Award-winning author DiAnn Mills launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over fifty books in print and has sold over 1.5 million copies. DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.”Six of her titles have appeared on the CBA Bestseller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2008, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008 and a Christy Winner in 2010 and 2011!  DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, 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 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.  She and her husband live in Houston, Texas. They have four adult sons.

Favorite Verse - Jeremiah 20:9 But I say,'I will not mention him 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.

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 The Survivor by DiAnn Mills :Author Interview

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and writer! I live in Houston, Texas the home of heat, humidity, horses, and Harleys. Currently I’m writing from FBI Houston solved cold cases, a thrill and a privilege.

I love what I do, developing characters and spinning plots to entertain, inspire and encourage readers. When I’m not writing, I’m mentoring new writers. In my free time, I spend time with my husband, cook, read, garden, and lavish attention on my three grandchildren.

Writing and teaching writing is my ministry, and I take it seriously.

This is your second series concerning a police force.  What is your connection with the police force?

This series is about the FBI at work in Houston. I met the FBI media coordinator when writing my first FBI book. She read every word, made suggestions, and we became friends. When that book was finished, she suggested writing from solved cold cases from FBI Houston files. I was elated. There were so many to choose from, but I chose two that involved children.
The Chase - was the first book
The Survivor - is the second

What was your inspiration to write Crime Scene: Houston Series?

To show readers a snapshot of the FBI through their solving of solved cold cases. I massaged the facts, but the foundation is there. Both cases tore at my heart strings. My hero is a special agent, and my heroine is a suspense writer. Both are strong, independent people who are passionate about their careers—and have a nose for trouble.
 
How much of the Crime Scene: Houston Series comes from your personal experience?

I have to laugh here! The heroine is a suspense writer, and it’s the first time I’ve ever used so much about my life. She has a few quirks, and they’re similiar to mine. The hero is fictitious, a composite of what I wanted in a daredevil, Buzz LightYear, kind of FBI agent. He’s cute too.

How much research did The Survivor take?

Quite a bit. I read about the case online—every version I could find. Then I spent time with the FBI Houston media coordinator. What answers she didn’t know, she found for me by seeking out special agents who were knowledgeable in the area I needed help. I’ve emailed the real victim just to let her know that I was writing the novel. We plan to get together when the book is released.

What are the most interesting facts that you learned while researching and writing the Crime Scene: Houston Series?

1. The FBI needs community support. They are there to help and want the public to understand it’s all a team effort to prevent and solve crimes.
2. The courage of the young woman who was the victim of the solved cold case. She is amazing, incredible. Not only did she survive a horrible assault, she is an inspiration to all who’ve read about her story.
3. Researching my villain. I wanted his situation to be unpredictable, unexpected, and yet credible. I talked to psychologists, FBI agents, and a medical doctor.

What other new writing projects do you have on the horizon?

Another FBI series, this time exploring the different departments under the FBI umbrella. I’m really excited!

What message would you like your readers to take from reading the Crime Scene: Houston Series?

To be encouraged and inspired to attempt their personal impossible—with God’s help.

What organizations are you involved with?

ACFW  (~ Editor's Note: DiAnn Mills is one of the founding members of this amazing organization that has over 2500 active members)
Christian Writer’s Guild
Romance Writers of America
Faith, Hope & Love Chapter of RWA
Inspirational Writers Alive
Houston FBI Citizens Cadet Alumni
RWA Kiss of Death Chapter

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

Challenges ... always ... to be the best writer possible. To stay abreast of social media, changes in the publishing industry, and to stay personally encouraged.

Who is the person who most influences your writing?

My husband. He’s my best cheerleader and my nightmare editor. :) But he believes in me when I don’t believe in myself.

What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?

Creativity! To close my eyes and see a story unfold.

What do you do to get away from it all?

Play with my grandchildren. Watching them grow into little people and helping them learn. Their presence causes me to forget the world around me.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We are born to dream, and dream big. The world of our imagination sees infinite possibilities. Go for it! If God is for you, who can be against you?

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