The First Question I Ask Every New Writer

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Many serious people in this world endeavor to write a book. They have an idea, either fiction or nonfiction, that appeals to them. They:

• Think about the topic.
• Dive into what’s essential for a fiction or nonfiction book.
• Plan subject matter and chapters.
• Talk about their writing project to friends and family.
• Prepare necessary research.
• Create an outline.
• Trust in its success.

Every one of these practices is excellent, but the first question I ask every new writer is, “What is your passion?” How can a writer expect readers to be excited about a book unless the writer is emotionally involved?

Does enthusiasm mean having passion for every word?        

Absolutely! Every grueling step of the process must be met with a committed spirit, as though the world around the writer has stopped.

Let’s go back to our original list and consider how passion plays a crucial role in the success of a writing project.

Think about the topic.

A writer begins when enthusiasm for a book takes over her thoughts. Every spare moment is filled with how the idea could be shared in a way that has value to readers.

Dive into what's essential.

Dive into what’s essential for a fiction or nonfiction book.

No matter what type of book, we have to learn how to write or add more tools to our craftsman belt. We’re busy reading books, attending workshops, and investing in conferences.

Plan subject matter and chapters.

Once we understand our enthusiasm will not leave us alone, we mentally plan how the topic or story will progress. We are eager to get moving.

Talk about their writing project to friends, family, and other writers.

This is the stage where excitement bubbles over. We attempt to stop ourselves from being OCD about our book idea, but we can’t help it.

Prepare necessary research.

Research is a challenge, but the reward is in the authenticity of our book. This makes a writer an expert.

Create an outline.

The no-turning-back moment is when we physically create an outline. Seeing the formation on paper (or on a screen) pushes passion to the forefront.

Trust in its success.

Passion for a project means trusting our enthusiasm and excitement for the book project.

We have no choice but to write.

Passion for our book keeps us awake at night, wording and rewording passages while striving to make this the best novel I’d ever written.

           

What about you? Are you passionate about your book idea?

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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. 

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. 

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.