Q: What one thing would you like readers to know about you?
A: I guess I’d like them to know that writing is more than my profession. It’s my ministry. I pray over every book I write. The desire of my heart is to present a great story, but more importantly, I want to encourage readers and give them hope, no matter what challenge they might be facing. God is the answer to every problem in our lives. Nothing is too difficult for Him. I also want them to realize that they are completely and forever adored by a Father whose love and acceptance will never change.
Q: What is the craziest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done?
A: Easy question to answer. Writing! The writing life is not for the faint-hearted. When I realized how much of my life I’d have to give up if I pursued a writing career, it certainly gave me pause. I prayed, asking God to confirm that this was truly what He’d called me to do. He answered me very clearly in the affirmative. Even though I was certain I was supposed to write, putting myself out there and letting people judge my work was pretty scary. I’ve learned that sometimes being a writer is exhilarating. And sometimes it’s extremely disappointing. I know quite a few good writers who gave up along the way because the pressure was too great. But the truth is, if I didn’t write, I don’t know what I’d do. It’s part of who I am. I’m careful not to let it define me, but honestly, I love it. I truly wouldn’t want to do anything else.
Q: Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
- I used to be a book reviewer. I not only reviewed for a large online site, I also worked for the largest newspaper in Kansas. One of the highlights of my job was reviewing the first book Kim Vogel Sawyer ever wrote! And believe it or not, I was also on a local television station once a week, talking about books.
- I once helped catch a couple of killers who murdered a wealthy property owner in Wichita.
- I made burritos for Rich Mullins! I still have the note he sent me saying, “Mmmm…good!”
Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, MIND GAMES, and where the idea for this story came from?
A: MIND GAMES is the first book in my Kaely Quinn Profiler Series. I introduce FBI behavioral analyst, Kaely Quinn, the daughter of a serial killer. Kaely’s family connection got her kicked out of Quantico and now she works for the FBI field office in St. Louis. Kaely’s special skills are called upon when someone begins killing people in the style of murderers brought to justice through Kaely’s past involvement. An eerie poem is sent to a local newspaper that purports to be from the killer. He threatens to add more deaths to his list…before he ends his spree with the destruction of Kaely Quinn.
The idea for Mind Games has been percolating in my imagination for a long time. I started reading about FBI behavioral analysts (what we refer to as profilers) for almost twenty years. I find the field absolutely fascinating. To finally be able to write this book is a dream come true!
Nancy Mehl
Nancy Mehl is a best-selling, award winning author who lives in Missouri, with her husband, Norman, and her Puggle, Watson. She’s authored thirty books and is currently writing a new series for Bethany House Publishing. The Kaely Quinn Profiler series will kick off with book one, MIND GAMES, in December of 2018. She is also working on a cozy mystery series for Guideposts, The Mysteries of Martha’s Vineyard. In 2019 look for her books in The Mysteries of Lancaster County series, also through Guideposts, written with her daughter-in-law, Shaen Layle.
Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.
Love your books. They uplift me