How
vested are you in your writing goals?
Some
writers view their work as a hobby. If it works and they sell, great. If the
market rejects their writing, no problem. Nothing’s vested for them. They can always
try something new.
Some
writers are afraid to grasp onto their dreams. They are commonly referred to as
closet-writers. If they fail, they haven’t
lost anything. Or have they?
Other
writers are doggedly determined to make it. Doesn’t matter how long it takes to learn
the craft. Doesn’t matter how many rejections. Doesn’t matter how many rewrites. Doesn’t matter the intricate nuances of
marketing and promotion. They are persistent. Just try to tell them they
don’t have what it takes to succeed, and
their tenacity raises another notch. Those are my kind of writers. Because I’m one of them.
I
believe the cost of doing everything to reach writing goals far outweighs the
cost of doing nothing. Failure is not an option.
Below
is a acronym for tenacity. Take a look. Can you incorporate these tips into
your writing life?
T is for
Thick Skin. A writer needs rhino skin to survive the publishing world. We
must learn the craft, a continuing process. We toughen up to accept
constructive criticism and move forward to write a quality story that honors
God and entertains the reader.
E
is for Entertain.
Whether plot driven or character driven, story’s foremost purpose is to entertain
the reader with unforgettable characters and a unique plot. Stretch yourself to
create a memorable experience.
N
is for Never Give Up. When a critique points out flaws
and weaknesses in our manuscript; or when a friend or family member believes
you’re wasting your time; or when an
agent or editor rejects a manuscript; it’s
easy to walk away. But a successful writer never gives up. I treasure Winston
Churchill’s statement, “Never, never, never give up.” I also value his quote, “If
you’re going through hell, keep going.” In fact, that is how we writers often
feel when we’re struggling with our stories.
A is for Active. An active writer understands her
career is not spent behind a desk. She
becomes involved in a writer’s group
and attends writer conferences. Networking within the industry is necessary for
professional contacts and friendships. An active writer keeps her body in
shape. An unhealthy body means an unhealthy mind, and that means creativity
crashes.
C
is for Characters. Characters are the lifeblood of a
novel. Their roles live in the hearts of our readers. We have a responsibility
to fully develop our characters physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
Characters reveal themselves in every aspect of our novels, so the reader never
forgets them.
I
is for Inspire. One
of our goals is to inspire readers to grow and change, and become better
people. We accomplish this by showing a character who walked through fire and
survived. We want readers to be inspired by our stories and discover ways for
them to live triumphantly
T
is for Truth. Story is a vehicle to show truth. It’s revealed in our premise and theme,
surfacing in our protagonists attitudes and motivation. God may not be
mentioned in our novels, but His truth reigns in characterization and plot.
Y
is for You. Each writer has been given a gift.
The writer can choose to ignore it, play with it, give it back, or develop the
gift into a beautiful story. I can’t do it
for you. It’s your seed to nurture and grow.
Tenacity.
What does it mean to you? Can you grip it firmly and never let go? What keeps you determined to reach
your publishing goals?
GIVEAWAY! DiAnn is generously giving away a signed copy of Deadlock! Let us know in the comments if you'd like to be entered.
GIVEAWAY! DiAnn is generously giving away a signed copy of Deadlock! Let us know in the comments if you'd like to be entered.
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; the 2015 president of the Romance
Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced
Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She
speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 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.
Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder?
That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book.
When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.
That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book.
When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.
