Deadlock -- with Author Interview

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Deadlock Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2015) by Diann Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. 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. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at her website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder? That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book. When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Deadlock, go HERE.


Here is some more information direct from DiAnn!

1. How did you become interested in writing?         

I can’t remember when I wasn’t in fiction mode. Before I could hold a pencil, I created stories. After I could hold a pencil, I wrote stories. The power of the written word intrigued me then as now—the sound of words, the look of them on the written page, the ways words are used to entertain, inspire, and encourage others.                                                                                                                                   

2. What can you tell us about the setting of this novel?

Deadlock, a romantic suspense, is set in Houston, Texas. My city. My home. Familiar landscapes add more authenticity.

3. Who are the main characters?

Special Agent Bethany Sanchez steps into the violent crime division of Houston’s FBI. She’s a bit of a perfectionist, and her own worst critic. However, she has reservations about her new partner, the same man who put her brother in jail. To make matters worse, he has a reputation of getting the job done, no nonsense, and a womanizer. Are the rumors true?

Special Agent Thatcher Graves is ready to work with his new partner, but she’s hard to get to know. He’s uncertain if he can trust her, and he has to know she has his back. Recently he made a decision to become a Christian, but his past party-image stops him from revealing the changes in his life.

4. Which of the characters surprised you the most in this story, and how so?

Bethany refused to give up on her relationship with her family, even though they chose her felon brother over her.

5. How did the writing of this story impact you as a person or as an author?

Definitely the family dynamics. We all have family members who don’t share our beliefs or values. This deepened my awareness of unconditional love woven with obedience to God’s principles.

6. Why is this story important to you?

Three reasons:

1.     The complexities of dealing with a depraved mind.

2.     Showing the cultural differences between Bethany and Thatcher and their friendship resulting in love.

3.     Creating an action-packed story about Houston’s FBI, their dedication and commitment to keeping people safe.

7. What would you like your readers to take away from this story?

God’s sovereignty in all situations of life—family, career, friendships, love, and obeying laws that correspond with God’s principles.

                                                                                                                                               

8. Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

God is bigger than our problems - whether that be career, spiritual, or personal. In Deadlock, not only did professional problems attack my hero and heroine, but family dynamics.

                                                                             

9.  When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?           

I enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, and grandkids! I’m very much into good health and exercise to keep my body and mind in the best shape possible.

                                                                                                                                               

10. Where can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.diannmills.com/

 www.facebook.com/diannmills

twitter.com/diannmills