Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?
A. I started writing in my forties. Two things kicked off my decision to give writing a try. The first was an inspirational message I heard about finding your destiny, and the other, believe it or not, was the television series, Murder, She Wrote! I realized that more than anything, I wanted to be Jessica Fletcher.
I started off writing mystery and eventually moved into romantic suspense. My publishers have encouraged me to keep my “mystery side” so now I have the best of both worlds!
Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing?
A. I try to spend time with God every morning before I begin writing. My days can get a little crazy depending on who wants what. A request from an editor, publicist or agent can blow my schedule out of the water. Starting my day early with prayer and Bible study keeps that time safe from unexpected surprises.
Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?
A. Finding time to get everything done. Writers spend time doing a lot of other things besides writing. Authors are expected to promote their books, write blogs, and connect with readers. I do really enjoy getting to know my readers, but a lot of the other busy work gets me down sometimes.
Q: Would you tell us about your current book release UNBREAKABLE?
A. UNBREAKABLE is the story of Hope Kauffman, a shy, quiet girl who lives in the Mennonite town of Kingdom, Kansas. When churches and people of faith are attacked in the county, the residents of Kingdom have to decide how to protect themselves. The core belief of the Mennonite faith is nonviolence, but will sticking to this doctrine put them in danger? Hope is engaged to a man who refuses to take up a weapon to defend himself – or anyone else. But another man Hope is drawn to makes a different choice. Hope’s heart is as divided as her hometown. Before the end of UNBREAKABLE Hope’s faith will be tested as her life hangs in the balance.
Q: Where did you get your inspiration for UNBREAKABLE?
A. I started thinking about the Mennonite belief in nonviolence, or passive resistance. Mennonites believe it is right to resist evil, but they do not believe it’s right to resort to violence to obtain their goals. I began to wonder what would happen if a Mennonite town was attacked by violent men. Would everyone respond the same way? How much would the citizens of Kingdom risk in order to stand by their convictions? UNBREAKABLE was born from these questions.
Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her:
A. Hope Kauffman showed up in the first book in my Road to Kingdom series. I wanted her to be different than the main character in INESCAPABLE, Lizzie Engel. Lizzie is bold and forthright, so I created Hope to be quieter and more submissive. Lizzie questions the church’s doctrines, but at the beginning of UNBREAKABLE, Hope is at peace with them. However, I didn’t want Hope to be a pushover. And she’s not. She bucked the church and her father when she helped Lizzie run away from Kingdom before book one. I tried to show that same backbone in UNBREAKABLE. She has to search her own heart when it comes to the doctrine of nonviolence, and she stands up for her right to come to her own conclusions.
Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
A. With this book, the thing I enjoyed the most was also the thing that concerned me the most. Trying to portray the Mennonite commitment to nonviolence in a fair way worried me. Could I present both sides realistically? I didn’t want to write anything that would offend my Mennonite readers, yet I needed to show the “other side” of this doctrinal issue. Hopefully, I pulled it off.
Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?
A. The main theme is that we can disagree on doctrine but still love each other. There are some tenants of Christianity that shouldn’t be compromised. But there are others that aren’t so clearly defined. In UNBREAKABLE I tried to present two sides of an issue without demonizing brothers and sisters who chose different paths of faith.
Q: What does your writing space look like? 
A. We live in an old house referred to as an airplane bungalow. There is a small room upstairs with windows on three sides. That’s my office. I love being able to look outside while I’m writing. Especially when it’s raining or snowing.
Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I’m just starting a new series for Bethany House. It’s Mennonite-themed romantic suspense, but this time, it will be set in Missouri. I look forward to new locations to research. It should be fun.
Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A. Actually, I need one. Do you have any suggestions? LOL!
Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?
A. Writing has been very rewarding. Some of the emails and letters I get mean more to me than I can say. Hearing from readers who tell me they have been encouraged and touched by God through my work keeps me going.
Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?
A. My website is: www.nancymehl.com. I’m also on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com. And I’m easy to find on Facebook.
Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A. I just want to thank you for letting me be on The Suspense Zone. I truly appreciate it.
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