Interview // Author DiAnn Mills


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You’ve written books in many genres – Contemporary, Historical, Middle Grade, and Non-Fiction. Is there one genre you enjoy writing more?

Contemporary Romantic Suspense! That’s my go-to to read and write. I wrote historical in the past and decided my heart was glued to CRS. My granddaughter asked me to write a middle grade with her, and we did. (A great memory maker) And I’ve written two nonfiction.

What inspires you to write? Are your inspirations different for each genre that you write?

Inspiration for writing comes from various places: media headlines, dreams, listening to other people, people-watching, TV shows, movies, and sometimes a what-if thought pops into my head.

Do you find that your books take on a similar theme or do they take their own path once you begin writing?

I’m a character-driven (organic) novelist which means my stories are rooted in character: wants, needs, flaws, weaknesses, backstory, personality, and a ton of other factors that play into the character traits. While I don’t outline, I complete a 15-page characterization sketch before beginning to write. If a reader finds a dead body, it’s as much a surprise to me as it is to them!

What was your most satisfying moment while writing Fatal Strike?

When Leah and her dad had a face to face, the conversation and tenderness.

Did you find Fatal Strike stayed along your chosen path or developed into a completely different book once completed?

A few things were tweaked, but the story-line stayed true to my first vision.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? Why this specific character?

From all my books … That’s like asking me which one of my kids or grand-kids is my favorite. I’d say the book about to be released, because one of the characters has stolen my heart and is fresh on my mind.

Can you tell us which of your books (or series) is your favorite?

I don’t have a favorite one because they are all endearing to me. If a story or story-line didn’t win my heart, I’d buy back the rights. If I‘m not happy, the reader won’t be either.


Purchase Links: IndieBound | Amazon | Book Depository

If you could only recommend one of your books to readers, which one would it be and why?

I’d like to think the writing, the characters, the plot, setting everything improves each time I have a new book. So I’d say my latest release is the one I’d recommend.

If you only had one sentence to capture a new reader for your books, what would it be?

Line one of Fatal Strike: Early morning at Houston’s FBI office, Special Agent Leah Riesel scanned the headlines on her phone.

First paragraph of Fatal Strike: Early morning at Houston’s FBI office, Special Agent Leah Riesel scanned the headlines on her phone. A prosecutor from Galveston had been found murdered behind a construction site, the second apparent victim of gang violence in two days. Both deaths were caused by rattlesnake venom injections to the heart. Before she could pull up additional reports on the woman’s untimely death, Leah’s phone rang.

What one book do you recommend that every thriller genre lover read (not including your books)?

The Patrick Bower series by Steven James

What author has inspired you the most in your writing?

Jerry Jenkins. If you asked me for three: Jerry Jenkins, Joel Rosenberg, Steven James

Of course, we have to know, what is in-store next – books, events, etc.?  

Airborne is the title of the next romantic suspense.

An FBI agent boards a plane for Salzburg, Austria for a much-needed vacation and to make decisions about her future. Her husband asked for a divorce, and he doesn’t know she’s three months pregnant. Two hours into the flight, several people on board begin showing evidence of a deadly virus.

Where Tomorrow Leads  – 2nd book in the Hope of Sudan eBook series

Events! https://diannmills.com/events/

  • Teaching two workshops at the ACFW National Conference September 26-29
  • Conference director of the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with Edie Melson October 6-9
  • Speaking at the Faith and Fellowship Book Festival December 7th
  • Conference director of the Mountainside Marketing Retreat with Edie Melson January 17-20
  • Conference director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference May 24–28, 2020 with Edie Melson

Thank you, DiAnn, so much for chatting with us for our latest author interview and congratulations on your latest release!


Interested in Fatal Strike being your next book club pick? Well, you’re in luck! DiAnn has a wonderful selection of information to use for your book club. Check it out here!


This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for DiAnn Mills. There will be 2 winners. Each winner will each receive one (1) Gift Card of their choice to Amazon or B&N. The giveaway begins on September 1, 2019 and runs through October 2, 2019. Void where prohibited.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

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 co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Conference, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat 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 social media.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Twitter | Facebook



Part of the Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour.

Click here to view the Fatal Strike by DiAnn Mills Participants.