At an age when many are eyeing retirement, Diane Merrill Wigginton was just getting started. Her transformation from busy mom to celebrated author—complete with five novels, a children’s book, and seventeen Independent Book Awards, proves that creative success has no expiration date. Her story isn’t just about writing books—it’s about daring to chase long-buried dreams and finding extraordinary success in life’s second act.
The Early Years: A Foundation in Storytelling
The seeds of storytelling were planted early in Diane’s life. Born in Riverside, California, in 1963, she spent her childhood in the sun-drenched streets of Mira Mesa, San Diego. But the summers on her grandparents’ Idaho ranch truly shaped her narrative voice. There, surrounded by rolling hills and endless sky, young Diane absorbed the raw beauty of rural life that would later color her writing with authenticity and depth.
Growing up in the vibrant decades of the ’70s and ’80s, Diane’s imagination feasted on the adventures and stories of the era. Though writing would remain a distant dream for decades, these early influences left an indelible mark on her creative spirit.
The Journey to Authorship
Life had other plans before Diane could pursue her writing dreams. In 1998, she married David Wigginton, and together they built a blended, bustling household of six children. Like countless parents, she juggled the demands of family life with a full-time career, tucking away her literary aspirations for another day.
That day finally arrived in her fifth decade. With her children grown and her resolve more potent than ever, Diane penned “Angelina’s Secret,” the first installment of her now-acclaimed Jeweled Dagger Series. This bold step didn’t just launch her writing career—it proved that the best chapters of life can begin at any age.
Literary Accomplishments
Diane’s literary success reads like a publisher’s dream. Her work spans multiple genres, from historical romance to suspense and children’s literature, each book showcasing her versatile storytelling prowess. The industry has taken notice, showering her work with prestigious recognition, including the Benjamin Franklin Digital Award and the Reader’s Favorite 1st Place Historical Fiction Award.
Her sweet love story, “A Compromising Position,” earned seven awards. International Writers Inspiring Change called it “A classic romance with all the bells and whistles, and once again, Wigginton shows her skill at creating another world to capture the reader.” 5 Stars.
This recognition isn’t just about the awards—it’s a validation of Diane’s artistic vision and her ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with readers.
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
The ink hasn’t dried on Diane’s success story. She’s crafting another romantic suspense novel, slated for release in May 2025. This up-and-coming thriller, “The Magician Killer,” has already earned high praise from The Wishing Shelf, which lauded it as “A smartly plotted thriller with a strong female protagonist to root for. Highly Recommended!”
To expand her reach, she’s partnered with Franklin Publishers, a strategic move aimed at introducing her compelling narratives to an even broader audience.
Life in Montana: Inspiration and Adventure
When Diane and her husband traded city life for the rugged beauty of Kalispell, Montana, in 2018, they weren’t just changing addresses but opening a new chapter of inspiration. Nestled near the majestic Glacier National Park, their home became a sanctuary where creativity flows as freely as the mountain streams. The dramatic landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to pristine valleys, now infuse her writing with an authenticity that readers can feel on every page.
This move wasn’t just about scenery but about embracing a lifestyle that feeds her creative spirit. Whether she’s watching elk graze at dawn or hiking through pine-scented forests, every day brings fresh material for her storytelling palette. The raw beauty of Montana has become more than a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, breathing life into her narratives.
The Heart of the Author: Family and Community
At home, Diane’s role as grandmother to eleven energetic grandchildren keeps her connected to the wonder and joy that makes her stories sing. These family bonds weave into her work, adding layers of emotional depth that readers connect with instantly. Her experiences as a mother and grandmother give her writing an authenticity that can’t be manufactured.
But Diane’s impact extends beyond her family circle. She’s become a fixture in her local literary community, mentoring aspiring writers and sharing her hard-won wisdom at events throughout Montana. Her message is clear: talent doesn’t have an expiration date, and the best stories often come from those who’ve lived their whole lives before putting pen to paper.
A Legacy in the Making
Diane Merrill Wigginton’s journey from dreaming mom to award-winning author isn’t just inspiring—it’s revolutionary. In a publishing world often fixated on young prodigies, she’s proof that the most compelling stories sometimes come from those who’ve waited decades to tell them.
For anyone standing at the crossroads of “what if” and “why not,” Diane’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t follow a predetermined timeline. Her achievements—from her seventeen-book awards to her growing legacy as a mentor—show that passion, paired with persistence, can bloom at any age.
As she continues crafting stories from her Montana haven, surrounded by family and natural beauty, Diane isn’t just writing books—she’s writing her legacy. Her message to aspiring creators is clear: Your dreams don’t come with an age limit. Sometimes, they’re just waiting for the perfect moment to take flight.
Published by Anne C.
