By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Every writer has a story. Some of the behind-the-scenes events strike a gallant pose of purpose and education and inspiration, while others are mediocre in the uphill climb to the mountain called Publishedville. We all have a journey to take for our dreams to see reality.

I wrote my first book in second grade. The story was a western, and every chapter ended with the hero riding off in the west. Are you surprised? The story filled a Big Chief writing pad, and all my little friends assured me it would be a success. I also wrote scads of poetry that I hid. Actually the older I became, the more I hid my stories and poetry.

Many years later, I still struggled with wanting to write a book, but I didn’t have the self-confidence (guts) to simply begin. I’d sensed a calling for years, and understood God wanted me to write fiction. The urging was strong, but I feared every aspect of the writing process. So I dreamed about writing and conjured up stories in my head and make the infamous claim of “someday I’m going to write a book.” How sad it is to hold onto a dream, know it is from God, and yet have too many fears and doubts to take a leap of faith.

One day, my husband said, “Stop telling me that someday you’re going to write a book. Just do it! Quit your job and see what you can do. I give you one year.”

I’ve never been one who could turn my back on a challenge. My personality defies anyone who tells me I can’t do something. So I took him up on his dare and began gathering the tools needed to learn the art of writing. This was my new full-time job.

• I read the books about the craft, underlining those things  I wanted to emulate and remember.
• I read novels by authors I admired and respected in the genre in which I wanted to write.
• I joined writing groups and participated in discussions and critiques, and I attended writing conferences.

And I wrote every day—whether I felt like it or not. I prayed for guidance, wisdom, and to overcome my fears. Note the number of “I’s” in this list. That’s because I had to be the one to do the work with an understanding God would work through me. I had to be the one willing to make sacrifices to reach publication.

Determination is a required characteristic.

In the first year, I sold magazine articles, short stories, and devotions while working on my first novel: a historical romance. My first published piece was sold to Mature Living about my dad’s pet robin in the hills of Kentucky during the depression. Two years after the “challenge,” the historical novel was released, and I didn’t go back to my old job.

A writer’s mind is always full of story ideas.

I’ve attempted to see a pattern of publication, something I could pass on to new writers. But the climb isn’t a step-by-step career ladder. It’s a constant striving to improve skills. For those beginning their writing ministry—and it is a ministry—I recommend diligence and give your best. I believe I’ve been blessed with publication because of a deep-rooted belief that I should help other serious writers improve their skills. Whatever I discover or learn means nothing unless I pass on the information—a pay-it-forward mindset.

All the stories have been written. It’s up to the writer to develop the craft and shape the story into something beautiful and lasting.

How do you grow in your writing skills?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an 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. 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, Suspense Sister, 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. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is 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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