After reviewing the incredible upcoming novel “Burden of Proof”, BTSCelebs had to interview the talented author behind the book. The kind DiAnn Mills graciously accepted the interview request and gave an in-depth look into her thrilling new novel and the message she wants to convey to readers.
BTSCelebs: Who is DiAnn Mills?
DiAnn Mills is a storyteller. She’s a bestselling author who believes readers should always expect an adventure from her romantic suspense novels. She believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is codirector of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson, where she 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 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, Twitter or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com.
Please describe one thing in the novel that will grab nonbelievers’ attention right away.
In spite of the FBI agent’s best effort, people still make choices that can be right or wrong. We are all responsible for the choices we make, both big and small, and our choices can impact not only ourselves but others.
Who influenced you to create the main characters in “Burden of Proof”?
For this story, it was not so much who, but what—a huge dose of my imagination. My stories begin with a what-if scenario. The next step is to determine what kind of character would have the most to lose and the most to gain by being involved with the story line. I spend numerous hours forming my characters: discovering their temperaments, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and a huge list of other traits.
The names of my hero and heroine are based on my nephew and his wife—a beautiful woman from the Philippines—and their daughter Isabella.
Was there a frightening real-life event that you included in the book? Please tell us about it.
Yes! Being fearful for a child. Years ago when my four sons were small, a hurricane blew in from Galveston to Houston. I remember staying up all night watching the weather until the electricity flickered out. Trees bent to the ground, and branches scratched against the windows. Fear for my sons raced through me like I’d never experienced before.
Did your personal road to salvation inspire April’s or Jason’s story?
More a combination of seeking purpose and meaning to life while expecting God to answer why good people must suffer from evil. God is sovereign, and with the acceptance of His will as best for our lives, we all can know the reality of eternal life with Him.
What do you hope resonates with readers after they finish Burden of Proof?
Life is filled with mountaintops and valleys. Those unforeseen happenings have the potential to grow and change us into better people—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Besides “Burden of Proof“ in October, are there any novels or special writing projects we should anticipate from you in the near future?
I have another book featuring members of one of the FBI’s rapid response teams. This one is about two FBI snipers who are searching for a killer and a purpose to life. My publisher is also re-releasing two novels I wrote about Sudan, a place that’s very dear to my heart, as digital e-books.
All the best to DiAnn Mills on her next projects!
BTSCelebs send a special thanks to DiAnn Mills and Tyndale House Publishers for the exclusive interview and images.
