ℚ♫ Fatal Strike - DiAnn Mills

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author DiAnn Mills to talk about Fatal Strike (3 September 2019, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 400 pages), a Romantic Suspense.

"Another interesting crime drama by this dynamic author, with a subject pulled from current problems: gang violence, border concerns, illegal drugs. The main characters are smart, capable and tough, but have their own regrets and fears from their pasts. The dialogue is quick and snappy, with some romantic interest. Plenty of action and revealed clues to the mystery kept the story rolling along at a steady pace." ~ Karen R, reviewer.

"Fatal Strike, DiAnn Mills’s latest entry in the suspense and mystery field, ranks as one of her best. She nails the characters of her protagonists, Leah and Jon, and makes us like them from the very beginning. [...] Mystery, murder, and mayhem–loved every minute of Fatal Strike, which I read in one afternoon. Keep ’em coming, DiAnn! Five Stars!" ~ Deb Haggerty, reviewer

|| Synopsis || Trailer || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

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A very warm welcome to DiAnn Mills; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Fatal Strike, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"I have an eclectic mix!"

What was the inspiration for Fatal Strike?

"Three items led to the writing of Fatal Strike:

1. My fear of snakes and how to incorporate the phobia into a romantic suspense novel.
     
2. As a Christian, how does a SWAT member or sniper handle their role of protecting people and possibly taking a life?
     
3. The theme of adoption and how it affects the adopted child and other family members."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"… The snake phobia.

I have three adopted sons of mixed race and understand the challenges.

I drink lots of coffee and must have it first thing in the mornings."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover.  Can you tell us about your cover for Fatal Strike - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"My publisher has a design team that works on my covers.  I complete a questionnaire about the storyline with a few key ideas of what I envision.

For Fatal Strike, the designer was Dean Renninger.  He said, “Our heroine is all business as she walks dramatically into the scene in front of her.  You can almost hear the dramatic music playing and see the slow motion video of her going in!”

The silhouette lets the reader fill in the gaps for what Leah looks like while also creating a strong level of suspense.  The colorful background is dramatic and eye-catching.”

And I love Renninger’s concept: amber hues to show caution/danger, and the shadowed pink and purple as a mix of feminine appeal and mystery.  I also like the heroine’s face is kept from us so the reader can imagine what she looks like."

Why should we read Fatal Strike and what sets it apart from the rest?  What makes your book unique?

"Fatal Strike is a romantic suspense novel for the reader who enjoys characters with unusual and sometimes controversial careers—characters who are willing to risk their lives to keep others safe.

The novel is unique in that the bad guys are using a lethal dose of rattlesnake venom injected into their victims’ hearts.  I’m character driven – everything points back to the character."

Can you tell us something quirky about Fatal Strike, its story and characters?

"Something quirky about Fatal Strike –

I am at a loss for this question.  Perhaps it’s the way Leah struggles not to show her snake phobia."

Who would you recommend Fatal Strike to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Those between the ages of 25-65 who prefer an FBI romantic suspense with lots of action.  No warnings or disclaimers!"

If you could / wished to turn Fatal Strike into a movie, who would be your dream team?

Keira Knightley as
Special Agent Leah Riesel

Alex Meraz as
Special Agent Jon Colbert

Tyler Posey as
Dylan Ortega

Salma Hayek as
Sylvia Ortega

George Lopez as
Father Gabriel

Bradley Cooper as
Warren Livingston

Kathryn Newton as
Elena James

Jennifer Lawrence as
Rachel Mendez

Director – Peter Berg [Patriots Day]

"The story is set in Galveston, Texas so that’s where the film should be made."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I prefer writing and reading romantic suspense, suspense, and thriller. Sometimes I’ll read a bestseller or a recommended book out of my genre."

What is your writing process?

"I’m an organic writer—everything in the story rises out of character.  This means I don’t outline.

Before writing chapter one, line one, I complete pages of carefully arranged questions that allow me to get to know my character, specifically the motivation and psychological workings.  I believe the answers to all behavior rests in the character’s backstory."

What is in store next?

"My next book is currently titled Airborne.  An FBI agent boards a plane for Salzburg, Austria for a much-needed vacation and to make decisions about her future.  Her husband has asked for a divorce, and he doesn’t know she’s three months pregnant.  Two hours into the flight, several people on board begin showing evidence of a deadly virus."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"No pets!  But here is a pic of me at an FBI shooting range. 😀"

Thank you for sharing!

Can FBI agents Leah Riesel and John Colbert stop the next fatal strike?

Fatal Strike
Pre-order NOW! OUT 3 Sep 2019!

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