By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Emulating writers whose careers have soared into bestselling status provides us with amazing role models. We look for a road map with precise steps and no detours to accomplish the same goals. But every writer is different, and the destination isn’t always achieved the same way.

We can succeed like writers who inspire us. It’s a matter of determining the practices that best fit our personalities. The following is what I feel makes a notable difference in a writer’s career.

1. Begin every day with God.
   He knows where we’re supposed to be and how to get there. Fuel your heart and mind with God before engaging in the writing life.
2. Write five days a week.
   Commit to write on a regular basis. Find the time and stick to it. Establish a word count that is attainable. Sometimes a writer needs an accountability partner. If this is you, enlist the help of someone you respect.
3. Read. Read. Read
   Read the craft books.
   Read a marketing book.
   Read the bestsellers.
   Read in your genre.
   Repeat.
4. Stay active on social media.
   The appropriate platform is a writer’s main source of marketing, promotion, and branding. Research and develop your social media skills.
5. Be aware of the outside world.
   it’s impossible to write to heartfelt needs if we have no idea what is going on in our community, state, country, and world. Choose awareness. Take a daily detour to the media.

Five simple tasks can make the difference between a ho-hum writer who dabbles and dreams about writing success and a writer who practices the traits of bestselling writers.

Are you fueled up and ready to take the scenic route to publication?

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 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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