AIRBORNE - DiAnn Mills - One Free Book

Bio: DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. 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.

 

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Speakers, Nonfiction and Novelist with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 

 Welcome back, DiAnn. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

We are all driven by specific callings and goals. I call these passions. Obviously one of mine is communicating through the written word. I love to write books for fans of Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction, FBI Crime Solving Novels, and Clean Romance. I’m challenged daily to ensure my writing combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots which result in action-packed, suspense-filled novels. I also believe in mentoring serious new writers.

 

When God called me into writing, He also called me to give back to serious writers. I receive so much satisfaction when a writing student is published or receives an award. Through the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Edie Melson and I, as directors, strive to provide writers with the best tools to grow their craft and their relationship with God.

 

I live in Houston, Texas, with my husband Dean. He and I work together to provide my readers and writers the best possible experience—and glorify God. 

                                                                                                                                                           

How did you become interested in writing?

I can’t remember when I wasn’t writing. Story to me is life. Everyone is living a story, and I want to be a part of recording that history.

Due to lack of confidence, I didn’t start writing seriously until my husband challenged me to write a book. That was 1996, and that book was published in 1998. I’ve never stopped. For the past nearly four years, my husband has helped me full time. We view our partnership as a ministry.                                         

What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

An idea … What if a virus unleashed onboard an international flight?

The idea pestered me for nearly three years before I wrote the book. In fact, Airborne was scheduled for release before COVID hit our world.

The search to find experts who were willing to give me accurate information took another year. Along the way, God placed the right people in my path:

1. A woman and new friend whose doctorate is in microbiology and immunology.
2. A man who trains flight attendants for the airline that I envisioned in my story.
3. A pilot who not only flies for my designated airline but is also a suspense and thriller writer.
4. The amazing people and resources of the CDC.
5. The wisdom and guidance of the FBI. 

                                                                                                                                                           

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?                                                                                          

God is in control.

Marriage

Forgiveness

Trust

Mental health issues                                                  

                                                                 

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

My mission then and now is to show a story that weaves hope, reality, and the sacrificial work of first responders when a deadly virus spreads through innocent people.

My prayer is people will experience God’s presence during our current global crisis. Will you join me in that prayer? 

                                                                             

What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?      

It’s a suspense that incorporates a crime, a failing marriage, and how various personalities work.       

                                                                                                                                   

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

God is our priority, first place. He called me into writing fiction and teaching others what I learn. Airborne addresses God is in control of every aspect of our lives, and He cares.    

                                                                                                                                                                       

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

Jeremiah 20:9 NIV

But if I say, “I will not mention his word
    or speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
    a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
    indeed, I cannot. 

 

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?      

Bake, cook, garden, read, and spend time with the grandkids. Also love to travel!

                                                                                                                                                           

Tell us about the book.

Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living—but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.

While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.

As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected. 

 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Houston, Early July Monday 6P

Vacations offered a distraction for those who longed to relax and rejuvenate, but FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence wrestled with the decision to take an overseas trip alone. Normally she arrived for a flight at IAH eager to embark upon a new adventure. Not this time. Her vacation expectations had bottomed out over four weeks ago after Chad had slammed the door on reconciliation. Was she working through her grief or avoiding the reality of a husband who no longer wanted her? She waited to board the flight in a designated line at the gate. The hum of voices blended with airport beeps, and announcements swirled around her as though enticing her to join the enthusiasm. In the line beside her, passengers shifted their carry-ons and positioned their mobile devices or paper boarding passes. Ready. Alert. People eager to be on their way. Heather offered a smile to those nearest her. An adorable little blond boy with an older woman found it hard to stand still. A middle-aged couple held hands. The bald head and pasty skin of the man indicated a medical condition. He stumbled, and the woman reached for him. A robust man held a violin case next to his heart. A twentysomething woman with pink hair and a man behind her with a scruffy beard exchanged a kiss. Chad used to steal kisses. If she pinpointed the exact moment when he chose to separate himself from her, she’d say when he returned from a third trip for Doctors Without Borders late last fall. He’d witnessed suffering and cruel deaths that had scarred him. She’d encouraged his desire to help others, not realizing their future would take a backseat. While he drove toward success, their marriage drifted across the lanes and stalled in a rut. 

 

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

Readers can learn more about Airborne here: https://diannmills.com/books/airborne/ You’ll find a book video, bookclub aids, buy buttons, first chapter, and discussion questions. Let me know how you like the story.

As you consider your personal aspirations, expand your horizons to include the opportunities around you. We’ve all been given gifts and talents to further the kingdom of God. Don’t let them go to waste. Develop your skills and reach out to grasp that which God has purposed for you.

Don’t forget to comment to be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Airborne.

 

Thanks, Lena for hosting me. 

 

It's always a pleasure to have you on my blog. I'm really eager to read this story, and I know my readers will be, too. I just received it a few days ago, and it went to the top of my to-be-read stack.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from readers! Email me at: diann@diannmills.com Or connect with me on the social media platforms listed on my website: https://diannmills.com/

 

Readers, here are links to the book.

Airborne - Christianbook.com

https://amzn.to/3mYLng1 - Amazon Paperback

https://amzn.to/3cKscCa - Kindle

 

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