Award-winning author DiAnn Mills has perfected the Christian romantic suspense genre with books that combine an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. She has a brand new romantic suspense novel arriving in bookstores this October, Pursuit of Justice (Tyndale House Trade Paperback), book 3 in her Call of Duty series.

This series has been a hit with readers and critics alike. In fact, DiAnn just received the prestigious Christy Award (Contemporary Romance) for the first book in the Call of Duty series, Breach of Trust.

B2M presents our exclusive interview with DiAnn Mills.

B2M: Welcome to Books2Mention Magazine. Thanks for the opportunity to feature you.

Congratulations on your new book, Pursuit of Justice. Please tell our readers about this fascinating story.

DiAnn: First of all, I love this story. I first learned about the legend of the Spider Rock treasure a few years ago. It fascinated me. The legend states that when the Spanish were stealing Inca gold, a handful of soldiers slipped away with several pack animals loaded with treasures of their own. These soldiers traveled up through Mexico and on into the area we now know as West Texas.

The soldiers buried the gold and etched a map on a few large rocks. To this day the map has not been deciphered, neither has the estimated $60,000 worth of gold been found. However other Spanish relics have been discovered.

With the above information, I visited the area and talked to treasure hunters. And these people are serious!

The story line: FBI Special Agent Bella Jordan is sent to West Texas to help solve a series of murders linked to the Spider Rock treasure. The suspect looks obvious until he proves his innocence.

Back blurb:
A back cover blurb

For centuries, the legend of the spider rock treasure has lured people to West Texas with promises of unimaginable wealth. And it just claimed three more victims.

Did they fall prey to the legend’s curse or just get too close to someone else’s discovery? To investigate the murders, the FBI calls in one of its most promising up-and-comers-Special Agent Bella Jordan. What they don’t now is that one of their prime suspects is deeply connected to the past she’s been running from for fourteen years.

As Bella begins to sift through evidence, another murder and threats on her own life convince her she’s hunting an experienced killer . . . and he’s not working alone. To catch the suspect before he catches her, Bella must draw on all her skill and instinct and finally gather the courage to face the memories she’s tried so hard to forget.

B2M: What inspired you to write this particular story?

DiAnn: The legend of the Spider Rock. I guess a bit of me would like to believe $60,000,000 worth of gold is there for the finding. :) What an adventure!

Also, I wanted to show an FBI agent who had more of a stake in solving the murders than simply doing a job. She needed high emotional stakes.

B2M: Did you find it difficult to write a story incorporating the legend of The Spider Rock Treasure?

DiAnn: Research is a “high” for me. I love visiting the places and getting to know the people. While seeking out places and people in West Texas about the Spider Rock treasure, I met those who are still looking for the lost Spanish Gold. They are serious about locating the treasure and keeping other people away from clues.

B2M: When did you discover your interest in writing?

DiAnn: I think I was born interested in writing. My first story was penned at the age of seven on a Big Chief notepad. For many years, I worked on stories, but I never had the guts to do anything with them. It wasn’t until my husband said to me in 1996, “Stop telling me you are going to one day write a book. Do it. Quit your job. I give you one year to get anything published.” I took him up on his challenge, and I’ve written 50 books since then. :)

B2M: What do you enjoy most about writing?

DiAnn: Everything! The plot, developing unique characters, the setting, the research, even editing. Every step is a challenge to write the best possible story.

I will say character development is a dynamic process for me.

B2M: Can you share with us your formula for creating interesting plots and intriguing characters?

DiAnn: It’s all about character. For me, the plot comes first. Then the least likely woman to fill the heroine’s role. I dive into the psychology of the character and list as many ways as possible why my heroine would not want to journey into this plot. Then I work through her motivation to solve the problem. John Gardner said, “Create the best possible characters and allow the worst
possible thing to happen to them.” I believe in his philosophy, and I’m also a fan of Donald Maass, who is a genius when it comes to fiction techniques. Maass’ workbook Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook allows the writer to brainstorm with character and plot in a way that shapes a solid and entertaining novel.

B2M: Is there one particular thing you would like to change about the writing process?

DiAnn: I don’t think so. If the process were easier, then the finished product would not be worth the sweat and tears to develop it.

B2M: Outside of writing what are your other interest?

DiAnn: I am the Craftsman Mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. Along with writing, I have a passion to help other writers achieve their publishing goals. Whatever I learn about the craft, I will share it with any serious writer.

I also have two beautiful grandchildren. :) And I like to cook and garden.

B2M: Ten years from now, what would you like readers to be saying about your books?

DiAnn: I’d like for readers to say I knew how to develop unusual and unique characters. I’d much prefer readers to remember the characters than the plot. I’d also like to be known as a writer who helped other writers achieve their goals.

B2M: Are you currently working on a new project?

DiAnn: Yes! Attracted to Fire is a romantic suspense novel. Secret Service Special Agent Meghan Connors has been assigned to the Vice President’s rebellious daughter . . .

B2M: DiAnn we encourage you to continue writing great books with interesting characters and entertaining plots.

DiAnn: Thank you!

B2M: Thanks for interviewing with Books2Mention Magazine. Please be sure to come back again and keep readers informed about all of your future endeavors.

Much Success To You!
The Staff @ Books2Mention Magazine

You are welcome to visit the website of DiAnn Mills at www.DiAnnMills.com.

Latest books by DiAnn Mills include: