By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
My blog posts are for you, and I want to make sure you see great content each week. To stretch my creativity and put a smile on your face, I first need your help in choosing blog post topics.
Over the years, I’ve provided recipes, guest bloggers, contests, humor, wisdom, and an occasional video. I do my best to avoid things controversial, political, or religious. You, dear reader, have provided amazing feedback on so many topics—thank you!
A few thoughts for upcoming topics include:
- Videos – cooking, humor, and how I conduct research.
- Author interviews in either text or video.
- The nonfiction books I’m reading and recommend.
- The fiction books I’m reading and recommend.
- How I strive to keep up to date on the publishing world.
- Spiritual topics.
Now it’s your turn. Please comment on the above blog post topics and/or share your ideas to be entered in a random drawing for a $25.00 e-gift card, your choice from either Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Christian Book.
The deadline to submit your comment below is Noon Central Sunday, January 16.
Comments 57
Happy New Year, DiAnn. After reading all the submitted suggestions, I’m looking forward to reading every one of your future blogs. After just completing reading “Trace of Doubt,” I’m wondering what prompted you to chose the jewelry making craft in your story line, and the names of each piece.
Hi Luci, thank you so much! I may answer this in a Facebook post. Is that ok?
DiAnn,
Thank you for including us in this process!
I’d love to hear how you navigate through several ideas while writing. Do you complete one book then begin writing the next? Do you begin several at the same time? Your blogs are always helpful/interesting! Looking forward to more!
Hi Terry, Great questions, and I will get those answers in a blog post.
Maybe a twist on keeping current in publishing world is how do current events/trends/lifestyles affect what you write today. When writing a current setting novel, do you make sure you have the latest information, slang, styles, tech, entertainment, trends included in the story? If so, what’s your approach to keeping up with all of it when things change daily?
I like all of your other topics as well.
Amy, Thanks! And I will do that! I didn’t realize how many of my blog readers were interested in writing.
When you have a new release I’d love to hear the history behind it. How you came up with the idea, how you did your research, and any other interesting tidbits you discovered along the way.
Thanks, Terri – great idea. And I will do!
I would love to hear what fiction books you’re reading and how you keep up with the publishing world, but I would mostly be excited to hear your thoughts and wisdom on Spiritual topics!
But anything you feel led to talk about will be great too. 🙂
Hi Jessie, thanks for the blog topis! And I will do them.
I sat under you at Write to publish 2019 and really appreciated all you shared regarding writing fiction. I would love to read more on that topic, but all the things you listed above are wonderful also! Thank you.
Thank you, Maureen. I appreciate your kind words. And I will share more about writing fiction.
I would like number 5 How I strive to keep up with the publishing world. I am, in all honesty, discouraged. I have been trying to get in, but getting nowhere. If God has given me a gift, why does
it seem that perfectionism is keeping me at bay?
Frances, I understand your thoughts. I’ve been in your shoes. I’d be glad to share.
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard your story of how you became a writer. What did you struggle with when you began? What doubts did you have? I’m sure it was different then without the availability of online community and mentors? Did you have a mentor?
I was influenced by Janette Oke’s writing that I started searching in magazines etc. on writing in 1998 and took a college evening course. Then joined ACFW in 2010 which I absorbed early on while still working and caring for my family. In 2007 I saw a magazine ad for BRMCWC and made it a goal to attend which took 3 years in 2010.
Daphne, I hadn’t thought about the beginning, but it’s a fun story. Thanks!
I’d rather have text articles about a topic than having to watch a video. I love hearing about great non-fiction books and topics on overcoming difficulties in life. And you can never go wrong with a good recipe recommendation 🙂
Thank you, Kari!
I can’t speak for anyone else, but personally I’m much more likely to do an article than a video. They have fewer technical issues, and make it quicker to find- and revisit- the best parts.
I’d like to read your reviews about books (or websites/blogs) that you recommend about writing, or great ones you use for fiction research. Almost every time I’m shopping for books and find a reference book that sounds interesting, I have a hard time finding online reviews that tell what other people liked and disliked, or even which topics the book does and doesn’t cover thoroughly.
Thanks, Madie, you’ve confirmed that my blogs are to be non video. I like your ideas!
I think that the ideas you have mentioned are interesting. I have a friend who is in the midst of writing a book/ editing it ,so anything that you write that I can share with her is always appreciated.
Thanks, Martha, writing and researching are popular topics! Will do!
Ideas for what to do and where to go for a vacation, retreat etc.
Teresa, Great ideas! Do you mean retreats for anyone or a specific group?
Thanks
I was especially interested in the books you are reading and recommend, both fiction and nonfiction. I also enjoy posts on spiritual topics.
Thanks, Barbara! Appreciate your comments.
I love hearing about what’s going on in the lives of authors, pictures of the author’s family and trips they take, as well as family events. Things like this make authors seem more like real people, and I feel more connected to the author. I enjoy a little humor and antidotes. Book and reading memes and funnies are nice to.
Sharon, your ideas are refreshing. Thank you!
I’d love to know more about your gardening–what you plant when and how you take care of your flowers. Also, I want to know how you make your own coffee! I’m so intrigued. And you have done such creative activities with your grandchildren. Tell us more! 🙂
Love,
Julie
Julie, I’m smiling. You got it! Thank you!
All sound interesting – and how about just some good old fashioned reading like Life Experiences – yours or from other bloggers?
Diane, that makes sense! thank you.
I would love to know more about how you conduct your research. Also, how you create and flesh out your characters. And for sure, both fiction and non-fiction that has captivated you recently.
Thanks so much. Truly, whatever you blog about is interesting and an enjoyment to me.
Elisabeth, how I conduct my research is a popular request. And I’m adding characterization as well as favorite fiction and nonfiction reads.
I enjoy reading your blog posts on spiritual topics, fiction books you are reading, and how to stay up-to-date in the publishing world.
Thanks, Elizabeth. I’m adding all those topics.
DiAnn, all the topics you listed sound interesting to me. I’m especially interested in keeping up with the publication world, and the books you are reading and recommend.
Thanks, Betty, i’ll make sure those are on my list.
DiAnn, I love your blogs on all subjects. Whatever you choose to write about will be interesting and good reading, I’m sure.
Maybe you could do one or two on where you come up with ideas for your books? And follow your train of thought through from the seed of an idea to fruition?
Hi DiAnn! What is your favorite genre when reading other authors books? What engages you when watching TV or movies? And finally has the pandemic affected any of your creativity or sharpened it?
Linda, great ideas! Thanks.
I’d love to know how you do your research!
Sally, thanks. That topic would be fun!
A post on the financial end of writing would be most helpful. Any info on taxes or how to find information on deductions etc. There never seems to be much info at conferences or online…
Cynthia, interesting topic and one every writer needs to know!
recipes, crafts (both non videos)
Thanks! I will do!
Hi I love it when authors book characters are interviewed, it is always so much fun to hear the book characters answer some questions or just hear what they have to say from their point of view. Have a great week and stay safe.
Alicia, Thank you – and a topic I will schedule.
I’d be interested in how you conduct research and keep up to date on the publishing world. Anything related to helping writers grow in the craft and learn about the publishing journey/process. Thanks for considering your readers’ needs!
Thanks, Deena, and since I love research, I will definitely do that topic.
I love the topics you’ve mentioned, but how about the name, or names, of books that you wish you’d written. This suggestion may fall under #3 or #4.
Connie, that’s interesting. I’ll place your suggestion on the list.
Hi DiAnn! I’d love to see your tips for productivity. You do an amazing job of turning out novels. How do we “turn off” distractions? How can we avoid wasting time that could be spent writing? How do we get down to business without procrastinating? Do you recommend any good time-savers or goal-setting/keeping techniques? Thanks for any help in 2022!
Nancy, I love that idea for a blog post. Will do! Thanks.
Happy New Year, DiAnn. Could you do a couple of each one listed? All of them sound interesting.
Thanks, Marjorie, I’d love to!