<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[DiannAbroad]]></title><description><![CDATA[A writer herself, Diann respects the writer’s voice, is open to two-way communication, and offers clear suggestions for improvement. ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:55:35 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[From “One Day I’ll Write a Book” to “I’m Writing One”: Address the Real Challenges of Writing a First Novel]]></title><description><![CDATA[You’re not imagining it: writing a novel really is hard. But the fact that you haven’t started yet doesn’t mean you’re not a “real” writer. In many ways, your hesitation is part of the journey. If you’ve spent years saying, “One day I’ll write a book,” and never quite made it past a few notes or a half-hearted first page, this blog is for you. Let’s look honestly at why writing a novel feels so challenging—and how people just like you and me have moved from thinking about it to actually...]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/from-one-day-i-ll-write-a-book-to-i-m-writing-one-facing-the-real-challenges-of-a-first-novel</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69396a028eee262bcc35b01b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:22:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_a01dd0bd3f1549c987152d95d6559ed5~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_259,h_194,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Let's get writing!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hey, thanks for checking in with me! Let's get to it! Did you know that according to the New York Times, a whopping 81 percent of people...]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/let-s-get-writing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6880e10d60667e430837c7fc</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:28:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_867083389fb74427ab98a31de5e0ad8e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_310,h_133,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Açores and My Dad]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Acores played a pivotal role in the Atlantic theater, aiding in the successful outcome for the Allies in World War II. The islands held significant strategic importance primarily due to their location in the Atlantic Ocean. That is, the Azores' central position in the Atlantic Ocean made them an essential location for controlling the Atlantic air and sea routes. This was crucial for the Allies in terms of both defense and logistics. On a personal note, my father, Spence Ledford, served four ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/the-a%C3%A7ores-and-my-dad</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68232a0509c5c2b0e391efee</guid><category><![CDATA[Memoir]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ancestry]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2025 12:13:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_ce3092be84d742368f1a0dfc7f22ef4d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_250,h_325,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Transitioning... reaching another stage in my life? What am I doing?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Something is going on with me...I think I'm transitioning...embarking upon another stage in my life. It's a good thing! Come along with me! ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/transitioning-reaching-another-stage-in-my-life-what-am-i-doing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6724d6e1ca92faf24bae8d1a</guid><category><![CDATA[Psychology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Humor]]></category><category><![CDATA[Video]]></category><category><![CDATA[Music]]></category><category><![CDATA[Aging with grace]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:01:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://youtu.be/HQskUiCBdbA" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Power of Flashbulb Memories in Memoir Writing]]></title><description><![CDATA[ an informative guide on the importance of flashbulb memories, how to identify and use them to create engaging, emotional rich narratives. ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/the-power-of-flashbulb-memories-in-memoir-writing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66fa4ef4db76332839cf1536</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><category><![CDATA[Showing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Memoir]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:04:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_10c4595c71e042a9aec2fe02024d624f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Show, don't tell in Fiction: A video]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dive into the art of storytelling. Discover the Importance of showing. Learn how to create an immersive experience for your readers....]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/show-don-t-tell-in-fiction-a-video</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66e3f3b8f522ae034b9f9f61</guid><category><![CDATA[Dialogue]]></category><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[Video]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><category><![CDATA[Showing]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:23:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://youtu.be/rGwq3r0eNCk?si=SrB5suKd9YHt7g5c" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for Settings in Storytelling]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover the power of setting in storytelling! 

In this video, I delve into the crucial role that setting plays in enhancing the mood and a]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/tips-for-settings-in-storytelling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66da9753a847447dece72e3b</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[Writing Mood]]></category><category><![CDATA[Video]]></category><category><![CDATA[setting]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><category><![CDATA[audiobook]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:07:04 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[History and Evolution of Graffiti in Lisbon: A Muse]]></title><description><![CDATA[Graffiti in Lisbon began to take shape during the 1970s. This period was marked by political upheaval, particularly the Revolution of 1974]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/history-and-evolution-of-graffiti-in-lisbon-a-muse</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66a74438424161bb55163b3f</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[setting]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><category><![CDATA[Muse]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:52:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_35a09839aaca4238add591b72a5b1cd4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Suspense: Cliffhangers that create tension and anticipation.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cliffhangers are a powerful narrative tool used by writers to captivate their audiences, leaving them eagerly anticipating what comes next. ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/suspense-cliffhangers-that-create-tension-and-anticipation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66a1f124c715d7aec6a1c7ab</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Psychology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[story structure]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><category><![CDATA[Publishing]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:45:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b1222dddc2f9479994d923ed8bc0c41c~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Crafting a Riveting Tale: The Power of Story Structure and  "All the Light We Cannot See."]]></title><description><![CDATA[An engaging story isn't merely a jumble of events; it's an intricately woven tapestry that entices readers to turn the next page....]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/crafting-a-riveting-tale-the-power-of-story-structure-and-all-the-light-we-cannot-see</link><guid isPermaLink="false">669a891895068017ecd610e6</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[story structure]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><category><![CDATA[setting]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:23:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_4dfc5914d5e7411b88d791b23a4b12dd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Rule of Your Novel's First Page: Never Try to Write It First]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first page of your novel is arguably the most important page of your entire manuscript. It can be challenging when you don't know....]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/first-rule-of-you-novel-s-first-page-never-try-to-write-it-first</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6694080713c4e0c35ec6b9a2</guid><category><![CDATA[Dialogue]]></category><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[Writing Mood]]></category><category><![CDATA[setting]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:20:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_ad35bf8f0da1452eae29c2203d5d82f1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_150,h_131,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audiobook Recording: What I’ve learned recording my audiobook…so far.]]></title><description><![CDATA[I jumped right in! And, I decided to share what I’ve learned so far. Maybe this will help you, should you decide to record your book.

 ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/audiobook-recording-what-i-ve-learned-recording-my-audiobook-so-far</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66961029bfc3c3a6eb7654f6</guid><category><![CDATA[Dialogue]]></category><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><category><![CDATA[Publishing]]></category><category><![CDATA[audiobook]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:13:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_d8c359ad07c94b03acc12084d3e1427a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Memoir, Part Two: The  Rise of the Genre.]]></title><description><![CDATA[The increase of the number of published memoirs in recent years is fueled by the Baby Boomer generation, ....]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/the-memoir-part-two-the-rise-of-the-genre</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66924e528abd0541b1645e2c</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Psychology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:31:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_a6fcbc798e5c421c84febe5549b2b967~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_996,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The History of the Memoir: An Inspirational Journey Through Time (Part One of the Memoir Genre)]]></title><description><![CDATA[The memoir, an intimate exploration of one’s own life, has evolved significantly through the ages....]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/the-history-of-the-memoir-an-inspirational-journey-through-time-part-one-of-the-memoir-genre</link><guid isPermaLink="false">669242ed5dbff94777a07587</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Publishing]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><category><![CDATA[Psychology]]></category><category><![CDATA[story structure]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:10:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_900930a8d4b74cc59a09a2c5632c07a3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_783,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Madeira, Machico, Moby Dick and More! A Podcast.]]></title><description><![CDATA[This was my first two weeks as a resident of Portugal. Starting with Madeira Island, I talk about Machico and more.]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/madeira-machico-moby-dick-and-more-a-podcast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">668cd05018884dd01383fe8b</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[setting]]></category><category><![CDATA[writing from experiences]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:36:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_7364cc412fba4721bafb8931738e79be~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["so you want to be a writer?'  A poem by Charles Bukowski, 1920-1994]]></title><description><![CDATA[if it doesn't come bursting out of you 
in spite of everything, don't do it.
unless it comes unasked out of your heart and your mind ....]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/so-you-want-to-be-a-writer-a-poem-by-charles-bukowski-1920-1994</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66892630283534f88c1ae260</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Psychology]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:39:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_f24bc7b55fab42009af9f7c7911d0664~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_652,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Rise of Audiobooks: A New Chapter in Reading Habits]]></title><description><![CDATA[In 2000, eBooks were introduced to the market, and it was expected that this format would dominate the book publishing industry. But, no.

 ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/the-rise-of-audiobooks-a-new-chapter-in-reading-habits</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66828bcba282e060b0bfa8a3</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><category><![CDATA[Publishing]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 06 Jul 2024 05:37:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_415473456b79736d6d3059~mv2_d_4508_2957_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Waiting for Beta Readers' Critiques: Misery and Pain!]]></title><description><![CDATA[After forwarding my "Claim Denied" manuscript to my beta readers, I struggled mightily, steeped in self-doubt.]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/waiting-for-beta-readers-critiques-misery-and-pain</link><guid isPermaLink="false">667bd7324244360f360119d0</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Psychology]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 03:41:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_34084590e0274e78a18b8b224e3a17d4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_520,h_780,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Music can improve mood, decrease pain, and MORE. Listen to my international playlist!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Music can improve mood, decrease pain and anxiety, and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression. ]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/music-can-improve-mood-decrease-pain-and-more-listen-to-my-international-playlist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">667bc146db0a406af855a3f9</guid><category><![CDATA[Brain Power]]></category><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Writing Mood]]></category><category><![CDATA[Music]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:46:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_535c100751be486cad444588da31b818~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_440,h_647,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[For Beta Readers: Best Practices]]></title><description><![CDATA[So, you have agreed to be a beta reader. What does that mean, exactly?]]></description><link>https://www.diannschindlerauthor.com/post/for-beta-readers-best-practices</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6676a76d510d508c7ef45307</guid><category><![CDATA[Writing Craft]]></category><category><![CDATA[Best Practices]]></category><category><![CDATA[story structure]]></category><category><![CDATA[Manuscript]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 29 Jun 2024 15:27:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/db9e64_28174b38fc004af99617a2aede86d749~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Diann Schindler, Ph.D.</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>