2.4.2018  “Queen of Christian suspense” DiAnn Mills on creativity, Christian fiction — and coffee

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling Texas-based author who creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels in Christian fiction — and has sold more than 2.5 million copies of them. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and have been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall. She spoke with us via email about her latest book, High Treason, launching this week, and her life as an author.

Where did you grow up, DiAnn? What was that like; and how do you think it may have inspired you to write later in life?

I grew up in Bucyrus, Ohio, a rural community. Many of those years were on a small farm. We had a creek flowing through our property, and lots of animals. The pastoral environment gave me lots of quiet time, nestled in nature. I’ve always created story, and my growing-up years paved the way to create.

Can you tell us a little about your education and family life?

I attended Moody Bible College online while as an adult — a wonderful way to grow in knowledge in the privacy of my home. My youngest son introduced my to my husband Dean. My husband played piano for the youth choir, and the two became friends. This November, we’ll be married twenty-five years!

What was your first job out of college?

I’d have to say out of high school, which was secretarial. Honestly, I hated it. The people were wonderful, but I had to sit still and be quiet. My last job before writing full-time was as a day-care director. Very enjoyable and rewarding.

What made you first try to write a book?

My husband challenged me. In 1996, he said, “Stop telling me you’re going to one day write a book,” he said. “Quit your job. I give you one year to get anything published. If you do, then you don’t ever have to work outside the home again.” I took on that challenge. Instead of driving to work, I developed a schedule of reading, writing, and learning the craft. That schedule is still with me today.

What was your first big break as an author?

In the year of my husband’s challenge, I published an article, devotion, short story, and wrote and sold my first book. The book was released in 1998 by Barbour Publishing. That was my super break!

Your books are published by a Christian publisher and are considered Christian fiction. For those who haven’t read Christian fiction, they may not understand the differences are between it and mainstream fiction. How would you characterize the distinctions?

Christian fiction means one or more of the characters solve their problems from a Christian worldview. The characters have strengths and weaknesses and wants and needs, and have an internal and external problem to solve. A reader will not find profanity, sex, or violence for violence’s sake. Christian fiction isn’t about the number of prayers, three pages of a sermon, or Scripture, but a story that’s created to entertain, inspire, and encourage the reader.

For those who have never read a DiAnn Mills book, which book or series would you recommend a reader start with?

I’d say my latest: High Treason. This book was extremely difficult to research and write but rewarding.

Many readers consider you to be the Queen of Christian suspense — you’ve sold more 2.5 million books, and you have a new one launching this week. Can you tell us about your newest novel?

We live in a dangerous and unpredictable world, and many people are afraid. I create story that shows there are people trained to prevent, stop, and protect us from crime. In High Treason, when someone attempts to assassinate a Saudi prince on U.S. soil, FBI agent Kord Davidson and CIA operative Monica Alden head up a task force to keep the prince safe and find those responsible, to avoid an international incident that could have devastating consequences.

How has publishing changed since your career? How has Christian publishing changed since you began?

Publishing has changed in both the general market and the Christian market due to the online community. Manuscripts and communication are submitted electronically. Social media has become the norm for branding, marketing and promotion, and maintaining a platform. Publishing is always in the flux of change, and we writers must keep up with it — daily.

Most important question: You’ve been called a coffee snob — just what does that mean? And most important — what’s the best place to get a cup of coffee in your hometown of Houston?

I sacrifice in other areas of my life to ensure a cup of coffee that’s dark, rich, and freshly ground from quality beans. Starbucks always delivers great coffee, and I love the occasional Nespresso pod. But I prefer roasting my own beans. My source is sweetmarias.com and I enjoy the beans from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Kenya. I know that’s quite a selection. For my home roasting, I use popcorn air-poppers. Works great. So, the best coffee in Houston? Lots of good places, but I do like the cup brewed at home.

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