All Things Bookish

Author Chat with DiAnn Mills on her New Release, Trace of Doubt

September 7, 2021 /

Today’s guest is not only an award-winning novelist several times over, but she is also a godly mentor who has invested in writers (including me) at conferences. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce DiAnn Mills, who joins us today to share about her new romantic suspense novel, Trace of Doubt.

Q: I’m so excited to talk about your new novel Trace of Doubt. Would you share what inspired you to write this story or how this story began?

The idea of sacrificial love intrigued me. How high or low would a person venture to protect someone they loved? The what-if nestled in my heart and mind. Add suspense and a huge dose of Jesus, and the story formed.

Q: Your heroine is looking for a “fresh start,” not an easy task for an ex-con. Can you tell us a little more about Shelby Pearce and why she’s an intriguing character?

To answer that question, look at a glimpse of Shelby’s backstory.

Shelby’s backstory: Shelby couldn’t leave trouble alone. By the time she was a junior in high school, she’d been bailed out of jail three times for driving while intoxicated, fined for underage drinking, and received numerous tickets for speeding. The judge said if he ever saw her in court again, he’d throw the book at her. She chose to emulate her older sister and change for the better. As a high school senior, she walks in on her pregnant sister and witnesses her pulling a trigger on her husband, Shelby is manipulated to take the blame. Can anyone put a price on love?

Q: Fiction often speaks truth just as loudly as non-fiction. If you could leave your reader with one parting takeaway from this story, what would it be?

We may not understand human behavior, but we know God’s sovereignty and His promises are true.

Q: You’ve been writing novels for over two decades! How do you find fresh inspiration for your stories? Would you share an example?

My story ideas come from so many places that it’s difficult to pinpoint a particular place. Let me begin by naming: daydreams, movies, sermons, media headlines, dreams and nightmares, real people-real happenings, and books in which a twist is mentioned or I’d have written it differently. In short everywhere, and I’m always searching for new ideas.

Q: In addition to writing, you’re a mentor, speaker, and teacher. I first met you at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference, which you co-hosted for several years, and you keep a full speaking schedule elsewhere too. Would you share why investing in others is such a passion for you?

I believe in paying it forward. That means training Christian writers for the next generation and the next. This can be physically, spiritually, emotionally, or adding to their craftsman belt. Whatever I learn, I want to pass it on to a serious writer.

Q: How can readers stay in touch with you?

I love to hear from readers!

Q: Can you hint about what your next project will be?     

I’m thrilled to give you a glimpse of my next romantic suspense. A young woman raised by her beloved grandfather believes she witnessed him murder a man. This is the grandfather who loved, encouraged, supported her, and led her to faith in Jesus. The young woman’s whole world is shaken, and while she seeks answers, danger stalks her.

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Speakers, Nonfiction and Novelist with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

Connect with DiAnn here: www.diannmills.com

About Trace of Doubt

Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.

FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.

But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.

Get your copy.

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