Interview with Nancy Mehl & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordNancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fifteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. The first book in her Finding Sanctuary series, Gathering Shadows will be released on May 6th.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She has a newsletter located at: www.nancymehl.blogspot.com, and is a part of another blog, The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.

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Savanna:  Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Nancy! Congratulations on your newest release, Deadly Echoes. Can you tell us what first drew you to writing romantic suspense?

Interview with Nancy Mehl & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordNancy:  Actually, I started out writing mystery. An editor asked me to turn a mystery proposal into romantic suspense. I did as she asked, and the publisher offered a three book deal for my Harmony series. I’ve been writing romantic suspense ever since.

Savanna:  With over 21 books to your name, what is one of your favorite covers?

Nancy:  You know, I’ve liked almost every cover I’ve had. Some of my favorite covers were designed by my son, an award winning graphic designer. When some of my mysteries went out of print, an ebook publisher picked them up and allowed Danny to do the covers. One of my very favorites is a book called Bumping Off Binky. I also love the covers designed for me by Bethany House. Of all of them, I think Deadly Echoes is my favorite. The designers really captured the characters and the mood of my story.

Savanna:  Since we’re both Missouri girls, is there a famous Missourian – past or present – you would enjoy ( or would have enjoyed ) getting to meet?

Interview with Nancy Mehl & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordNancy:  Hmmm. I’m not real big on meeting “famous” people. Some of the best people I’ve ever known weren’t well known to anyone except their friends and family. There are some Missourians I admire though. George Washington Carver, Mark Twain, and Laura Ingalls Wilder come to mind.

Savanna:  Can you share with us a fond lesson and/or memory from one of the contests you’ve participated in?

Nancy:  Well, I learned a lesson through one contest. In 2009 I was nominated for mystery book of the year in what is now called the Carol Awards. I was sick and unable to attend the ACFW conference. I quickly wrote a very inane “thank you” speech and sent it to one of my editors. I honestly didn’t think I had a chance of winning. Seriously. Of course I did, and I left out the person I should have thanked the most, my friend and editor, Susan Downs. Susan really opened the door for me into publishing. I was just mortified when I realized what I’d done. I still am. So if I am ever nominated for an award again, I will write a good speech – just in case I win. And, I will publicly apologize to Susan. Thankfully, God has paired us again through Guideposts. I think she’s forgiven me. Anyway, I hope she has!

Savanna:  Bless your heart! 😉 Thanks for sharing. What would you say is the easiest part about being a writer and what is the hardest part?

Nancy:  Well, the easiest part might be going into the office. LOL! The hardest part? Accomplishing something worthwhile once you’ve arrived. 🙂

Interview with Nancy Mehl & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordSavanna:  I can understand that feeling! 😉 Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

Nancy:  The third book in my Finding Sanctuary series, Rising Darkness, comes out later this year. Right now, I’m also working with several wonderful authors on an Amish cozy mystery series for Guideposts. It’s so much fun! And, I’m happy to announce that I just signed a three book deal with Bethany House for a brand new series based on the U.S. Marshals Service! I’m very supportive of law enforcement, so this is not only a new direction for me, but a chance to write about something I’m very passionate about.

Savanna:  That sounds great, Nancy. Congrats on your newest contract too! We’re so glad you stopped by. Have a blessed 2015!

GIVEAWAY!!

Nancy has graciously offered to give away a copy of Deadly Echoes. Enter below and it could be YOU! 😉

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends April 14, 2015.  The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody! 😉