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{"id":22825,"date":"2020-09-16T01:17:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T05:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/?p=22825"},"modified":"2020-08-17T08:40:44","modified_gmt":"2020-08-17T12:40:44","slug":"airborne-by-diann-mills-showcase-interview-giveaway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/2020\/09\/16\/airborne-by-diann-mills-showcase-interview-giveaway\/","title":{"rendered":"AIRBORNE by DiAnn Mills | #Showcase #Interview #Giveaway"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n

$\"Airborne$ <\/a><\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
Airborne<\/h2>\n
by DiAnn Mills<\/h3>\n
on Tour September 1-30, 2020<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
Synopsis:<\/h2>\n
$\"Airborne$ <\/p>\n\n\n
Heather Lawrence\u2019s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn\u2019t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she\u2019s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living\u2014but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather\u2019s husband. The Lawrences\u2019 marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time\u2019s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
Book Details:<\/h3>\n
Genre:<\/b> Romantic Suspense
\nPublished by:<\/b> Tyndale House Publishers
\nPublication Date:<\/b> September 8th 2020
\nNumber of Pages:<\/b> 400
\nISBN:<\/b> 1496427173 (ISBN13: 9781496427175)
\nPurchase Links:<\/b> Amazon<\/a> | Barnes & Noble<\/a> | IndieBound<\/a> | Goodreads<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Airborne<\/em> Trailer:<\/h2>\n
<\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Read an excerpt:<\/h3>\n<div class=\"excerpt\" style=\"height:250px; overflow:auto; border-width:3px; border-color:800000; border-style:groove;\">\n<p>Chapter One<\/p>\n<p>Houston<br>\nEarly July<br>\nMonday, 6 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Vacations offered a distraction for those who longed to relax and rejuvenate, but FBI Special Agent Heather Lawrence wrestled with the decision to take an overseas trip alone. Normally she arrived for a flight at IAH eager to embark upon a new adventure. Not this time. Her vacation expectations had bottomed out over four weeks ago after Chad had slammed the door on reconciliation. Was she working through her grief or avoiding the reality of a husband who no longer wanted her?<\/p>\n<p>She waited to board the flight in a designated line at the gate. The hum of voices blended with airport beeps, and announcements swirled around her as though enticing her to join the enthusiasm. In the line beside her, passengers shifted their carry-ons and positioned their mobile devices or paper boarding passes. Ready. Alert. People eager to be on their way.<\/p>\n<p>Heather offered a smile to those nearest her. An adorable little blond boy with an older woman found it hard to stand still. A middle-aged couple held hands. The bald head and pasty skin of the man indicated a medical condition. He stumbled, and the woman reached for him. A robust man held a violin case next to his heart. A twentysomething woman with pink hair and a man behind her with a scruffy beard exchanged a kiss.<\/p>\n<p>Chad used to steal kisses.<\/p>\n<p>If she pinpointed the exact moment when he chose to separate himself from her, she\u2019d say when he returned from a third trip for Doctors Without Borders late last fall. He\u2019d witnessed suffering and cruel deaths that had scarred him. She\u2019d encouraged his desire to help others, not realizing their future would take a backseat. While he drove toward success, their marriage drifted across the lanes and stalled in a rut.<\/p>\n<p>The boarding line moved toward the Jetway. Each step shook her to the core as though she should turn and try to reverse the past seven months. She\u2019d ignored her and Chad\u2019s deteriorating relationship in an effort to make him happy. A huge mistake. But she didn\u2019t intend to add the labels beaten or weak to her dossier.<\/p>\n<p>A cell phone sounded, and a man boarding in front of her stopped to answer it. His shoulders stiffened under a tan sports coat, and he talked in hushed tones. Heather dug her fingers into her palms and forced one foot in front of the other while the man pocketed his cell phone and proceeded into business class.<\/p>\n<p>A flight attendant greeted her, a dark-haired young man wearing a wide smile, relaxed and genuine, an obvious sign he enjoyed his job. She returned the gesture. His black jacket with two rows of silver braid on the sleeves and black trousers were magazine perfect.<\/p>\n<p>Heather walked to a rear aisle seat in business class and hoisted her tote bag into the overhead compartment. Although it held essentials for every emergency in case her luggage was delayed, the bulging piece weighed less than the burden on her heart.<\/p>\n<p>Easing onto her seat, Heather pulled the brochure from her shoulder bag describing Salzburg\u2019s music festival, a celebration of musicians past and present. First a layover in Frankfurt and then on to her destination. She\u2019d rented an apartment for ten days within walking distance of the historical center. The flexibility allowed her to choose her itinerary and cook or dine out. From the online photos, the centuries-old building had just enough updates to be comfortable without damaging its historic charm. She\u2019d have hours to explore Mozart\u2019s roots, museums, the many churches, immerse herself in the culture, and think.<\/p>\n<p>A female passenger, sporting red spiked hair and chin-length hooped earrings, stopped beside her. The woman carried a Venti Starbucks. \u201cExcuse me.\u201d Her German accent a reminder of the destination. \u201cWould you mind holding my coffee while I store my carry-on?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course.\u201d Heather held the cup while the woman shoved her small suitcase into the overhead bin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSorry for the inconvenience. I wasn\u2019t thinking when I bought the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt smells heavenly.\u201d Heather stood to let the woman pass and then handed her the cup.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThank you.\u201d The woman blew on the lid and took a sip. \u201cI\u2019m Mia.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m Heather.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLong flight ahead but soon I\u2019ll be home.\u201d She pointed to Heather\u2019s brochure. \u201cSalzburg?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. For a much-needed vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m from Frankfurt. Really missing my daughter and husband.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll see them soon.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mia broke into a wide smile. \u201cWe\u2019ve done FaceTime and texted, but I want to touch their faces and hug them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather continued to read the Salzburg brochure to avoid any personal comments from Mia, like whether she was taking a vacation solo. An elderly man wearing a straw fedora and a white mustache sat in the aisle seat across from Heather. He pulled his phone from his pant pocket and used his thumbs on the keyboard like a kid.<\/p>\n<p>Mia placed her coffee on the tray and made a phone call. \u201cWie geht es meinem kleinen M\u00e4dchen?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather translated the German. How is my little girl? The woman\u2019s excitement resonated through every word. Love. Laughter. Priceless commodities that Heather didn\u2019t possess. Yet this trip offered an opportunity to rekindle her faith in God and chart a course for the future.<\/p>\n<p>While the attendants made their way through business class with drink orders, Heather longed to have confirmation she\u2019d made the right decision to take this trip. No one knew of her vacation plans except her parents and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Wade Mitchell in Houston. No one needed to know the why of her trip until she made a few decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Stuffing the Salzburg brochure into her bag, she snatched the aircraft\u2019s information and confirmed the layout for 267 passengers, restrooms, exit doors, in-seat power, on-demand entertainment, and three galleys. She always noted the details of her surroundings, another habit of working so many FBI cases. Always be prepared for the unexpected.<\/p>\n<p>If the trip had been FBI sanctioned, her present circumstances might not hurt so much. How ironic she worked the critical incident response group as a behavior analyst, and she wrestled to understand her own life.<\/p>\n<p>Right on time, the flight attendants took their assigned posts while miniature screens throughout the plane shared the aircraft\u2019s amenities and explained the passenger safety instructions. The captain welcomed them moments before the plane lifted into the clouds.<\/p>\n<p>On her way. No turning back. She prayed for a safe journey and much-needed answers.<\/p>\n<p>Food smells from business class caught her attention, a mix of roasted chicken and beef. Too often of late, she forgot to eat or nothing appealed to her. To shake off the growing negativity, she paid for Wi-Fi and grabbed her phone from her bag. Time to concentrate on something other than herself.<\/p>\n<p>She glanced at the incoming notifications. No texts. Her emails were an anticipated list of senders when she longed for a change of heart from Chad. Sighing, she closed her eyes. Between her job, Chad, and stress, too often she fought for enough pillow time.<\/p>\n<p>Two hours later, she woke from a deep sleep to the sound of a woman\u2019s scream.<\/p>\n<p>Chapter 2<\/p>\n<p>Heather whirled toward the ear-piercing cry behind her. She released her seat belt and rushed back to the economy section. The overhead lights snapped on to reveal the middle-aged couple whom she\u2019d seen at the gate. The panic-stricken woman beside him held a tissue to his nose. Blood dripped beneath her fingers and down her wrist.<\/p>\n<p>Not a muscle moved on the man\u2019s face, and his eyes rolled back into their sockets. Heather approached him in the aisle seat. Before she could speak, the woman gasped, a mix of sobs and a struggle for composure. \u201cHelp me. I can\u2019t stop the bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather used tissues from the woman\u2019s lap to help block the blood flow. \u201cTry to stay calm.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The woman nodded. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have let him talk me into this trip. He\u2019s been so weak.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>From the front of the plane, the male flight attendant who\u2019d greeted passengers earlier rushed their way. He carried two kits, one labeled first aid and the other biohazard. A female attendant trailed after him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHelp is here,\u201d Heather said to the woman. She moved aside for the attendant to administer aid. She prayed the ill man was undergoing a minor problem\u2014an easily resolved issue\u2014and for the woman\u2019s comfort. But his lifeless face showed a grim reality.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSir, how do you feel?\u201d Not a sound or movement came from the man. Blood flowed from Heather\u2019s mass of tissues.<\/p>\n<p>The male attendant twisted off the seal of the biohazard kit and searched inside. He drew out a pair of nitrile gloves and wiggled them on. The female attendant opened the first aid kit, ripped into a gauze package, and handed it to the male attendant, who applied it to the man\u2019s nose. She opened the biohazard waste bag to dispose of the soiled materials.<\/p>\n<p>The male attendant captured the woman\u2019s attention. \u201cMa\u2019am, I\u2019m Nathan. Is this your husband?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. He\u2019s very hot.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nathan touched the man\u2019s forehead. \u201cHow long has he been feverish?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was fine when we boarded. Perhaps over an hour into the flight?\u201d Her sobs subsided to soft cries. \u201cDo something. Blood\u2019s coming from his mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather touched her shoulder with a clean hand. \u201cTake a deep breath.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHow can I? Roy\u2019s not breathing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s his name?\u201d His gentle voice ushered in compassion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes. I\u2019m Catherine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He bent to speak to Roy. \u201cI\u2019m Nathan. Give me a few minutes to administer first aid.\u201d He replaced the gauze on Roy\u2019s nose for the second time and turned to the female flight attendant, who\u2019d paled but didn\u2019t tremble. \u201cLeave the kits. Call the flight deck and tell them what\u2019s happening.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She rushed to the front of the cabin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is my fault.\u201d Catherine held Roy\u2019s hand. \u201cHe finished chemo and radiation for lung cancer, but his doctor hadn\u2019t cleared him for the trip.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCatherine,\u201d Nathan said, \u201cI know you\u2019re worried, but try to stay calm. Has he experienced these symptoms before?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A voice spoke over the interphone. \u201cIf a licensed medical professional is on board, we have a medical issue. All other passengers, please remain in your seats.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Within moments, a lean man arrived from the right side of business class carrying a leather case. \u201cI\u2019m a doctor.\u201d Heather stepped back while he examined Roy and spoke to Nathan.<\/p>\n<p>While the doctor stood over Roy with his back to Heather, Nathan turned to her. \u201cWe\u2019ve got this handled. Please return\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, please. Let her stay,\u201d Catherine said. \u201cIf she doesn\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nathan frowned. \u201cOkay, for the moment. Our manual states we have to keep the aisle clear around the patient.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI understand,\u201d Heather said. \u201cI\u2019d be happy to sit with her, and I\u2019m Heather.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMiss, if the pilots call our med service on the ground, I\u2019ll need you out of way so we can relay instructions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The doctor and Nathan lowered Roy to the aisle and treated him. They blocked Heather\u2019s view of the procedure, but the doctor rummaged for something inside the leather case. For the next ten minutes, she waited for the doctor to reassure passengers of the man\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n<p>Catherine\u2019s hysteria spun in a cloud of uncertainty that left unchecked often spread panic. She unfastened her seat belt and rose on unstable legs. \u201cPlease, tell me my husband is all right.\u201d The female attendant gently urged her back onto the seat.<\/p>\n<p>The doctor eased up from Roy and spoke reassuring words to Catherine. He peeled off his blood-covered gloves and tossed them into the bag. Had Roy succumbed to the lung cancer or a complication?<\/p>\n<p>Nathan walked to a galley area. \u201cLadies and gentlemen, I am Nathan Howard, your lead flight attendant on board your flight today. We appreciate your concern for the man receiving medical attention. We will transport him to the rear of the cabin, where he\u2019ll be comfortable. A doctor is tending to him, and the medical concern is under control. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather supported the airline\u2019s protocol designed to keep everyone from alarm and terror while the crew addressed issues. Yet a few people craned their necks to watch the scene as though it was a morbid form of entertainment more interesting than the recycled movies on the screens in front of them.<\/p>\n<p>Nathan returned to Catherine. \u201cI know you\u2019d like for the young woman to sit with you, but it would be easier for the flight crew and safer for her if we placed an attendant here. Can we do that?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI guess.\u201d Catherine\u2019s lips quivered.<\/p>\n<p>Heather bent to speak. \u201cI\u2019m not far.\u201d She understood how Catherine had latched on to her, a stranger, for moral support.<\/p>\n<p>Nathan and the doctor picked Roy up and carried him to the rear. Roy was either unconscious or dead.<\/p>\n<p>The female flight attendant sat in Roy\u2019s seat and held Catherine\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with you for as long as you like.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan I join my husband?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen the doctor is finished, I\u2019ll escort you back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather returned to her seat\u2014her mind weighed with concern.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGott hab Erbarmen,\u201d Mia said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, God have mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou speak German?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA little. Spent a year in Frankfurt when I was in college.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe sound of it makes me long for home.\u201d She hesitated. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with the man?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHis wife said he\u2019d recently completed chemo treatments for lung cancer. I\u2019m sure the doctor is doing all he can. The airline has doctors on the ground, and they\u2019ll consult with the doctor on board. Between them, they\u2019ll figure out what\u2019s best.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you work for the airlines?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo.\u201d Heather smiled. \u201cI\u2019m with the Department of Justice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mia rubbed her palms together. She\u2019d already stated her desire to see her family. \u201cWill the flight be diverted?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt depends on lots of factors. The man may just require rest.\u201d Heather wasn\u2019t going to state the excessive blood from Roy\u2019s mouth and nose pointed to his death. By now the doctors at Medi-Pro-Aire, an advisory service for airlines, had been contacted and put in communication with the pilot.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI read the airline\u2019s cost to emergency divert range from $10,000 to upwards of $200,000,\u201d Mia said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t doubt the cost, but with this airline, the safety and welfare of the passengers always come first. They don\u2019t blink at the cost of diversion. It\u2019s on management\u2019s mind post-action.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan the pilots be called to the carpet for making a safety decision?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m sure their procedure is in place to protect the passengers.\u201d Heather forced comfort into her voice. \u201cWe\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Muffled voices around her prompted alarm.<\/p>\n<p>A man shouted for help. \u201cMy wife has a terrible headache.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A man in business class vomited.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy son has a fever,\u201d a woman said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease, the man beside me has a nosebleed, and he can\u2019t stop it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is going on?\u201d Mia whispered. \u201cAll these people are suddenly sick. Frighteningly sick.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather wished she had answers while horror played out around her.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m afraid.\u201d Mia\u2019s face turned ashen.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have to stay calm.\u201d Heather craved to heed her own advice.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the plane, people complained of flu-like symptoms. Another person vomited. Heather touched her stomach. A twinge of apprehension crept through her.<\/p>\n<p>Nathan spoke over the interphone. \u201cIf you are experiencing physical distress, press your call button. Flight attendants will be in your area soon with damp paper towels. Use these to cover your mouth and the tops of beverages. As always, remain in your seats.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Heather messaged ASAC Mitchell in Houston with the medical emergency report, including the symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>He responded. The FBI, TSA, CDC, and Medi-Pro-Aire are on it. Are you okay?<\/p>\n<p>Yes. People\u2019s symptoms indicate a serious virus.<\/p>\n<p>The doctor on board has given a similar conclusion.<\/p>\n<p>She trembled as she typed. Looks similar to what Chad described in Africa.<\/p>\n<p>The doctor said the same. Is the man dead?<\/p>\n<p>I think so.<\/p>\n<p>How many others are sick?<\/p>\n<p>Heather surveyed the passengers within her sight and typed. From my seat, I see around ten in business class, and I hear the sick in economy. Will the plane divert?<\/p>\n<p>No decision yet. Keep me posted. You are our eyes.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond what the doctor on board relayed to those on the ground, ASAC Mitchell must believe she held the voice of reason and objectivity. The irony of their interpretation. The viruses were usually zoonotic or caused by insects, and the symptoms created intense suffering. She blinked to clear her head and not ponder the worst.<\/p>\n<p>With panic gripping her in a stranglehold, she imagined what others were feeling. A man questioned why the plane hadn\u2019t landed. A woman bolted to the galley and held her mouth. The man who held the violin marched to the business class restroom but fell face-first and vomited.<\/p>\n<p>The elderly man across the aisle from her coughed. His nose trickled blood.<\/p>\n<p>Heather grabbed tissues from her bag and handed them to him. \u201cWill this help?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTell me this is a nightmare.\u201d He gripped her arm\u2014fiery hot.<\/p>\n<p>***<\/p>\n<p>Excerpt from <i>Airborne<\/i> by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2020 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2>Author Bio:<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.partnersincrimetours.net\/pict\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/airborne-by-diann0mills-author-scaled.jpg?resize=205%2C256\" alt=\"DiAnn Mills\" width=\"205\" height=\"256\" align=\"left\" style=\"margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: left;\" border=\"0\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/p>\n<p>DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. 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\u2019 Choice, and Carol award contests.<br>\nDiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Retreats: Marketing, Speakers, Nonfiction, and Novelist with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p><center><p><\/p>\n<h3>Q&A with DiAnn Mills<\/h3>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong>Welcome and thank you for stopping by CMash Reads.<br>\nOn Writing and Reading:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>What was the inspiration for this book?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The story line for Airborne came to me three and a half years ago. All I had was a what-if: a virus unleashed on an international flight. While I have an ongoing relationship with the FBI to ensure my facts are straight, this idea went beyond my normal romantic suspense. The search to find experts who were willing to give me accurate information took another year. Along the way, the right people entered my path:<br>\n1. A woman and new friend whose doctorate is in microbiology and immunology.<br>\n2. A man who trains flight attendants for the airline that I envisioned in my story. I learned guidelines and procedure.<br>\n3. A pilot who not only flies for my designated airline but is also a suspense and thriller writer.<br>\n4. The amazing people and resources of the CDC. They offered insight and protocol for those in quarantine.<br>\n5. The wisdom and guidance of the FBI to locate the right people with solid answers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you draw from personal experiences and\/or current events?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Usually current events. Regarding Airborne: the idea came to me as a what-if, and I had no idea what to do with it. While the idea simmered and throughout the research process, I read recommended articles, and watched documentaries and movies about virus outbreaks.<br>\nI have a vivid imagination. Some of the steps taken seemed logical to keep people safe from contagion. Later I learned I was right\u2014a weird realization. <\/p>\n<p>Broad research was needed to include exploration of worldwide viruses, quarantine restrictions, the work of the CDC, the involvement of government agencies during times of health crisis, testing requirements, and the courageous work of first responders and medical personnel, <\/p>\n<p>After my book was edited and a cover designed, the coronavirus broke out. One of the results of my research is that I\u2019m not afraid during the current COVID19 crisis. The precautions were expected as though I\u2019d been there before. Eerie at times, yet other times comforting to draw upon insights I\u2019d learned. I have confidence in the guidelines to keep the US as contagion free as possible. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Are any of your characters based on people that you know?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No. I have a lengthy process for characterizing a hero or heroine based on two criteria:<br>\n1. Who has the most to lose if the situation is not brought under control.<br>\n2. Who has the most to gain if the situation is brought under control.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your routine when writing? Any idiosyncrasies?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Besides being a bit quirky and needing lots of strong, black coffee? \uf04a<br>\nI\u2019m an organic writer, which means I\u2019m a character-driven panster. I spend hours getting to know a character so I can create authenticity in his\/her physical, mental, and spiritual behavior. I may have an idea for a few of the scenes, but mostly the process is discovery.<\/p>\n<p>My best writing is early in the morning \u2026 sometimes I prop my laptop on the treadmill. Other times I edit, take notes, or research while exercising. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us why we should read your book?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Airborne is for the reader who enjoys suspense with a thread of romance. The unexpected happens when a deadly virus is unleashed onboard an international flight. Readers will identify with the characters\u2019 fears and emotions. Who is infected? Was it deliberate? What will happen to the people who hope to survive the painful death? <\/p>\n<p>My mission then and now is to show a story that weaves hope, reality, and the sacrificial work of first responders when a deadly virus spreads through innocent people. I want readers to experience God\u2019s presence and peac during our current global crisis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are you working on your next novel? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes! I\u2019m finished with the first draft of Shadows of the Past \u2013 a working title. A woman spends fifteen years in a Texas prison for a murder she didn\u2019t commit to protect her sister. Now someone wants the ex-con dead.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong> This sounds like a book for me.<br>\n Can’t wait!!!!<strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>What are you reading now?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Great Stories Don\u2019t Write Themselves \u2013 Larry Brooks<br>\nDarkest Fear \u2013 Harlan Coben<br>\nPrayer \u2013 Timothy Keller<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fun Questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Your novel will be a movie. Who would you cast?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>FBI Agent Heather Lawrence \u2013 Emma Stone<br>\nDr. Chad Lawrence \u2013 Chris Pine<br>\nThomas Powell \u2013 Daniel Craig<\/p>\n<p><strong>Favorite leisure activity\/hobby?<\/strong><br>\nCooking<br>\nRoasting my own coffee beans<br>\nHiking<br>\nGardening<\/p>\n<p><strong>Favorite meal?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Salmon<br>\nSalad with lots of veggies<br>\nHot apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>What a great meal!! Now I’m craving it!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p><\/center><p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Connect with DiAnn On:<br>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2L81NCo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DiAnnMills.com<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2Y4FUZB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Goodreads<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2L9Vn5R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BookBub<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2MxbnhH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2L5SbIp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2ITRUH0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>!<\/h3>\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2>Tour Participants:<\/h2>\n<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!<\/p>\n<p><br>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.linkytools.com\/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=298002\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script><br>\n<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2>Enter The Giveaway!:<\/h2>\n<h5>This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for DiAnn Mills. There will be 2 winners of one (1) Gift Card each (winner’s choice of Amazon or B&N). The giveaway begins on September 1, 2020 and runs through October 2, 2020. Void where prohibited.<\/h5>\n<p><a class=\"rcptr\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rafflecopter.com\/rafl\/display\/f24bf84b682\/\" ;=\"\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-raflid=\"f24bf84b682\" data-theme=\"classic\" data-template=\"\" id=\"rcwidget_p5fzbwyp\">a Rafflecopter giveaway<\/a><br>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/widget-prime.rafflecopter.com\/launch.js\"><\/script>\n<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/www.partnersincrimetours.net\/\">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours<\/a><\/h2>\n<h3> <\/h3>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>    Airborne by DiAnn Mills on Tour September 1-30, 2020 Synopsis: Heather Lawrence\u2019s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn\u2019t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,17,160,70,74],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p370vC-5W9","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22825"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22825"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23171,"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22825\/revisions\/23171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmashlovestoread.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}