Welcome back to another episode of great writing advice on the CRAFT OF WRITING blog. This year we’re focusing on Genres. We’ll be looking at approaches to writing thrillers, mysteries, romances, and more. Each month I interview an accomplished author who writes in a particular genre, so get ready to learn from the experts!

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills is returning today to talk to us about the craft of writing Christian Fiction, and she has a new Christian Mystery & Suspense novel, Canyon of Deceit , which was released this month so we’ll have a lot to talk about.

Click the image to go to the Amazon book page.

* * *

Many thanks to my good friend and master craftsman Dr. Steve Hooley who has provided me with another unique and fabulous “Wilbur and Orville 1903” propeller pen. Hand crafted by Steve, the pen is made from Ash, one of the woods the Wright brothers used to build their first aircraft. The market value of this beautiful creation is around $80.00.

The name of each person who enters a comment will be put into the drawing for the pen. So join the conversation and earn a chance to win. Because of a prior commitment, I won’t be able to randomly  select a winner until Tuesday night around 9 PM Central Time, so you’ll have more time to enter your comments! (Previous 2025 winners are not eligible to win.)

 

The Craft of Writing Christian Fiction with DiAnn Mills Share on X

* * *

Welcome, DiAnn, and thank you for being on the Craft of Writing blog!

What is your definition of Christian Fiction?

A story in which one or more of the characters solve their problems or strive for their goals from a Christian worldview. My goal is to show a character’s faith by their actions not by telling.

 

How is Christian Fiction different from other genres?

Basically, three points:

1. Omit swearing/cursing. Instead, the writer uses a metaphor, or he/she cursed so the reader understands the context of the scene. The reader can fill in what they imagine the character saying.
2. Omit sex scenes.
3. Omit unnecessary violence scenes. As a suspense writer, violence is part of the story. Christian writers use enough to show the reader what is happening without too many graphic details.

 

What’s the most important aspect of a Christian fiction novel?

I’d say hope. I write romantic suspense because we live in a dangerous and unpredictable world. The world craves hope.

 

Why did you decide to write Christian Fiction?

I am a Christian. My responses to the previous questions show why I believe good vs. evil is reality. Not a make-believe world, but a life that hits all of us no matter what our beliefs. I want to show hope and an all-powerful God.

 

Can you give us a brief outline of the process—from concept to completion—that you use to write a novel?

This may make you laugh!

1. An idea – what-if?
2. Let it cook in my mind.
3. Consider what kind of character has the most to lose and the most to gain from succeeding.
4. Let the character cook in my mind.
5. Complete 14 -17 pages of characterization that includes backstory pertaining to the character’s role/problem in the story.
6. Write – I’m a seat of the pants writer.
7. I never know how the story ends until I’m there!

 

What advice would you give an author who decides to write Christian Fiction?

1. Give your life to Jesus and follow Him with all your heart.
2. Read Christian authors in your genre. Some Christians write in the Christian market, and some write in the general market.
3. Attend Christian writing conferences to learn the craft and network with other writers, agents, and editors.

 

Can you tell us a little about your new novel, Canyon of Deceit?

 

Besides your own books, what other novels would you recommend?

I’d rather give authors who never fail me with their stories: Jerry Jenkins, Tosca Lee, Steven James, Charles Martin, Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock, Colleen Coble, and David Baldacci.

 

Are you working on a book now?

Just finished a romantic suspense novel that will be released in September 2026. And I’m in the characterization “cook” stage for another.

 

Where can we find out more about you and your writing?

Readers can find me at online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn, or my website: diannmills.com.

 

Thank you, DiAnn, for being with us today!

 

The Craft of Writing Christian Fiction with DiAnn Mills Share on X

***

Meet DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn, or her website: diannmills.com.

 

***

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING NEW!

The Reen & Joanie Detective Agency has landed in Manhattan… and New York will never be the same.

 

 

A gang of tricky thieves is on the loose in Manhattan, but no need to worry. The Reen & Joanie Detective Agency is on the case. The two pint-sized detectives track the crooks through some of the most famous landmarks in New York, but can the girls decode the strange clues and stop the criminals before they get away?

Hamsters, secret passageways, and a seven-year-old genius named Miles all contribute to this fun, action-packed romp through the streets and buildings of Manhattan.

Click the image to go to the Amazon book page.