DiAnn Mills Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction, and what genre do you predominantly write in?
A: I would never have started writing if my husband hadn’t challenged me to write a book. In 1996 he said, “Stop telling me you are going to write a book one day. Do it now. Quit your job and see if you can get anything published in the next year.” I took him up on his challenge, and my first book was published in 1998. I never regretted it. What’s important is to encourage all those who are pursuing a writing career to study the craft, write every day, read the bestsellers, and pray for guidance.

I write romantic suspense! We live in a dangerous and unpredictable world. My first goal is to show courageous heroes and heroines who are trained to keep us safe through an entertaining story. My second goal is to show at least one character who solves his/her problems from a Christian worldview.

Q: What does your writing space look like?

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?
A. Daily staying on top of what is going on in the publishing world. What’s new in the craft, social media, and marketing and promotion. These tasks are necessary to be knowledgeable and professional, but I’d rather be writing!

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, Burden of Proof?
A: Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.
As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or

worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.
Burden of Proof is recommended for fans of the following:
• Romantic Suspense
• Christian Fiction
• FBI Crime Solving Novel
• Clean Romance

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
A: Three items stand out:
1. The tension between the hero and heroine. Both are type A personalities, and yet there is romantic tension.
2. The tender moments with Isabella, the little girl.
3. Showing how God is in control even for perfectionists.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?
A: A mission of justice explores truth on roads only the brave venture.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I’m working on two other books that allow me to explore the various areas of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG). My heroes and heroines find themselves in unique and unpredictable situations that push them to grow and change into better people.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
A. President Donald Trump and Franklin Graham. Both men are leaders, and I’d welcome the opportunity to simply listen. Doubt if I’d eat much!

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A. Depends on my mood! I enjoy cooking, baking, decorating my home, and roasting my own coffee beans.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?
A. Teaching at writers’ conferences is always a blessing: influencing other writers to work hard at their craft and encouraging them to reach for their dreams.