DiAnn Mills’s words still speak to me. Every now and then, they flow into my mind like a swelling wave, reminding me what it means to be passionate. The truth she shared in a past devotional message about the word, passion, remains with me.
It’s one thing to declare I’m passionate about stirring hearts toward Jesus, yet it’s quite another to live it out. Because as DiAnn so eloquently explained at a previous conference, being passionate about something means we’re willing to suffer for it. Thank you, DiAnn, for granting me this perspective—for challenging me to embrace the suffering that accompanies my calling as a writer and speaker.
Please join me in welcoming DiAnn Mills, bestselling author, speaker, and a Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference director, to Writers Connect.
Get to know bestselling author, speaker, and @BRMCWC director, @diannmills, on WRITERS CONNECT. #WritingCommunity #WritingLife Click To Tweet
DiAnn, when and how did you come to know the Lord as your Savior?
DiAnn Mills: God first spoke to me when I was 9 years old, but I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at 19 while watching a Billy Graham Crusade on TV. Over the years, He has been faithful even when I’ve slipped. Praise God for grace.
What type of books do you write, and how did you first achieve publication?
DiAnn Mills: I write Christian romantic suspense novels for Tyndale Publishing. The last several have been set in Houston and feature characters who are a part of Houston’s FBI. I believe the world is a dangerous and unpredictable place, which is why I write hope. At least one of my characters solve their problems from a Christian worldview.
In 1998, Barbour Publishing released my first book. Your readers may enjoy this story.
In 1996, my husband said to me, “Stop telling me you will one day write a book. Do it now. Quit your job, and I give you one year to get anything published. If you are successful, you never have to return to work.” So I did! During that year, I wrote and sold devotions and articles while writing a novel. In 1997, I sold the novel. I never returned to a day job, and now my husband helps me full time in the writing , teaching, and speaking ministry.
How do you contribute your time and talents to the writing community, and what brings you the greatest joy in these efforts?
DiAnn Mills: I direct the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference with Edie Melson. She and I also direct 4 focused writing retreats together. I mentor writers, edit, and am active on social media. My greatest joy is seeing another writer grasp a writing technique or find publication.
What do you recommend to writers who are pursuing publication?
DiAnn Mills:
My 7 recommendations:
- Pray about God’s purpose for your writing.
- Write every day.
- Read in your genre, including the bestsellers. Read for enjoyment and as a textbook.
- Read the how-to books.
- Follow respected blogs that provide information on the craft, social media, and living a Godly life.
- Give back what you learn to a serious writer.
- Repeat.
How can we pray for you and your ministry to the Sudanese people?
DiAnn Mills: For me: wisdom and guidance that I remain in God’s will. For the Sudancese: divine protection from persecution and for God to bless them mightily.
Thank you, DiAnn, for sharing your story on Writers Connect. Although I miss seeing you this week at the BRMCWC, I look forward to your leadership at the same conference this November 2020, Lord willing. May God continue to speak through you via your various, God-given platforms. You are a blessing, and I’ve appreciated learning more about you.
To my readers ~ Thank you for joining me in prayer for DiAnn as well as the Sudanese people. Despite the world-changing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, God moves forward in His plans for each. Also, please be certain to visit DiAnn’s website for more information about her ministry to the Sudanese, and connect with her at the links listed below.
In Christ’s Love,
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn speaks to groups and teaches writing all over the country. Connect with DiAnn here: diannmills.com. Find DiAnn on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Blog, BookBub, Pinterest, Goodreads, YouTube, and LinkedIn
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