By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Every writer has a story. Some of the behind-the-scenes events strike a gallant pose of purpose, education, and inspiration, while others are mediocre in the laborious uphill climb to the city on the hill called Publishville. If I’d majored in creative writing in college and earned a MA or PhD that elevated me to best-seller potential, or if I had written for a prominent newspaper or magazine, or if I had been a journalist during a critical word-event, then I could see a prestigious journey toward novel publication. But that’s not how God mapped my journey.

I wrote my first book in second grade. The story was a western, and every chapter ended with the hero riding off into the western sunset. 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. In truth, I hid most of 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 even realized God wanted me to write fiction. The urging from God was strong, but I feared every part of the writing process. I did nothing except dream about writing, conjure 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 from God and have too many fears to take that leap of faith.

In 1996, 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 to get anything published.” 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 gathered the tools needed to learn the art of writing. This became my new full-time job. I read the craft books and underlined those things I wanted to emulate and remember. I read novels by authors I admired and respected in the genre I wanted to write.  I joined writing groups and participated in discussions and critiques, and I attended writing conferences. 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 that God would work through me. I had to be the one willing to pay the price, and I would be the one who, through the help of God, would reach publication.

Do you understand writer 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 magazine about my dad’s pet robin in the hills of Kentucky during the depression. Two years after the “challenge,” Barbour Publishing released my frst novel for their Heartsong Presents line. And I didn’t go back to my old job. 

Now I write romantic suspense. My mind is always full of story ideas.

At times, I attempt to see a pattern of publication, something I could pass on to new writers. But my rocky climb isn’t a step-by-step career ladder. Instead, it’s a constant striving to improve skills and to pass on what I learn to other writers. For those beginning their writing ministry—and it is a ministry—I recommend being diligent and approaching the process as a job. The Bible says to work as though working for the Lord, and that means giving our best. I believe in helping others improve their skills, a pay-it-forward mindset. 

It’s up to the writer to develop the craft and shape a story into something beautiful and lasting for readers to enjoy. On your journey, remember how you felt when you were struggling and needed answers and guidance. Encourage others and understand it’s all about glorifying God with our gifts and talents. 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling 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.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Nonfiction, Novelists, and Speakers with social media specialist Edie Melson. DiAnn 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, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn or her website: diannmills.com