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 with threads of romance. 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, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn 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: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn or her website: diannmills.com
Visit DiAnn Mills online
Canyon of Deceit
A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy. When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone. Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina. Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives. • A thrilling Christian contemporary novel with themes of courage and resilience from award–winning author DiAnn Mills • Perfect for fans of clean, action-packed romantic suspense • Includes discussion questions for book clubs
- ISBN: 1496485157
- Publisher: Tyndale
Interview with DiAnn Mills 2025
Many people have heard of method acting, but have you ever heard of method writing? DiAnn Mills is a bestselling, award-winning author whose engaging writing style includes fully immersing herself in her character’s world.
“When writing, I become the character,” she explained. “I ‘dress’ in their personality and immerse myself into their world. I hope it shows!”
With most of her books landing in the Romantic Suspense genre, Mills strives to give each reader an adventure.
“We live in a dangerous and unpredictable world,” she replied in answer to why she chose this genre. “I want to show there are brave men and women who are not only trained but willing to keep us safe. Love is a gift from God, and I want to show the unexpected awareness of finding the right person for the character to spend the rest of their life.”
Although DiAnn has experienced her share of adventures (she once went on an African Safari by herself), she describes one of her greatest ones as, “Experiencing God’s amazing work in me. I never thought I’d publish a book; never dreamed I’d teach writing, and never imagined readers would like my books.”
Her Christian faith plays a big role in her stories.
“Faith is a part of the character. It’s how that Christian character reacts and responds to the world around them. Their faith shows who they are without telling.”
Early Writing Adventures
Like many writers, DiAnn dreamed about becoming an author when she was a kid. She was a creative child whose favorite part of writing was using her imagination. Unfortunately, that same imagination sometimes landed her in trouble.
“My mother once said that as a child I got spanked for telling tales,” Mills shared, “but now I get paid for them. The what-if process that began as a child continues to fuel my imagination.”
Although she threw away the poetry, stories, and books she wrote during those years, she saved a poem titled “Dreaming,” because it symbolized how she felt about writing.
Lacking the courage and confidence to pursue this dream, DiAnn turned her attention to Biblical studies and worked for ten years as a daycare/preschool director. These experiences later impacted her writing.
“The Biblical studies background has helped me keep theologically correct in my writing and speaking. Serving as a daycare/preschool director enabled me to learn much about personalities and behavior from the young and old.”
In 1996, DiAnn Mills finally decided to venture into the uncertain world of writing/publishing. She credits her husband for giving her the push and encouragement she needed.
“I believed God had called me to write, but I never had the courage to pursue it. One day, my husband said to me, ‘Stop telling me that one day you’re going to write a book. Quit your job, and I give you one year to get anything published. If you do, you never have to go back to your job.’ So, I did! I took on writing as a job, dividing my time with learning, reading, and writing. And I did sell a devotional, short story, and a book that year.”
With God opening the way for DiAnn to fulfill her dreams, she continued on that path with lots of prayer, always looking for ways to grow in the craft. She got involved in writing groups and attended face-to-face workshops and conferences. These days, she also utilizes online means, including social media, to develop writing skills and market/promote her work.
Adventures in Canyon of Deceit
DiAnn Mills’ latest book, Canyon of Deceit, follows wilderness expert Therese Palmer and Texas Ranger Blane Gardner as they stumble into a high-stakes international conspiracy while searching for a missing child in the desert of Guadalupe National Park.
As she wrote, Mills was inspired and driven by her conviction that, “Our greatest treasure and legacy are children. They are to be protected, nurtured, and loved at all costs.”
While she immersed herself in the world of her characters, DiAnn also pulled from her own life experiences of loving children, nature, and adventure, and having “a bit of a wild-child streak.” She also utilized her in-person knowledge of hiking in Guadalupe National Park.
“It’s off-the-grid, which is what I wanted,” she shared. “The area is hauntingly beautiful. The wildlife, rugged shrubs, and challenging heights stole my breath. I have a few pics on my Pinterest page about the area (https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/canyon-of-deceit/).”
One aspect of her characters that DiAnn related to the most was, “The phrase, ‘Whatever it takes to get the job done.’ I’m a bit OCD with discipline, and too much of a perfectionist. But we all have our faults!”
Key Themes in the Book: Forgiveness of others and ourselves, the value of empathy, standing up for what is right.
I don’t know if it’s possible for a writer not to be impacted by their work. Writing Canyon of Deceit strengthened Mills’ faith, helped her acquire more negotiation skills, and the research broadened her eyes to the Russian culture. She hopes that when people read this book, they’ll gain, “Hope for their lives and others’ lives and a desire to be all that God intended.”
Author Adventures
Most Significant Influence: As DiAnn reflected on her publication journey, she credited her husband’s challenge as being the most significant. “God had nudged me, but it took Him working through my husband to get me learning and developing the craft.”
An Established Writing Routine: Years after that initial challenge, DiAnn now has a trustworthy routine. “I’m a morning writer, and I have a wordcount that is done to stay ahead of the project. I always begin with a ‘what-if?’ and use lots of think-time to develop an idea. In finding the hero/heroine, I must have the personality of the one who has the most to lose and the most to gain in the adventure. In writing, I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer, but I complete 14-17 pages of a characterization sketch before I write chapter one, line one. This means the research for all characters, visiting the areas, and interviewing those in my characters’ shoes.”
Mentoring New Writers: In addition to crafting her own book, Mills is also committed to mentoring new writers in their journey. “When God nudged me to write, He also made it clear that whatever I learned, I was to pass on to a serious writer. To me, it’s such an honor to see someone I’ve mentored reach their goals.”
DiAnn’s Mentors: Some of the most significant mentors DiAnn looked to in the early days of her writing pursuit include Tracie Peterson, Jerry Jenkins, and later Donald Maass.
Time Management: When I asked DiAnn how she balances her time between writing her own books, mentoring others, speaking, and teaching, she said, “I’m disciplined, and make sure I’m always ahead of all due dates. Life is filled with interruptions, and I don’t want to ever say no to something worthy when I should say yes. My method ensures I’m there for family and friends.”
Greatest Moment of Writing/Publishing Career? “That question is tough! Perhaps a toss between receiving my first book with my name on it. Or my grandson sending me a picture of another boy in the school library reading one of my books. Weird, I know, but that showed me I was impacting someone.”
Funniest Author Moment: “A woman showing up at a signing and shouting – loudly. ‘Oh, my goodness! I’ve never met a real live Arthur before.’”
Best Experience as a Mentor/Speaker/Teacher: “When a writer I’d mentored hit the CBA bestseller list.”
What’s Next in terms of Writing: “I just finished a novel, Forged by Flames. An arson investigator struggles to redeem his past.”
Benefits of Pursuing Traditional Publishing: “Traditional publishing means a team of professionals helping the writer create, market, and promote the best book possible. I value the editing, brainstorming, and community feel. Traditional publishing provides worldwide exposure in other markets, large print for the reading challenged, outstanding audio books, and tremendous encouragement. The writer will always have more passion about a book than anyone else, but a team effort ensures the best of the best is published.”
Connect with DiAnn: “I cherish readers. Please connect with me via all the social media platforms and contact listed on my website, https://diannmills.com.”
Final Advice from a Passionate, Successful Author: “Writers, never give up. I challenge you to take your writing seriously. We are in a ministry, a valuable legacy to leave to others. Never stop learning and be aware of the world around you.”
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jenny Fulton is a wife, mother, author, blogger, and freelance writer. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, she grew up hearing stories from my dad about the supernatural workings on the Navajo Reservation. As a child, she collected angels and loved anything related to fairy tales. Her days are now mostly spent raising my three young daughters and writing as much as time and opportunity allows. Follow her at her blog, Heart Soul Mind.
“When writing, I become the character,” she explained. “I ‘dress’ in their personality and immerse myself into their world. I hope it shows!”
With most of her books landing in the Romantic Suspense genre, Mills strives to give each reader an adventure.
“We live in a dangerous and unpredictable world,” she replied in answer to why she chose this genre. “I want to show there are brave men and women who are not only trained but willing to keep us safe. Love is a gift from God, and I want to show the unexpected awareness of finding the right person for the character to spend the rest of their life.”
Although DiAnn has experienced her share of adventures (she once went on an African Safari by herself), she describes one of her greatest ones as, “Experiencing God’s amazing work in me. I never thought I’d publish a book; never dreamed I’d teach writing, and never imagined readers would like my books.”
Her Christian faith plays a big role in her stories.
“Faith is a part of the character. It’s how that Christian character reacts and responds to the world around them. Their faith shows who they are without telling.”
Early Writing Adventures
Like many writers, DiAnn dreamed about becoming an author when she was a kid. She was a creative child whose favorite part of writing was using her imagination. Unfortunately, that same imagination sometimes landed her in trouble.
“My mother once said that as a child I got spanked for telling tales,” Mills shared, “but now I get paid for them. The what-if process that began as a child continues to fuel my imagination.”
Although she threw away the poetry, stories, and books she wrote during those years, she saved a poem titled “Dreaming,” because it symbolized how she felt about writing.
Lacking the courage and confidence to pursue this dream, DiAnn turned her attention to Biblical studies and worked for ten years as a daycare/preschool director. These experiences later impacted her writing.
“The Biblical studies background has helped me keep theologically correct in my writing and speaking. Serving as a daycare/preschool director enabled me to learn much about personalities and behavior from the young and old.”
In 1996, DiAnn Mills finally decided to venture into the uncertain world of writing/publishing. She credits her husband for giving her the push and encouragement she needed.
“I believed God had called me to write, but I never had the courage to pursue it. One day, my husband said to me, ‘Stop telling me that one day you’re going to write a book. Quit your job, and I give you one year to get anything published. If you do, you never have to go back to your job.’ So, I did! I took on writing as a job, dividing my time with learning, reading, and writing. And I did sell a devotional, short story, and a book that year.”
With God opening the way for DiAnn to fulfill her dreams, she continued on that path with lots of prayer, always looking for ways to grow in the craft. She got involved in writing groups and attended face-to-face workshops and conferences. These days, she also utilizes online means, including social media, to develop writing skills and market/promote her work.
Adventures in Canyon of Deceit
DiAnn Mills’ latest book, Canyon of Deceit, follows wilderness expert Therese Palmer and Texas Ranger Blane Gardner as they stumble into a high-stakes international conspiracy while searching for a missing child in the desert of Guadalupe National Park.
As she wrote, Mills was inspired and driven by her conviction that, “Our greatest treasure and legacy are children. They are to be protected, nurtured, and loved at all costs.”
While she immersed herself in the world of her characters, DiAnn also pulled from her own life experiences of loving children, nature, and adventure, and having “a bit of a wild-child streak.” She also utilized her in-person knowledge of hiking in Guadalupe National Park.
“It’s off-the-grid, which is what I wanted,” she shared. “The area is hauntingly beautiful. The wildlife, rugged shrubs, and challenging heights stole my breath. I have a few pics on my Pinterest page about the area (https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/canyon-of-deceit/).”
One aspect of her characters that DiAnn related to the most was, “The phrase, ‘Whatever it takes to get the job done.’ I’m a bit OCD with discipline, and too much of a perfectionist. But we all have our faults!”
Key Themes in the Book: Forgiveness of others and ourselves, the value of empathy, standing up for what is right.
I don’t know if it’s possible for a writer not to be impacted by their work. Writing Canyon of Deceit strengthened Mills’ faith, helped her acquire more negotiation skills, and the research broadened her eyes to the Russian culture. She hopes that when people read this book, they’ll gain, “Hope for their lives and others’ lives and a desire to be all that God intended.”
Author Adventures
Most Significant Influence: As DiAnn reflected on her publication journey, she credited her husband’s challenge as being the most significant. “God had nudged me, but it took Him working through my husband to get me learning and developing the craft.”
An Established Writing Routine: Years after that initial challenge, DiAnn now has a trustworthy routine. “I’m a morning writer, and I have a wordcount that is done to stay ahead of the project. I always begin with a ‘what-if?’ and use lots of think-time to develop an idea. In finding the hero/heroine, I must have the personality of the one who has the most to lose and the most to gain in the adventure. In writing, I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer, but I complete 14-17 pages of a characterization sketch before I write chapter one, line one. This means the research for all characters, visiting the areas, and interviewing those in my characters’ shoes.”
Mentoring New Writers: In addition to crafting her own book, Mills is also committed to mentoring new writers in their journey. “When God nudged me to write, He also made it clear that whatever I learned, I was to pass on to a serious writer. To me, it’s such an honor to see someone I’ve mentored reach their goals.”
DiAnn’s Mentors: Some of the most significant mentors DiAnn looked to in the early days of her writing pursuit include Tracie Peterson, Jerry Jenkins, and later Donald Maass.
Time Management: When I asked DiAnn how she balances her time between writing her own books, mentoring others, speaking, and teaching, she said, “I’m disciplined, and make sure I’m always ahead of all due dates. Life is filled with interruptions, and I don’t want to ever say no to something worthy when I should say yes. My method ensures I’m there for family and friends.”
Greatest Moment of Writing/Publishing Career? “That question is tough! Perhaps a toss between receiving my first book with my name on it. Or my grandson sending me a picture of another boy in the school library reading one of my books. Weird, I know, but that showed me I was impacting someone.”
Funniest Author Moment: “A woman showing up at a signing and shouting – loudly. ‘Oh, my goodness! I’ve never met a real live Arthur before.’”
Best Experience as a Mentor/Speaker/Teacher: “When a writer I’d mentored hit the CBA bestseller list.”
What’s Next in terms of Writing: “I just finished a novel, Forged by Flames. An arson investigator struggles to redeem his past.”
Benefits of Pursuing Traditional Publishing: “Traditional publishing means a team of professionals helping the writer create, market, and promote the best book possible. I value the editing, brainstorming, and community feel. Traditional publishing provides worldwide exposure in other markets, large print for the reading challenged, outstanding audio books, and tremendous encouragement. The writer will always have more passion about a book than anyone else, but a team effort ensures the best of the best is published.”
Connect with DiAnn: “I cherish readers. Please connect with me via all the social media platforms and contact listed on my website, https://diannmills.com.”
Final Advice from a Passionate, Successful Author: “Writers, never give up. I challenge you to take your writing seriously. We are in a ministry, a valuable legacy to leave to others. Never stop learning and be aware of the world around you.”
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jenny Fulton is a wife, mother, author, blogger, and freelance writer. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, she grew up hearing stories from my dad about the supernatural workings on the Navajo Reservation. As a child, she collected angels and loved anything related to fairy tales. Her days are now mostly spent raising my three young daughters and writing as much as time and opportunity allows. Follow her at her blog, Heart Soul Mind.
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