by DiAnn Mills @diannmills Characters, like people, need a place to escape tension, stress, and conflict when life’s challenges threaten to steal their optimism. A writer uses a character’s happy spot to add a slice of real life to a three-dimensional character. The character knows where this place is and…

by DiAnn Mills @diannmills A novel’s first page is critical to the success of a successful novel. Here, the writer must hook the reader into the story by doing the following: Establish genre Introduce a sympathetic character. Initiate a bond between the protagonist and the reader. Build a setting. Create…

by DiAnn Mills @diannmills Writing is a series of keep on keeping on. Our minds are geared toward the latest project while balancing social media and staying up to date on the craft and changes in the publishing industry. We waken at 3 a.m. with a forgotten deadline looming over…

by DiAnn Mills     @diannmills Today launches the Blue Ridge Writer Connections’ second Teachable Video Course: Characterization - The Key to Great Novel Writing. This is part of the BRMCWC leadership team’s commitment to enhance writer skills throughout the year. [tweet_box design="default" float="none" inject="@BRMCWC @DiAnnMills #writerstip #writing"]Characterization - The Key to…

by DiAnn Mills     @diannmills Remember the children’s story Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina about the peddler who wore so many hats? This delightful story reminds me of writers and all the hats we wear. Maybe you haven’t considered a writer’s varied roles, so let me remind you. [tweet_box design="default"…

[tweet_box design="default" float="none" inject="- #writing #writerslife"]And the winners in the @BRMCWC contests are...[/tweet_box] The 2018 Selah Awards Finalist Listed Alphabetically by Book Title Children’s Picture BooksDoes God Take Naps by Crystal Bowman & Teri McKinley Tyndale Kids Sarah Rubio, Editor Ann Byle, Agent I Love you the Mostest by Michelle…