Interview with DiAnn Mills and Giveaway

Welcome to DiAnn Mills, prolific author with over a million copies sold, including the recently released Lightning & Lace, the third installment in the popular Texas Legacy series. Thanks DiAnn for spending some time at Relz Reviewz. My readers would love to hear your thoughts:~

ON WRITING...

Please share some of your writing/publishing journey with us

In 1996 my husband challenged me to write a book. I took him seriously and launched my career in 1998 with the publication of my first book. Currently I have over 40 books in print and have sold more than a million copies. I believe my readers should "Expect an Adventure."

Why Christian fiction?

I believe that the Christian theme of how we are to react and respond to the problems in our lives is best said in a fiction book. It's a non threatening environment in which the reader can note the difference between the believer and non believer. Honestly, I love writing fiction.

You write historicals, suspense, contemporary and romance novels. Do you have a favourite genre?

It depends on the story. I do try to add some suspense to every novel.

When The Lion Roars is a favourite of mine ~ will we see more of this kind of book from you in the future?

Yes! When the Nile Runs Red is a September '07 release by Moody Publishers. I have a passion for the Sudanese and the critical situation in their country. This new novel is the result of a personal visit to southern Sudan.

What gets you through those difficult writing days?

Prayer. It's not that the writing process is difficult because I love a challenge. It's the demands I make on myself to write a better book.

What project or book are you working on now?

A historical for Avon, a new inspirational line for Harper Collins. The book is entitled Awaken My Heart.

ON LIGHTNING & LACE...

Did the plotline or characters come first?

Characters - and as John Gardner instructed: "Create the best possible characters and allow the worst possible things happen to them." I wanted unlikely people - good people who had serious baggage.

Do we "see" some of you in your characters?

Not intentionally! If there is a hint of me in any of my characters, it's an accident. But to be honest, I think there is a little of every writer in the characters.

If you were casting actors for a movie of Lightning & Lace, who would you choose?

For Bonnie - Kate Hudson For Travis - Matt Damon

When writing a trilogy do you have all the books characters determined before you start or do the main characters for the sequels appear as you write the first book?

They appear as I write the first book. They sort of slip in unannounced and take a role.

ON MATTERS PERSONAL...

What are you reading at the moment?

The Count of Monte Cristo and Bad Girls of the Bible

Where is your favourite place to read a book?

Stretched out on my sofa with a huge cup of coffee.

Who inspires you?

Everything that is around me - God, my family, friends, media news, TV and movie shows, dreams, different cultures etc. Every bit of information has potential of a story.

Please share some of your faith journey

I became a Christian when I was 19 while watching a Billy Graham crusade. I was alone in my home, feeling very low, and the Holy Spirit nudged me at just the right time. However, I was in my late 30's before I realized that God wanted all of me, not just what I was willing to give.

Any last words....

Whether I write contemporary, historical, suspense, or romance, my desire is for the reader to be swept away with the story. I want to keep them up all night and missing meals. :) For those aspiring writers, don't give up on your dream. Work at the craft, read, write everyday, and do not give up.

DiAnn ~ Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I look forward to reading more of your wonderful books.

GRPR have once again provided a book to give away! Please post a comment to enter the draw for a copy of Lightning & Lace. This contest will be open until midnight on Saturday 5th May, 2007 and is open to my readers in both hemispheres:)