Diane Merrill Wigginton, born in Riverside, California in 1963, grew up in the vibrant community of Mira Mesa, San Diego. From a young age, Diane developed a deep passion for storytelling, inspired by the adventures of her childhood in the 1970s and early 1980s. Spending summers on her grandparents' ranch in Idaho, Diane learned the value of animals, nature, and storytelling that would shape her future writing career. After marrying her husband, David, in 1998, Diane and her family lived in Encinitas before moving to Herald, California in 2001. They embraced a rural lifestyle on a 5 ½-acre ranch, raising six children. Diane’s love for writing never waned, but raising a family and working full-time kept her literary ambitions on hold. However, in her 50s, Diane decided to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. It was then that she created Angelina's Secret, the first book in her critically acclaimed Jeweled Dagger Series.

Since then, Diane has published five novels, including her first children’s book, The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn, The Dreaded Pirate Captain. Diane’s work spans multiple genres, from historical romance and suspense to children's fiction, and she has earned a prestigious collection of awards that reflect her remarkable storytelling ability. She has won accolades such as the Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Reader's Favorite 1st Place Historical Fiction Award, and numerous awards for A Compromising Position. In 2017, after retiring from her "9 to 5" job, Diane and her husband moved to Kalispell, Montana, where they now enjoy a life filled with adventure, hiking, and exploration in the stunning wilderness around Glacier National Park. Diane continues to write full-time, bringing to life the rich characters and intricate stories that captivate her readers. Diane’s creative spirit is fueled by her deep appreciation for family and her love for storytelling. Now a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren, Diane is living her dream and continues to inspire readers with her heartfelt and adventurous tales.