10 Myths about Marketing Your Book by DiAnn Mills | Guest Post

Excited to have the lovely DiAnn Mills on the blog today! I've met DiAnn in person a few times at conferences and she's been a frequent guest on my blog. I love when she shares about her books here, but she's got something different for us today. This month we'll be taking a closer look at book marketing and this post is perfect for this. Join in as DiAnn shares about 10 myths we commonly hear about marketing your book. 

Does Description Matter in Fiction? by DiAnn Mills | Guest Post

Some writers languish over description and create lengthy narratives to enhance their novels. Their readers enjoy passages rich with prose. Their pleasure is intensified in the details—the special features, characterization, and attributes of plot and setting.

Other writers offer enough description for readers to create their own story world. These readers value being part of the adventure. Too much narrative spoils their experience. The few areas featuring details allow readers to use their imaginations, as though they are a part of the writing process.

No matter a writer’s preference of writing style, common guidelines apply to all great novels. Descriptions must reflect character, genre, plot, emotion, and setting. These nuggets are to be shown throughout the story in ways that demonstrate the writer’s voice and style.

A polished writer searches for nouns and verbs to pack a punch. They aren’t afraid to add an adjective if it enhances the story.

A devoted writer labors to reflect intimate knowledge of the characters, plot, and setting.

A diligent writer ensures every word is necessary or deleted.

An enthusiastic writer pays close attention to sensory perception, symbolism, and point of view. Each character approaches the story world with their own unique perspective.

The entire process of acquiring research for how details are handled means lots of time and hard work for the writer.

Description is organic, a harmonious weaving of words that is seamless.

Insight into the building blocks of story pave the way for description.

Characterization
A writer knows and understands her character to the best of her ability before typing the first word. A discovery time begins as the character becomes more real during the writing process. Details about the character’s personality, background, culture, emotion, education, religious beliefs, and a list of other unique traits. Look for the oddity in the character, the idiosyncrasy, the one thing defining the character from all others.


Genre
Each genre contains elements setting it apart from all the others. Those distinctions are the details to include in the story. For example, romance novels engage the feelings of the hero and the heroine in language that uses soft consonants, bantering, and deep feelings. Suspense novels uses hard consonants to evoke tension, confrontation, and harshness. Fantasy novels often contain unusual cultures and language to build on a story world. Writers study and continue to read in their genre to master techniques.

Plot
Every story has a plot. But the plot in a romance, historical, fantasy, suspense, thriller, western, mystery, etc are all different. The goal of the story may be to solve a crime, win the girl, or stop a killer from destroying the world. The method of description corresponds to the type of story.

Setting
Where a scene takes place is an area too many writers fail to see the opportunity to move a story ahead. Describe the setting as though it were an antagonist—attractive, alluring, and then have it turn on the character.

Emotion
Emotion is why a reader turns pages. It represents passion while in the midst of initiating and responding to life. Conflict in emotions is what every person endures, and it’s vital to the impact a story has for the reader.

Description does matter in fiction, not as an engine-additive but as a power-booster to the success of an unforgettable novel.

How do you approach description?

__________
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

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, Sisters in Crime, 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 where she 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 any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Deep Extraction
by DiAnn Mills

A pacemaker should have saved oil and gas magnate Nathan Moore’s life. Instead, it provided his killer with a seemingly perfect means of execution.

A bombing at one of Nathan’s oil rigs days earlier indicates his death could be part of a bigger conspiracy, a web Special Agent Tori Templeton must untangle. But her first order of business is separating the personal from the professional―the victim’s wife, her best friend, is one of the FBI’s prime suspects.

Clearing Sally’s name may be the biggest challenge of her career, but Tori finds an unexpected ally in the newest member of the task force, recently reinstated Deputy US Marshal Cole Jeffers. As Tori and Cole dig deeper into Nathan’s personal and business affairs, they uncover more than they bargained for. And the closer they get to finding the real killer―and to each other―the more intent someone is on silencing them for good.

Purchase: Deep Extraction

DiAnn Mills {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about DiAnn...


DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. 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. Connect with DiAnn here: www.diannmills.com

Connect with DiAnn...

Website: www.diannmillscom 
Blog: http://www.diannmills.com/articles/ 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81639.DiAnn_Mills 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills 
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills

Get to know DiAnn...

You and Writing 

How did you start writing?
My husband dared me to write a book, and I took him up on the challenge! Right from the start, I looked at writing as a full-time job.

What has kept you writing?
The call of God to write for Him. Also the thrill of creating story.

What or who is the biggest influence in your writing?
My husband. He is my cheerleader and my nightmare editor. :) Always supports and encourages me. We view my writing as a ministry.

Why do you write?
I cannot not write. It’s a passion and a calling. We all are living a story. I’m simply recording them.

Your Writing

Why are you/did you write it?
Deep Extraction came from the knowledge that heroes and heroines suffer from their own inner demons. While fighting to keep the world safe, they must also deal with opposing inner struggles. I was also intrigued by how easily a pacemaker could be hacked.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
Special Agent Tori Templeton. She’s real. Feminine. Strong. Not afraid to battle opposition.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
We all search for our purpose, the one thing God created us to accomplish with His help.

What’s the theme? How did you come up with it?
Tragedies can make or break us. The story deals with how family and friends health with the murder of a man. All suffered and responded in different ways. Just like us.

What was a challenge you faced while writing it?
Keeping the real villain secret until the end.

What did you learn while writing it?
The symptoms and levels of those suffering with MS.

Is there a funny story associated with writing the book?
I talked to a US Marshal who gave me the differences between the FBI and the Marshals. He was funny and real. “Our training is gladiator school.”

Was there a passage of scripture you came across or used while writing it that you’d like to share? Psalm 1:1-4

Did you get to do any fun research for the book?
I’d say my new friend at the US Marshals.

We're your characters easy to pin down or did you discover them along the way as you wrote the book?
Both. I don’t write from an outline, but I have to know my characters before I begin. For me, this is a lengthy process and so worth it. A writer never really knows how a character will act or respond until dumped into a vat of boiling oil

What made you choose the setting for the book?
Houston! Home! I can walk where my characters walk.

What's the most random thing you had to Google for the story?
Fracking. Learned about the pros and cons.

What was one thing (or character) that surprised you while writing this book?
The depths of my villain’s selfishness.

What’s your favorite snack while writing?
Black coffee and peanut butter pretzels.

Writing

How long did you write before you got published?
Six months before my first article was published. Eighteen months before my first book. I know; I’m blessed.

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”?
Keep studying the craft. Send the money to learn from the best. Read. Read. Read.

How many rejection letters did you get before being accepted by a publisher?
For my first book . . . I think five.

Are you a Panster or Plotter?
Both :) I have a few ideas about critical scenes, and I must know my characters.

What does your writing process look like?
I begin the day with God, then write for an hour or so before breakfast. I’m a morning writer. The afternoons are for social media, marketing, and branding.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing process?
I don’t have one! I really enjoy the whole process.

How long did it take to publish your first book?
Eighteen months

What did you learn along the path to publishing that you’d care to share as encouragement?
Don’t give up. Keep growing in the craft - and social media

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
Life. Everywhere I go, and everywhere I look. Media stories. Family. Friendships. We are all living our own story.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
Study and learn the craft while building a social media platform. And read, read, read.

Are there any books or resources you could recommend to younger writers looking to grow in their craft?
A bunch!

• Donald Maass has excellent craft books. His workshops and seminars are excellent. I never pass up a chance to learn from him.

• Steven James has two books on the craft: Trouble Shooting Your Novel and Story Trumps Structure.

• Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi have a fabulous series of writing books. I highly recommend The Emotion Thesaurus

http://writershelpingwriters.net
www.livewritethrive.com
www.blueridgeconference.com
http://writerunboxed.com/
https://janefriedman.com/

• Blue Ridge Conference

• ACFW

How do you grow in your writing craft?
Read and study the craft and social media. Read continuously. I’m sounding like a broken record here, but it’s true.

How do you balance your writing life with “real” life?
Any tips or tricks to share? The key is balance. Establish your priorities then schedule your time. Covet the time you give to priorities.

You

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?
No. But a contemporary Christian radio station (KSBJ) plays constantly throughout the day.

What is your favorite season and why?
Fall! Love the change of seasons, the color, and the expectancy of the holidays.

What is your favorite genre to read? Why do you enjoy it?
Romantic Suspense! Life is dangerous, and I want to read and write about courageous people who help keep us safe - and fall in love.

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Mary Ellis & DiAnn Mills | New Novel News

Sunset In Old Savannah
by Mary Ellis

Published: April 1, 2017
Publisher: Harvest House
Purchase: Sunset In Old Savannah

In Sunset in Old Savannah, everyone has something to hide. Investigative partners and best friends Michael Preston and Elizabeth Kirby are hired by a wealthy socialite to do surveillance on her wayward husband. When the husband turns up dead, the socialite becomes the police’s chief suspect. Mike and Beth must follow the clues through the historic town with more secrets than branches of moss-draped oaks. The duo uncovers a hodgepodge of potential murderers, including a scheming business partner, a resentful mistress, and a ne'er-do-well brother. As praise of their agency gets around, Mike and Beth must hire investigator Kaitlyn Webb to ease the workload. But will ghosts of Kate’s past threaten everyone's safety before a killer can be put behind bars?

Get to know Mary...

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? 
When we were first married, we traveled up to the Georgian Bay in Canada, about 300 miles north of Toronto. We stayed at the Saga Lodge. Picture the lodge in the movie, Dirty Dancing, and that’s what it was like (minus all the dancing). All meals and activities were included for the week. Although the lodge was far from romantic, somehow that vacation turned out to be incredibly romantic. When my husband retires next year, we’re heading back there. I’ll bet the place has changed, no?

Favorite dessert? 
My favorite dessert is ice cream topped with fresh fruit topped with whipped cream. Oh, my, I could eat that every day!

What's one chore you hate doing? 
I hate scrubbing out the shower. Since we have well water, we end up with orange stains on the fiberglass enclosure even if we wipe down after every shower. It takes strong solvents and serious elbow-grease to get the “orange” off. Two years ago my husband took over the chore, and I am so grateful.

Connect with Mary on her website: http://maryellis.net/ 

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Deep Extraction
by DiAnn Mills

Published: April 4, 2017
Publisher: Tyndale House
Purchase: Deep Extraction


A pacemaker should have saved oil and gas magnate Nathan Moore’s life. Instead, it provided his killer with a seemingly perfect means of execution.

A bombing at one of Nathan’s oil rigs days earlier indicates his death could be part of a bigger conspiracy, a web Special Agent Tori Templeton must untangle. But her first order of business is separating the personal from the professional—the victim’s wife, her best friend, is one of the FBI’s prime suspects.

Clearing Sally’s name may be the biggest challenge of her career, but Tori finds an unexpected ally in the newest member of the task force, recently reinstated Deputy US Marshal Cole Jeffers. As Tori and Cole dig deeper into Nathan’s personal and business affairs, they uncover more than they bargained for. And the closer they get to finding the real killer—and to each other—the more intent someone is on silencing them for good.

Get to know DiAnn...

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters? 

Rachel McAdams as FBI Special Agent Tori Templeton

Travis Van Winkle as US Marshal Cole Jeffers

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past?
Definitely the future. I want to experience new technology and explore the world.

What’s one thing you must have/do in the morning?
Other than my quiet time with the Lord, it’s the treadmill. I prop my laptop onto it. Tug into a pair of gloves to protect my wrists. And write away while exercising.

Connect with DiAnn on her website:  www.diannmills.com

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DiAnn Mills | Spread the Christmas Joy

Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child

Christmas makes children out of all of us. Actually, writers are kids who failed to get the memo that it was time to color between the lines. We write and worship during this season with the same enthusiasm as a child.

I remember the Christmas I was three years old. The vivid accounting could not possibly be true—or could it?

As a lively three-year-old, I often woke during the night for a drink of orange juice. My parents soon learned to keep a small glass in the refrigerator.

On Christmas Eve, I woke to make the trek to the refrigerator for my OJ. The lights from the tree lit a pathway across the living room to the kitchen causing the darkness not to be so ominous. I remembered Santa was coming and quickly drank my juice then set the empty glass back inside the fridge.

On the way to my snug and warm bed, I passed by the Christmas tree. Oh, how I loved the twinkling lights, mesmerized by their quiet beauty. Still do. They remind me of the star that guided the wise men to the baby Jesus. I paused in front of a large window to gaze up at the starlit sky. To my amazement, Santa in his red and gold sleigh led by eight reindeer flew high above me.

My little heart pounded, and I raced back to bed for fear Santa would stop at my house and find me awake. The next morning, I scrambled from my bed to make sure he’d brought my toys. To my joy, the toys I’d dreamed about were under the tree.

A child’s imagination for a future writer? Or a magical happening to a wee child?

This Christmas explore the season filled with wonder. Take time to journal what this special day means to you. Perhaps it will be a birth of renewed commitment to God and the special gift of writing that He’s given you.

Be blessed!

____________

-->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.            

*Giveaway* 

DiAnn has graciously offered up a copy of Deadly Encounter.

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16

           

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DiAnn Mills {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about DiAnn...

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

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, Sisters in Crime, 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 where she 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 any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Connect with DiAnn...

Website: www.diannmills.com
Blog: http://www.diannmills.com/articles/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81639.DiAnn_Mills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
Purchase: Deadly Encounter

Get to know DiAnn...

You and Writing 

 
My bio says that I want readers to Expect an Adventure. This is my personal challenge to take readers to a place physically, mentally, and spiritually where they’ve never been. If I want readers to experience my character’s victories, trials, joys, and defeats then I must do the same. Story is my God-given purpose, and I view it as a ministry.
How did you start writing? 
My husband dared me! “Stop telling me one day you’re going to write a book. Do it now. Quit your job. I give you one year to get anything published.”

What has kept you writing? 
The joy of story written from a Christian worldview.

What or who is the biggest influence in your writing? 
My husband. He’s my best cheerleader.

Why do you write? 
Because I cannot not write. God gave me the gift, and I will honor Him.

Your Writing

Why did you write it?
A good friend of mine is an airport volunteer here in Houston. This group patrols the outer perimeter of IAH on horseback and reports any incidents to the police. She is also a huge dog lover. I wanted to show a real heroine who had the strength to overcome a huge obstacle - in my city.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why? 
Stacy, the heroine. She’s stronger than she believes, and when faced with tragedies, she chooses to be a survivor.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? 
Life and circumstances do not dictate the person. We all have choices.

What was a challenge you faced while writing it?
Learning about canine diseases and linking them with a genetically engineered technique.

What did you learn while writing it?
All about the Airport Rangers, their mission, training, and dedicated volunteers.

Is there a funny story associated with writing the book?
Yes! I’m petrified of dogs.

We're your characters easy to pin down or did you discover them along the way as you wrote the book?
I do extensive characterization before beginning the writing process, but I always learn so much more while writing.

What made you choose the setting for the book?
My city - Houston. We are the 4th largest city in the nation. A lot goes on here, good and not so good. I want to show real people in the midst of keeping others safe.

What's the most random thing you had to Google for the story?
The various ways drones are used.

What was one thing (or character) that surprised you while writing this book?
Whitt, the twelve-year-old boy that Stacy is attempting to gain custody. I didn’t realize how much he loved her.

What’s your favorite snack while writing?
Black coffee and a handful of peanut butter pretzels.

Writing 

How long did you write before you got published? 
Six months before a devotion was published. My first book was published fifteen months after I finished it.

What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”?
Never stop learning and to pass on what is learned to another serious writer. The blessings are incredible.

How many rejection letters did you get before being accepted by a publisher?
I’m trying to think - probably eight or ten.

Are you a Panster or Plotter?
I’m both! I have a few critical scenes that will make the story shiver, but how I get there is a thrilling ride.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing process?
I enjoy every part of the creating a story: pre-writing, plotting, beginning the story, the continuous editing, right on to feedback from my publisher. Every moment spent means a better book, and that’s my goal.

How long did it take to publish your first book?
A total of nearly two years. I started submitting before it was finished.

What did you learn along the path to publishing that you’d care to share as encouragement?
Listen and stay atop the publishing industry. Changes happen on a daily basis.

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
Everywhere! Dreams, movies, media, listening to others, etc. 

Are there any books or resources you could recommend to younger writers looking to grow in their craft?
Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook. James Scott Bell, Plot and Structure. Steven James, Story Trumps Structure.

How do you grow in your writing craft?
By devoting time daily to reading the how-to books, blogs, and the bestsellers in my genre.

How do you balance your writing life with “real” life? Any tips or tricks to share?
It’s all about priorities: God, spouse, family, friends, and writing.

You

Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
I’ve attended more writing conferences than I can count. These are my favorite in the order I remember since I started writing seriously in 1996:

• Wheaton Write to Publish 
• Mount Hermon 
• Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference 
• ACFW National Conference

Apparently August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (who knew). What is your favorite dessert? 
Without a doubt! Apple Crumb Pie - flaky crust, lots of cinnamon, and served warm with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t forget a freshly brewed cup of black coffee.

What are you currently reading? 
The Last Mile by David Baldacci

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