Diane Merrill Wigginton: A Life in Stories
Diane Merrill Wigginton didn’t just become an author—she reinvented herself at fifty, proving that it’s never too late to chase a dream. Today, as the founder of Jeweled Dagger Publishing and an award-winning author of romance, suspense, and adventure, she has built a literary career that continues to inspire readers and fellow writers alike.
Her novels sweep readers into worlds of intrigue and passion—Angelina’s Secret, Isabella’s Heart, Olivia’s Promise, Lara’s Story, and A Compromising Position—each showcasing her flair for complex characters and high-stakes storytelling. She even ventured into children’s literature with The Secret of One-Eyed Cogburn, the Dreaded Pirate Captain, available in both English and Spanish. In May 2025, she released her seventh book, The Magician Killer, a sharp, edge-of-your-seat thriller praised by The Wishing Shelf as “highly recommended as a smartly plotted thriller with a strong female protagonist to root for.” Publishing Review added,
“This is thriller writing at its best.”
Before she was an author, Diane spent 17 years in dental assisting, having earned her RDA certification in San Diego. But storytelling was always her true calling—nurtured by her mother, Margaret, who instilled in her the courage to follow a creative path.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. With twenty-one literary awards to her name, including recognition from POWER Magazine and a Reader’s Choice Award, Diane has carved out a reputation as a writer who not only entertains but also uplifts her readers. Beyond the page, she engages with community and literary groups, encouraging others to tap into their creativity and share their stories.
At the heart of it all is her family. Diane credits her husband, David Wigginton III—whom she met on New Year’s Eve, 1997, and married a few months later on March 20, 1998—with being her greatest supporter. Together, they’ve built a blended family of six children and eleven grandchildren, each chapter of her personal life as full and vibrant as the ones she writes about.
When she isn’t at her desk, Diane can be found hiking mountain trails, exploring new destinations, or cooking for family and friends. And she isn’t slowing down anytime soon. On the horizon are more novels, another children’s book, and even a cookbook—yet another way to share her creativity with the world.
As Diane herself might say, her journey is proof that with passion, perseverance, and a little courage, it’s never too late to write the story of your dreams.
