What I Learned While Writing Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills

I’m so excited to have the amazing DiAnn Mills on my blog today. She has a new release coming out tomorrow! Canyon of Deceit hits the stores on September 9th. Run out a grab your copy. You won’t be disappointed.

What I Learned While Writing  Canyon of Deceit
(That Surprised Me About Life)
By DiAnn Mills

After years of researching stories, I’ve learned that the writing process often teaches me more than I expected—about characters, plot, setting, culture, symbolism, and all the unique threads that bring a book to life.

And yes, Canyon of Deceit was no exception. I still giggle when I think about it.

This story features a wilderness survival expert and a Texas Ranger negotiator teaming up in the rugged Guadalupe Mountains to rescue a kidnapped little girl. The twist? It was written by a woman who despises camping. (That would be me.) But I believe in authentic research—so my husband and I hiked those mountains so I could feel the setting firsthand.

No, we did not camp. I draw the line there.

Research stretches a writer’s heart and mind. It challenges us to view the world through our characters’ eyes. Here are five fascinating things I learned while trekking through the pages—and real-world paths—of Canyon of Deceit.

What’s in Your Pack?

My heroine packed what mattered most for her journey: a compass, extra water, power bars, a knife, a satellite phone, matches, a first aid kit, rope—and the Word of God.

You and I might carry phones (with Bible apps), tissues, cash, credit cards, keys, ID, a pen, and of course, a tube of lipstick. When I was a teen, my dad always made sure I had “mad money” before a date—in case the guy made me mad, and I needed to call home. (From a pay phone. Remember those?)

Wilderness Survival Takes Skill

Survival in the wild means knowing how to stay on the right path, find water, defend yourself, choose edible plants, and use first aid. Those skills can literally be the difference between life and death.

But you and I have our own wilderness moments. We keep maps (or GPS) handy, maintain our vehicles, and avoid unsafe situations. Sometimes the wilderness is a room full of strangers—or a family reunion. (Don’t laugh. You’ve been there.) Emotional, mental, and spiritual survival requires preparedness, too.

Negotiation is an Art

My Texas Ranger hero’s strength isn’t just in what he says, but in how he listens. True negotiation requires empathy, careful observation, and reading between the lines—especially body language.

Researching negotiation techniques improved my own listening skills and helped me better understand others. Why didn’t I learn this when my four boys were growing up? If you’re interested, check out The Black Swan Group newsletter or Chris Voss’s Master Class on negotiation. You’ll be hooked.

Nature is a Majestic Teacher

The Guadalupe Mountains are breathtaking—like sentinels guarding the desert below. The area is off the grid and rich in natural beauty. Wildlife has the right of way: deer, horses, cattle. And the skies invite you to watch for soaring eagles.

While exploring Dog Canyon (the story’s primary setting), I discovered a profound appreciation for God’s detail in nature. Too often, we rush through life and miss the beauty in our path.

Faith Is the Ultimate Lifeline

In Canyon of Deceit, the characters face rattlesnakes, wild animals, limited water, and no cell service—all while trying to rescue a kidnapped child. Survival requires courage and know-how, but ultimately, it’s faith that gives them strength.

In real life, we face daily adversity—sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden. But faith in God, and His purpose for us, keeps us moving forward with confidence, even when the path is uncertain.

Writing and researching this story opened a treasure chest of unexpected insights and blessings. It reminded me that even the most challenging adventures—on the page or in life—are rich with purpose, growth, and joy.

Have you discovered surprising lessons while stepping into something new?

Meet DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, conference
consultant for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, a member of the Advanced Writers
and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and
International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops
around the country.

DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn or her website: diannmills.com

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