Hello again, everyone. We have another treat for you, today. With us today is DiAnn Mills. DiAnn is an accomplished writer with many books under her belt. Tell us a little about your new book High Treason. What is the main storyline?
A Saudi Prince escorts his mother to MD Anderson in Houston for cancer treatment. An assassination attempt is made on his life. The CIA and FBI join forces to keep the prince alive and find out who is behind the attempt on his life.
Adventure and suspense! I love it! How long have you been writing?
All my life but seriously since 1996 when my husband challenged me to write a book – instead of talking about it. I accepted the task! My first book was published in 1998.
You have to love those supporting husbands. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Always. Can’t remember when [a] story didn’t play an important part of my life. My first book was written in the 2nd grade on a Big Chief notebook with a #2 pencil.
lol… I remember those times myself. What inspired you to write this book?
The idea came from a solved cold case in New York City in which the FBI uncovered a plot to have a Saudi Arabian Ambassador killed. The thought stayed in my mind for two years. During that time, I discovered my characters and formed the storyline. High Treason is one of the most difficult books I’ve ever written because of the research. That makes the book one of my favorites.
Did it turn out the way you first thought it would? If not, what was different?
I’m an organic writer, and that means the story unfolds as I write it. Every scene results from the character’s perspective. I knew the ending took place at Houston Rodeo, but I didn’t have a clue about the rest of it until I wrote it!
I write like that too. How long did it take you to write? Tell us a little about the process.
The actual writing process and first draft take three months. The editing and fine-tuning takes about weeks.
That’s quick! I wish I could write that fast. Did you need to do any special research?
Always! Whatever the story dictates, I’m digging for facts, making phone calls, conducting face-to-face interviews, and traveling if necessary.
Do you have a special place or atmosphere you like to write in best?
Fortunately, I can write anywhere: my office, the treadmill, in the car, on the back porch, coffee shop, airport . . . my personality allows me to slip into the story-zone and create.
That must be wonderful. Are you like your main character?
I had to think about this. Perhaps the perfectionist trait. Every story has a trace of the writer, no matter how hard we try to keep the writing separate. I’ve had none of the physical experiences of Monica, but some of the psychological stepped into the story.
What character do you relate to or like best?
Monica and Kord came to the story with an interesting backstory and credible goals. The psychological aspect, like I mentioned above, creeps in. And that’s okay. On a humorous note, I enjoyed Ali. He surprised and amused me.
Did you learn anything new about yourself while writing this book?
I believe that if a writer doesn’t learn something new about themselves or life during the process of writing a book, then they’ve failed the reader. Rather blunt and yet it’s true.
I agree with that. What project are you working on now?
Burden of Proof is an October 2018 release, the first book in an FBI Rapid Response Series, so I’m working on the marketing and promotion of that book. I’m also putting the finishing touches on the second book in that series.
What advice would you give a new author?
Pray for God’s direction.
Read in the genre that you want to write.
Read the bestsellers.
Write every day.
Spend time every day learning the craft and building a social media platform.
Never stop learning about the craft, social media, and the publishing world.
How many books have you written and how can we find your books?
75 traditionally published novels and novellas.
Wow… that’s a lot of books. Do you have any closing comments for us, today?
I create stories for readers. You are my audience, and I love hearing from you. My social media connection points are on my website:
DiAnnMills.com
Helping writers work toward their publishing goals is another passion. If you are looking for assistance, contact me at diann@diannmills.com
Happy Reading!
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