Joyce Handzo talks with Diann Mills about "Lightning and Lace"

Added June 12, 2007

Joyce: Welcome, Diann to In the Library Reviews.

Lightning and Lace is a wonderful addition to the Texas Legacy series. How did the idea for this series develop?

Diann: I’ve lived in Texas for 27 years, and this state with all its rugged and fascinating history has become my home. The courageous people who built Texas did so with their strengths, weaknesses, and faith. The what-ifs into the lives of such people laid the foundation of the Texas Legacy Series.

Joyce: In the novel, you showed Christianity affecting the characters’ lives in a gloriously natural way. What do you want readers to understand about God working in our ordinary lives?

Diann: God doesn’t need us in His divine plan, but He does choose faithful men and women to carry out His purpose – ordinary, flesh people who have a deep desire to obey God.

Joyce: Your characters beautifully highlight some universal emotions. I could feel Bonnie’s grief and frustration, as well as the fear and uncertainty that surrounded Travis. Is there a secret to creating characters with such magnetic emotional appeal?

Diann: I live with my characters – talk to them and interview them. I start with a character sketch then dive into various books: psychology, temperament guidelines, body language etc. It’s a rewarding process. When I consider my age J and how long it has taken for me to form my personality, then I realize that developing characters must take hard work.

Joyce: Why did you place the story in Texas during this time period? Do you have a particular interest or affinity for this setting? (Personally, I loved it. The mixture of rugged country and sweet romance was delightful.)

Diann: I believe I answered it above! There is a bumper sticker that says “I may not have been born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could."

Joyce: Is it fun to write the ‘bad guy’ part? Lester was one of those characters that readers will love to hate.

Diann: Oh yes. Actually, I felt sorry for him. He tried to bully others to make up for his lack of self-confidence and a past built on hurts.

Joyce: What’s the theme that runs throughout this series?

Diann: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. I understand that is a bit of a cliché, but it is so true!

Joyce: What’s next? Can you tell us what you’re working on now?

Diann: My scheduled releases are:

A Texas Legacy Christmas – Barbour Publishing September 2007 release Yes! Our same characters.

When the Nile Runs Red – Moody Publishing September 2007. This is my third book about the Sudan, and a sequel to When the Lion Roars. This third book is the result of a trip to Southern Sudan in November 2006.

Awaken My Heart – Avon Inspired February 2008. This is a historical novel set in 1803 Texas when the area was a colony under Spanish Rule.

And I’m writing proposals for new novels.

Joyce: Thanks Diann, for spending time with us and for writing such great books!

Diann: Thank you!

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