how it’s different from others. Follow favorite authors, comment, and through steady practice, we find our voice. Some social media platforms draw in specific genres. Study to see if you are a good fit. Post regularly. When we provide information and resources to other writers, readers, and followers, we are giving back, enhancing their lives with useful information—even humor. Social media isn’t about us but our followers. When we jump onto a platform to just sell our writing, the all-about-me syndrome is revealed. 
4. Discipline is key. We have a job to do, and the journey has lots of twists and turns.
5. Read. Read. Read. One of my sons learned to read at age four by sounding out words on the back of a Cheerios box.
6. Determine to help a serious writer(s) who needs mentoring. This could be participation in an online or face-to-face writing group. This ensures the quality of the next generation of writers. 
7. Repeat.

“Whether you’re an unpublished novelist or a sixteen-time New York Times bestselling author, you can always improve your craft. You can always become a better writer.” Robert DugoniCommitment to learning the craft of writing requires determination, but we also need to accept what we can do according to our lifestyle. Our commitment is a striving to achieve o

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn, or her website: diannmills.com.