D. J. Williams was born and raised in Hong Kong, which is responsible for igniting his adventurous spirit. He has ventured into the jungles of the Amazon, the bush of Africa, and the ancient cities of the Far East. His global travels submerged him in a myriad of cultures, providing a unique perspective that fuels his creativity—and his books. His novels have climbed the charts on Amazon Hot New Releases and received stellar reviews from Kirkus Reviews. Secrets of the Highlands is Book 2 in his new Beacon Hill series.
D. J. has also been an executive producer and director for over 500 episodes of broadcast television.
If someone asked you to describe yourself with one word, what word would that be?
Determined
Just as all good novels include a plot twist, the Author and Creator of our lives often writes in a twist that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?
Yes. Three days on the Zambezi. My career and storytelling path changed along the banks of the river, and set me on an adventure I never imagined would happen. And I nearly died when an elephant charged our Land Rover!
Let’s talk about your new book, Secrets of the Highlands (December 2023, Tyndale House). What inspired you to write the Beacon Hill series?
Since I began writing stories, the one story I’ve always wanted to write is Beacon Hill. For more than a decade the idea lingered in the back of my mind and haunted my imagination. Being an expat who grew up in Hong Kong, I’ve always been drawn to a melting pot of cultures and have found myself among all walks of life. So the storylines, characters, and locations are a snapshot of the world I grew up in, people I’ve met along the way, and a deep dive into my creativity to bring this supernatural series to life.
What are some of the themes you explored in this book?
The value of friendship is a thread woven through the entire series, and in Secrets of the Highlands those values are put to the ultimate test. Each character must choose whether they will stand united or whether their own ambition will leave them divided from the rest. Themes of faith planted from Hunt for Eden’s Star (Book 1 in the series) grow through Secrets of the Highlands as the challenge of walking out one’s faith amid the mountaintops and valleys leads Jack and his friends to make choices that will determine their destiny. My hope is readers will be inspired to embrace the adventures and challenges of life no matter what they might face to discover a deeper faith than when they turned the first page.
What has been the greatest challenge to living out your faith in today’s culture as a storyteller?
One of the challenges is to write a page-turner for a broad audience without losing the values rooted in my creativity. Believe me, I’ll push to the very edge without crossing boundaries because there are clear limits. I won’t cross certain lines, no matter what cultural message is bombarding social platforms and beyond. When I think about the characters and worlds that inspire me, I’ve found the challenge is less daunting and more freeing. You’ll never please everyone in today’s culture, but you can entertain and inspire them.
When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?
Ribeye and grilled potatoes. I’m a simple dude.
In the story that is your life, are you the tall, dark stranger; the romantic lead; the mythical warrior; the mad scientist; or the child in an adult’s body?
Mythical warrior, who’s a dark stranger
Thanks, D.J. It’s nice to have you as a guest at Divine Detour.
~ ~ ~
For more information about D.J., visit his website and follow him on Instagram and X.
To purchase Secrets of the Highlands, go to —
