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The Dance of Character and Plot
When a writer steps onto the page of a novel, a dance of rhythm and beauty begins. The writer is inspired to create story, and that passion unfolds onto the pages of a vibrant novel. Do you have a burning passion to pen a novel but don't know where to begin? Have you been writing but your work still remains unpublished? Are you ready to take positive steps toward pursuing your dream of creating a polished novel? Look no further! The Dance of Character and Plot by award-winning author and writing coach DiAnn Mills will show you how to write a novel from idea to self-editing. This step-by-step instructional guide is packed with clear and concise information, examples of techniques, and fresh exercises to apply to your writing project. You'll learn how Create characters with distinct personalities Build the dynamics of setting Plot like a pro Understanding point of view Write sparkling dialogue And much more! Are you ready to stretch and begin The Dance of Character and Plot? “To write is to feel the dance of your soul swirling in a dream that drips imagination onto paper.” —DiAnn Mills
- GenresWritingNonfiction
186 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2013
9 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
DiAnn Mills
128 books1,975 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 27, 2013
Christy Award winner and writing mentor, DiAnn Mills, has written what I hope is the first of many books on the craft of writing. She brings her knowledge and expertise to a broader audience than she can reach in her mentoring classes.
Mrs. Mills has experienced what all beginning writers go through and pours her knowledge and encouragement into the pages of this book. What she has written is also an excellent reminder for those who have been at this writing thing for a while. She brings us back to the foundations of the craft.
This book is a comprehensive overview of the craft of writing fiction. The principles and concepts she presents are also helpful to those who write creative non-fiction as the same elements apply.
Using the metaphor of the dance, Mrs. Mills shares her heart and passion about the art of writing a novel. “The dance of character and plot blends unique steps that carry the reader away.”
In this slim, yet powerful volume, Mrs. Mills takes us through creating characters and settings into building plots that dance. She helps the writer dig deeper in their writing with excellent discussions of point of view, the dynamics of emotion, and writing dialogue that zings.
She also takes us on an exploration of symbolism in our novels, blending exposition and narrative summary, pacing our stories, and finding our writer’s voice.
And she doesn’t overlook that crucial part of writing: self-editing.
She also touches on those intangibles of the writing life: making time, opening ourselves to criticism, and dealing with fear and rejection.
Throughout the book are great examples that illustrate her points and she includes exercises at the end of each chapter to stretch our writing muscles and challenge us to take our craft to the next level.
At the end of the book are resources such as character sketches, tips for writing strong dialogue, resolving plot questions and participating in critique groups.
Wherever you are on your writing journey, this is a book you should have in your craft library.
Mrs. Mills has experienced what all beginning writers go through and pours her knowledge and encouragement into the pages of this book. What she has written is also an excellent reminder for those who have been at this writing thing for a while. She brings us back to the foundations of the craft.
This book is a comprehensive overview of the craft of writing fiction. The principles and concepts she presents are also helpful to those who write creative non-fiction as the same elements apply.
Using the metaphor of the dance, Mrs. Mills shares her heart and passion about the art of writing a novel. “The dance of character and plot blends unique steps that carry the reader away.”
In this slim, yet powerful volume, Mrs. Mills takes us through creating characters and settings into building plots that dance. She helps the writer dig deeper in their writing with excellent discussions of point of view, the dynamics of emotion, and writing dialogue that zings.
She also takes us on an exploration of symbolism in our novels, blending exposition and narrative summary, pacing our stories, and finding our writer’s voice.
And she doesn’t overlook that crucial part of writing: self-editing.
She also touches on those intangibles of the writing life: making time, opening ourselves to criticism, and dealing with fear and rejection.
Throughout the book are great examples that illustrate her points and she includes exercises at the end of each chapter to stretch our writing muscles and challenge us to take our craft to the next level.
At the end of the book are resources such as character sketches, tips for writing strong dialogue, resolving plot questions and participating in critique groups.
Wherever you are on your writing journey, this is a book you should have in your craft library.
February 4, 2025
This is just another one of those self-help books saying nothing new or relevant.
Self-congratulatory and trying to bring readers down to the same level.
Using one's own words as a motto? Really? And isn't it good practice to specify the title, too (not only the author)?
Is this a book for toddlers?
Not toddlers anymore... first graders. Making progress. Let's pat ourselves on the back, shall we?
Oh! The trauma of not being able to hide one's big ears! How about a big nose? The unspeakable tragedy!
Does it get better, as in useful? No.
More sensible, perhaps? Also no.
The so called examples just get longer.
Self-congratulatory and trying to bring readers down to the same level.
Chapter 1 - The Beauty of Dance
To write is to feel the dance of your soul swirling in a dream that
drips imagination onto paper.
—DiAnn Mills
Using one's own words as a motto? Really? And isn't it good practice to specify the title, too (not only the author)?
How are you holding up? Take a deep breath. Look how far you’ve(p.19)
come in the first chapter.
Is this a book for toddlers?
Write your story idea in one sentence. (...) Take a deep breath and congratulate yourself.(p.23)
Not toddlers anymore... first graders. Making progress. Let's pat ourselves on the back, shall we?
Every internal and external trait builds on the character ’s emotional(p.32)
being, which means everything about the character has the potential
to influence motivation.
If a little girl has big ears and her mother insists she wear short hair,
will the girl have confidence in her appearance? As an adult, how will
those old tapes affect her as she repeatedly hears childhood taunts?
Oh! The trauma of not being able to hide one's big ears! How about a big nose? The unspeakable tragedy!
Does it get better, as in useful? No.
More sensible, perhaps? Also no.
The so called examples just get longer.
November 26, 2017
There’s a long-standing argument over which type of story is better: plot-driven or character-driven. The truth is, that either without the other will leave a story flat. The best stories weave character and plot together like a dance that allows them both to shine.
In this book, DiAnn Mills explains how to do that with chapters on characterization, point of view, setting, dialogue, pacing, and more.
I read this book with my novel in mind, and I’ve taken a lot away from it. I’ve dumped things, changed point of view, considered my subplots and minor characters, and so much more. DiAnn Mills knows her craft, and she is eager to share.
While I did discover an editing issue – ironically, it was in the section on editing – it doesn’t take away from the benefits of this book. There is so much information, along with exercises, questionnaires, tips, and suggested reading. You are bound to get something out of it, no matter where you are in your writing journey.
In this book, DiAnn Mills explains how to do that with chapters on characterization, point of view, setting, dialogue, pacing, and more.
I read this book with my novel in mind, and I’ve taken a lot away from it. I’ve dumped things, changed point of view, considered my subplots and minor characters, and so much more. DiAnn Mills knows her craft, and she is eager to share.
While I did discover an editing issue – ironically, it was in the section on editing – it doesn’t take away from the benefits of this book. There is so much information, along with exercises, questionnaires, tips, and suggested reading. You are bound to get something out of it, no matter where you are in your writing journey.
April 18, 2018
Have you ever left a seminar knowing your notes don’t come close to capturing the great concepts you heard? This book is the answer to that. Reading it was like sitting in on a teaching, complete with examples and anecdotes that help drive the point home. You know what I’m talking about. You let your hand rest and just listen to the speaker share an example. At the end of a story, you wished you had taken notes or recorded it somehow.
Get your cup of tea or coffee, a notepad, pen and highlighter, and whatever else will make you comfortable. Open the book and your in-home seminar has just begun. No fear of missing those stories and examples. In fact, the only fear you will face is thinking you have to absorb it all at once and revolutionize your current work in progress. Take the biggest ah-ha and run with it. But keep the book handy. I’m not saying it has to be on your nightstand, but it should be in easy reach wherever you do your editing.
Get your cup of tea or coffee, a notepad, pen and highlighter, and whatever else will make you comfortable. Open the book and your in-home seminar has just begun. No fear of missing those stories and examples. In fact, the only fear you will face is thinking you have to absorb it all at once and revolutionize your current work in progress. Take the biggest ah-ha and run with it. But keep the book handy. I’m not saying it has to be on your nightstand, but it should be in easy reach wherever you do your editing.
May 3, 2021
An excellent resource for fiction writers. The exercises will help you find clarity for your current work in progress. The worksheets in the back can be used over and over as you continue in your career.
A must-have for every serious fiction writer’s craft reference library.
A must-have for every serious fiction writer’s craft reference library.
January 3, 2014
The Writing Waltz
“To write is to feel the dance of your soul swirling in a dream that drips imagination onto paper.” – DiAnn Mills
Can you see the dance taking form when you write? The steps are hard, but award-winning author and writing mentor, DiAnn Mills teaches us how each foot is placed in The Dance of Character and Plot. She shows us how every beat and rhythm is important.
In this book, Mrs. Mills takes us through the many aspects of writing. The use of dance as a metaphor is very effective in revealing how each step works together for the ultimate dance—a masterpiece work of art. This visual shows me what I need to know in perfecting my writing craft.
Here’s a list of some of the areas Mrs. Mills covers:
• First steps
• Developing characters that shine
• Setting and its importance
• Plotting
• Point of view
• Using emotion
• Dialogue
• Symbolism
• Rhythm of pacing
• Editing
This is a slim book but powerful. It’s the easiest writing book to understand and clearly written. At the end of each chapter there are exercises she calls “stretching” that help us understand what she taught. Also, she shares some effective resources at the end of the book.
If you’re a new writer or a veteran, I highly recommend adding this to your library. You won’t regret it. I leave you with a powerful quote on pacing.
“You control the dance of character and plot. Speed up the pacing and fill the reader with excitement, then slow it just long enough for your reader to grab her blood pressure medication before another dynamic scene. Take charge of the dance, and keep your readers coming back for more.”
Pick up The Dance of Character and Plot and let your dance begin!
Darlene L. Turner
www.darlenelturner.com
“To write is to feel the dance of your soul swirling in a dream that drips imagination onto paper.” – DiAnn Mills
Can you see the dance taking form when you write? The steps are hard, but award-winning author and writing mentor, DiAnn Mills teaches us how each foot is placed in The Dance of Character and Plot. She shows us how every beat and rhythm is important.
In this book, Mrs. Mills takes us through the many aspects of writing. The use of dance as a metaphor is very effective in revealing how each step works together for the ultimate dance—a masterpiece work of art. This visual shows me what I need to know in perfecting my writing craft.
Here’s a list of some of the areas Mrs. Mills covers:
• First steps
• Developing characters that shine
• Setting and its importance
• Plotting
• Point of view
• Using emotion
• Dialogue
• Symbolism
• Rhythm of pacing
• Editing
This is a slim book but powerful. It’s the easiest writing book to understand and clearly written. At the end of each chapter there are exercises she calls “stretching” that help us understand what she taught. Also, she shares some effective resources at the end of the book.
If you’re a new writer or a veteran, I highly recommend adding this to your library. You won’t regret it. I leave you with a powerful quote on pacing.
“You control the dance of character and plot. Speed up the pacing and fill the reader with excitement, then slow it just long enough for your reader to grab her blood pressure medication before another dynamic scene. Take charge of the dance, and keep your readers coming back for more.”
Pick up The Dance of Character and Plot and let your dance begin!
Darlene L. Turner
www.darlenelturner.com
July 14, 2013
When I saw how "thin" this one was, I was a little worried. But it turned out to be one of the best craft books I've ever read. It's like the Cliff Notes to every craft book I've ever read or plan to read. This is a wonderful tool for writers at every level, but newer writers stand to benefit the most. The elements of craft are explained concisely but thoroughly, and the "stretching" exercises at the end give you specific and easy to understand and apply tasks to take your novel to the next level. I highly recommend this and anyone who follows my reviews knows it is VERY hard to pull a 5 star review from me.
July 8, 2014
This is a great book! I highly recommend it for a writing help.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews