By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We writers can become so involved with our stories that we forget we’re writing to attract readers—not agents, editors, marketing and promotion types, or sales staff.

Entertainment is our aim,
And writing is our game.

There are 7.2 billion people in this world. We will never meet each person, but we have the opportunity to contact them and make a friend from anywhere. How amazing to reach others with a well-written story—to give and not to take. That’s a challenge, and one I welcome.

Where does a writer find sound ways to bring people under the umbrella of a reader . . . and a friend? Take a look at these 10 ways to attract readers.

1. A writer has to know why she is writing. Is it to satisfy a longing to create through words? To teach? Is it to relay deep moral truths through a powerful truth and realistic characters? Is it to entertain through vibrant and colorful characters? Is it to attempt what you’ve never done before? Or is it a combination of many things? A writer can’t touch a reader unless she has an understanding of why she’s driven to communicate through the written word.
2. What is the writer’s genre or focus? Knowing what to express opens the door to creating a powerful novel and finding readers who enjoy that type of story.
3. A quality writer uses easy to read language that doesn’t distract the reader by sending them to the dictionary.
4. An informed writer understands the value of sensory expression to place the reader into the reading experience.
5. A serious writer dives into social media and all it has to offer. Readers fall into various demographics according to age, culture, goals, wants, needs, gender, and personal preferences. Find the venue that best suits your style and type of writing. Use images that reflect you and your unique voice.
6. Where do readers dine, shop, vacation, and live? How can you appeal to them through their day to day activities? Step out from behind your computer and touch lives through your vibrant personality.
7. A mentally healthy writer believes transparency is vital. Be who you are, real and caring.
8. A writer considers speaking for promotion, but only if it’s something she is equipped and called to do. A speaker who believes in her message engages others to believe in her.
9. A writer reads not only in her genre or preference but also about the community and world around her.
10. Word of mouth is still the best way to reach others. Every friend who shares a writer’s mission will tell others.

Your gift of writing can touch a few or thousands. Make the effort to reach others with your special message. How do you want to make a positive impact on mankind?

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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