Author Profile Interview
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has sixteen novels, fourteen novellas, a non fiction book, several articles, and short stories in print.
DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.
Five of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents, and she remains a favorite author by Heartsong Presents’ readers. Two of her books have won short historical of the year by American Christian Romance Writers 2003 and 2004.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Chi Libris, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. She is a also a mentor for the Christian Writers Guild.
She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she’d own one, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.
2. How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I wanted to write since I was in the second grade, but I was fearful that I didn't have what it took. I remember God calling me to write for Him. Still, fear kept me from taking that first step. Then my husband challenged me to write a book, and I did!
3. What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
It is a way to show Biblical truths in a non threatening environment. Many unbelievers will not read a Bible or attend church, but they will read a fiction book in which they will see what being a Christian is about.
4. How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
To inspire them to a closer relationship with Jesus.
5. What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
WHEN THE LION ROARS has made many readers aware of the critical situation in Sudan, urge them to pray, and give of their time and money to help.
6. How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
Keeps me in the Word and to write only those stories that He wants me to write.
7. Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
Touch others for Christ. To teach others how to write. To someday live in the country with a home large enough to have Christian retreats.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Gardening. Cooking. Reading.
9. What can you tell us about your latest novels?
My last two novels have challenged me to delve deeper into characterization. FOOTSTEPS is a suspense novel about a woman who has her children abducted from a Houston mall. The story is about her footsteps to find Jesus and to find her children. WHEN THE LION ROARS is about three unlikely people who must put aside their political, socio-economical, and religious prejudices to find a slave girl in Sudan. In this book, I've shown the critical situation in Sudan through the eyes of those who live there.
10. What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?
More suspense oriented novels that utilize deeper characterization. My goal is for the reader to view my characters as memorable and unforgettable.
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