Lyn:What does it mean to you to be a RITA finalist?
DiAnn Mills: Years ago, I met Rita Gallagher and her daughter Rita Clay Estrada. (These two women a mother and daughter were some of the founders of Romance Writers of America.) In fact Rita Gallagher gave me my first writing lessons--tools for the craft that I have never forgotten. It was years later before I put these tools into practice, but the writing basics came from the Rita's. I never forgot the structure and the means of deepening characterization.
DiAnn Mills: Years ago, I met Rita Gallagher and her daughter Rita Clay Estrada. (These two women a mother and daughter were some of the founders of Romance Writers of America.) In fact Rita Gallagher gave me my first writing lessons--tools for the craft that I have never forgotten. It was years later before I put these tools into practice, but the writing basics came from the Rita's. I never forgot the structure and the means of deepening characterization.
To be nominated for a Rita award is a way to thank these dynamic women for their contributions to the writing and publishing industry. They expressed and taught excellence, and I believe that is a motto for all writers and those who teach writing. We writers are all students. The learning never ceases for then we fail. What we write today is not the quality we will write tomorrow. Not every writer is able to accept this challenge, but those who do will see their writing and publishing goals attained and reach for greater heights.
This is what being nominated for a Rita means to me. And I am proud to be on the list of other dynamic writers who aspire and encourage others to write well and pursue excellence.
BREACH OF TRUST – Tyndale House Publishers – March 2009 A WOMAN CALLED SAGE – Zondervan – March 2010 SWORN TO PROTECT – Tyndale House Publishers – April 2010
PURSUIT OF JUSTICE – Tyndale House Publishers – October 2010
2010 CHRISTY AWARD WINNER
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