By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

The art of helping other writers is a dual gift to the seasoned and serious writer. Both benefit from the enrichment. I’ve learned much from the beginning writer, and I hope I’ve passed on a few solid tips while growing into a better writer and child of God.

When God called me to write, He wanted me to give back to serious writers. Over the twenty-five plus years of publishing, I’ve learned the following about helping other writers find their niche, learn the craft, build a platform, remember the One who called them to write, and offer encouragement to every writer on every level.

Those who offer assistance and the recipient recognize the process is from the heart.

The serious writer:

1. Focuses on their relationship with God above all things.
2. Understands creativity is one of the ways we are created in the image of God.
3. Grows spiritually and mentally.
4. Accepts the process of learning takes time, effort, and sometimes a monetary investment in how-to books and writing conferences.
5. Achieves success when they work hard to reach their dreams and goals.
6. Pays the process forward by assisting other serious writers.
7. Participates in writing and critique groups, either online or in person.
8. Establishes priorities and boundaries that are God-centered.
9. Places their family above writing.
10. Praises God through publication and rejection.
11. Learns at their own pace through the mentor/coach’s patience and generosity.

The seasoned writer:

1. Believes mentoring/coaching is a form of ministry and an act of worship.
2. Achieves tremendous satisfaction for their effort.
3. Develops lasting friendships.
4. Finds joy when the writer is published or receives awards.
5. Enjoys unexpected blessings in every part of their life and knows the source.
6. Learns with the serious writer.
7. Improves their skills and welcomes the challenges.
8. Practices transparency.
9. Regards truth above all things.
10. Demonstrates approachability.
11. Prioritizes their relationship with God above all things.

The art of helping writers in any capacity of the publishing journey is a blessing to everyone involved. How are you offering your expertise to other writers?

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, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. 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