A monthly column about craft with Houston’s DiAnn Mills<\/p>\n

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We writers thrive on our projects entering a theater of encouragement, an area in which readers react and respond\u2014we hope positively\u2014to what we\u2019ve written. In the true sense of the word, a theater uses a stage to present a real or fictionalized event to those who crave an emotional experience. Thus, our characters perform in our books (onstage) for our readers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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But how is this done in the world of publishing competition? Many writers desire to climb onto the same platform of success, and these writers are excellent in their genres. Too often we become discouraged and our discontent shows in our writing. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Perhaps our concern should be more on creating the best writing project for our reader instead of worrying about the competition. But achieving that attitude is sometimes difficult. If we are writing to pay the electric bill or fund a child\u2019s education, the stress can steal our joy and damage our ability to write well. What happened to creating an enjoyable read that paves the way for readers to embrace life?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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The answer lies in remembering our focus and why we took on the challenge of learning how to write and publish. What commendable props need to be onstage to ensure our personal and professional life reflects encouragement?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Acceptance<\/strong> of our purpose to communicate through the written word. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We are destined to entertain, inspire, encourage, teach, instruct, or share wisdom. We view our writing as a divine calling. We know family and friends may not support our writing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Awareness <\/strong>of the world around us.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We commit to keeping informed of what is going on in our communities and <\/span><\/span><\/span>around the globe. We seek to offer hope in an everchanging world. We refuse to isolate ourselves and ignore others\u2019 needs.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Determination<\/strong> to be involved continuously in sharpening our writing tools. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We learn. We write. We edit. We promote. Repeat. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Joy<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We purpose to find joy in our writing. We embrace our writing even in times when we aren\u2019t happy about rejections and edits. We delight in the success of other writers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Love<\/strong> for our craft means perfecting our manuscripts.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We are committed to submitting our best work. We aren\u2019t slackers when it comes to editing. We do the work to ensure our readers are thrilled.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Passion<\/strong> to create a writing project that originates in our hearts.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We allow the idea to enter our minds. We nourish the idea with the best way to present the project. We grow the manuscript into something we are proud to share.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Sacrifice<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We understand the time required to master our craft. We surrender our pride in order to write our best. We place priorities on our families before our writing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Servanthood<\/strong> to our readers. We write for our audience\u2019s benefit.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The writer seeks to discover the needs, wants, and desires of readers. The writer writes to those needs within his\/her genre. The writer doesn\u2019t shy away from reaching out to readers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Transparency<\/strong> to use our life experiences to benefit readers and writers. The writer <\/span><\/span><\/span>knows, accepts, and practices:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Our best writing comes from personal pain. Our worst writing happens when we refuse to address and find a solution for personal pain. Our life experiences lay the foundation to reach our writing goals.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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10. Willingness<\/strong> to give back to other writers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We are not in this world to achieve selfish goals. We become involved in writing groups. We practice helping a serious writer move forward in their publishing goals and dreams. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Take a look at your writing theater. Do your stage props reflect positive traits that offer encouragement to readers and other writers?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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