Bio: Award-winning author DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who
combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create
action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn’s first book was published in
1998. She currently has more than fifty books published.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller
lists and have won placements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s
Carol Awards and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy
Award in 2010 and 2011.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian
Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of
America, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various
groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the
Craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.
Welcome back, DiAnn. Tell us a little
about yourself and your background.
I’m a wife, mother, and grandmother (Mimi). I’ve lived in Houston for 33 years and
love everything about my city and state. I’ve been writing and published since
1996. Love what I do! I also love teaching and mentoring serious writers.
How did you become
interested in writing?
I was always interested in writing, but I didn’t have the
confidence. It took my husband challenging me to write a book for me to get
started. He suggested I quit my job to see if I could get anything published.
That was the incentive for me to fulfill my dreams.
What compelled you to
write a book on this subject?
I’ve made great friends at FBI Houston. They are supportive,
and I consider myself very fortunate. One of the special agents suggested I
write from solved cold cases. We searched through their files until I found the
case for The Chase and The Survivor. In The Survivor, I was captivated by the
courage of a young woman who had overcome a tragedy. I knew she had to be in my
story! Although I massaged the real case, much of the character’s backstory is
authentic. The real woman’s courage inspired me to show her bravery throughout
the book.
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?
With God, any adversity can be overcome.
I also deal with forgiveness: ourselves and others.
Are there some
specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after
reading your book?
I want my readers to close the book and be encouraged and
inspired to attempt what appears beyond their reach. I believe in prayer mixed
with goals, God goals, and I want my readers to feel the same exhilaration in
their spirits.
What makes your book
different from any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
The characters! The Survivor is like “Castle” meets “Cold
Case.” I have a gutsy heroine who is a suspense writer, and an FBI special
agent, who is an Indiana Jones type of hero. The two find themselves in the
midst of danger with impossible odds. Both are strong and stubborn people. It’s
a good thing they love each other!
How does the book
intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?
I want to write books that mirror real life. We live in an
imperfect world, and I want to show how people are touched by those who solve
their problems and make decisions from a Christian worldview. Our purpose is to
reach out to people, and I find this best through the written word.
Do you have a
favorite Scripture verse?
When you are not
writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
I love to read, cook, garden, and play with the grandbabies.
Reading is a
passion, not only my own genre, but nonfiction, and how-to books about the
craft. Cooking and gardening help me work through plot points and
characterization. Grandbabies are just fun.
As we close, is there
anything else you would like to add?
I invite readers to join me on Facebook. We have a fabulous
time discussing everything and enjoying the community there. I love to hear
from readers!
Tell us about the
book.
Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal
childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants
her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of
Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months
prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and
conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo
misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their
relationship. Pride plays a big role in his reluctance to make things right
between them. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing
the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger
that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants
her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
twitter.com/diannmillsThank you, DiAnn. I always love to have you drop by my blog.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Survivor (Crime Scene: Houston)
- paperbackThe Survivor (Crime Scene: Houston)
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