Author Interview: DiAnn Mills

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has sixteen novels, fourteen novellas, a non fiction book, several articles, and short stories in print.
Five of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List and three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents.
She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she’d own one, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons. You can visit her website at: www.diannmills.com


Plug time. What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

When the Lion Roars – fiction published by RiverOak and released May 2005. This is an adventure story set in Sudan about three unlikely people who must put aside their socio-cultural beliefs and prejudices to help find a slave girl.

Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head.

I started writing in 1995, and my first book came out in 1998. I was thrilled! My dream had come true.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Always. We understand our stories come from God, and our writing is a gift from Him. To me, the self-doubts come from a lack of trust in God’s provision.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

Write everyday.
Read constantly.
Promote the craft that God has given you.

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve heard?

“You need to add more adjectives and adverbs.”

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

In the first five pages, a writer should make sure that nothing negative is written about the protagonist. This allows the reader to bond with the character.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?

Always the same: Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,"his word is in my heart like a fire,shut up in my bones.I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

For the first time since 1998, I went five months without a contract. It was a time of trust, and a time for me to understand that my performance does not equate to how much God loves me. It was a time of spiritual growth.

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

There are so many. I tend to think of what I’ve read lately.
1. Blue Like Jazz – Donald Miller
2. Peace Like a River – Leif Enger
3. The Sin Eater – Francine Rivers
4. Anything by Deb Raney
5. Anything by Ted Dekker

If your authorial self was a character from The Wizard of Oz, which one would you be and why?

Probably Dorothy – I have a habit of speaking up for what I believe in.

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

My non-fiction and fiction books about Sudan. Lost Boy No More and When the Lion Roars Both books were so very different from anything else I’d written. The research took over 2 ½ years, but they were worth it.

Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

Flowery, boring description that takes up space on the paper.

Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?

I’m very scheduled.
4:30 – up and dressed to work out
4:45 to 5:45 – quiet time and respond to e-mail
6:00 to 6:30 – critique writing students
6:30 to 7:30 – exercise
7:30 to 9:30 – breakfast, shower, housework
9:30 to 12:00 – write
1:00 to 2:00 - check e-mail and write
2:00 to 3:00 – write
3:00 to 4:30 – study (I’m pursuing a biblical studies degree) and read
I do cook.
6:30 to 7:30 – often write or study or read

If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?

Deb Raney – the art of creating characters who leap from the page.

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

More suspense novels that engage the reader.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

Yes, but not very often. I think we all doubt our abilities and wonder if God wants us to continue.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

I like all aspects of it, so I can’t say I have a favorite and/or least favorite. All facets work together to make a better book.

How much marketing do you do? Any advice in this area?

I’m always thinking about marketing. This goes into the proposal stage: What speeches can I give utilizing this theme? Who is my target audience and how can I best serve them? How does this story line fit into my brand – “Expect an Adventure?” Be prepared to give a 30 second elevator-pitch about the book at any time. How does this book and its theme fit into what is going on in the world today.

Parting words?

Always, always give the glory to God.
Read in a wide genre.
Read those books written by authors who write about writing.
Attend writing conferences.
Have a couple of critique partners who keep you accountable.
Always be willing to help other writers.