By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Today is October 18, National Chocolate Cupcake Day. Is your mouth watering? Before you grab your car keys and speed off to the nearest bakery, I want to talk about how we writers can market and promote like the creators of this tasty-treat day.

Writers want their books to be mouth-watering and delicious. Can’t put them down. Need another one by this writer. So let’s compare our goals with those who bake these scrumptiously delicious chocolate cupcakes.

We start with the best ingredients.

Writers use their talent to create stories and nonfiction books based on knowledge, personal experience, creativity, and a passion for the project. No generic flour, sugar, cocoa, or imitation margarine when only the finest will do. The best reviews begin with the best ingredients.

We follow the recipe.

Writers don’t dump their story onto the page and expect the ingredients to mix into a fabulous read without beating them into a smooth batter. We study the guidelines for our genre, practice by writing a million words before one is right, edit, edit, and edit some more. We learn the craft and follow what bestseller writers recommend.

We bake at the right temperature.

Writers understand the process takes time. If we rush the writing, the book will be rejected. If we stress and obsess over the book, all we do is make changes without making the project better. Writers understand sometimes we need help for our project to be a success.

We serve our goodies warm.

Oh, yes, we want our readers to enjoy the freshness of a well-done project. The sweetness is evident in every line.

We share our treats with others.

Social media is an outstanding way for writers to promote their work. Establish a goal, timeline, best blog opportunities, how to meet reader needs, and then follow through sharing our lip-smacking creation with the world.

Don’t skimp with the ingredients. Follow the recipe. Bake at the appropriate temperature. Serve warm. Share.

What about you? How do you compare novel writing to baking a delicious chocolate cupcake?

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.