Nancy 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?
Nancy: 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?
Nancy: 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. 🙂
Savanna: 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! 😉
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! 😉
I love the cover of The Tomb!!
Me too, Kathryn. Great choice! 😉
Nancy, I’ve seen many posts of the book featured here & it really does sound like a good one! This statement made me smile :“I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,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.” It’s great when a Christian author stays true to the Lord in their writing & stands firm in reflecting that in their stories. Too many have strayed or push those boundaries in their books!
I also love the fact that your son,an award winning graphic designer, has done some of your covers. I think it’s neat that you get to bond with him in that way! I don’t believe I have read any of your books, but they do sound like something I would like to. Suspense is a good change of pace for me, I like the unpredictability! Congrats on your three book contract with Bethany House for a new series! That has to be an exciting venture to look forward to!
Thank you for a wonderful interview & getting to know a bit more about your book “Deadly Echoes”. Keep writing for His glory & our reading pleasure. Thanks Savanna, as always 🙂 Blessing to you both!
We always appreciate you coming by, Trixi! Your comments always brighten my day. 😉 Blessings to you too!
Thanks, Trixi. I really appreciate your post. God bless you!
Thank you for the interview with Nancy, I enjoyed learning more about her, i am looking forward to all the new books she is writing !Her books are always inspiring and are great reads.
Congratulations on the new book contracts!
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Jackie! It’s great to have you join us. Happy Reading!
Deadly Echoes looks very interesting. I would love to read it!
To be honest, I have seen so many books with beautiful covers that I can’t remember the last one that really caught my attention. They are all so lovely and I would love to read every last one!
God Bless 🙂
I know what you mean, Christian. That’s kind of a hard question to answer. 😉 We appreciate you visiting. Good luck in the giveaway!
Enjoyed the interview and would love to win a copy of the book.
Here’s hoping for a win, Ann! 😉
The Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello.
That is an intriguing cover, Melanie. Thanks for sharing! 😉
Just today Melanie Dickerson’s “The Golden Braid”!
Yes, that one is lovely too! Thanks for stopping by, Danielle.
I won’t enter since I already have this great book! I think this is the first book I’ve read by Nancy but really enjoyed it. An added plus was reading about places near my home!
Isn’t it fun to read a local author, Joan? 😉 I’m so glad you stopped by to comment. Have a great week, “neighbor”! 😉
So you’re a Missouri gal, Joan? Isn’t Missouri great? We’ve only been here a year and a half, but we absolutely love it. God bless you.
fun cover
I agree, it is! 😉
Nancy’s covers always grab my attention!
They really do! Good luck in the giveaway, Carrie. 😉
Thanks, Carrie. Bethany House has the best covers around, in my opinion!
Thanks for this fun blog post! I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of Nancy’s books and I look forward to when I do! I’d love to win a copy of Deadly Echos!
Hi Carisa! Thanks for stopping in. Hope you get to check out Nancy’s books sometime soon. 😉
I enjoyed this interview with Nancy and I appreciate this giveaway. I am especially excited to learn that Nancy is writing cozy mysteries for Guideposts. I always enjoy those series that they offer.
Blessings!
Connie
I can’t wait to check out more of Nancy’s work myself. 😉 Thanks for joining us for the interview, Connie! Have a great day!
I do enjoy Nancy’s books! I thought A Sparrow in Terezin was so pretty! dkstevensne AToutlookDoTCoM
Hi Deanna! Oh, I loved that cover too. 😉 I couldn’t help but smile when you mentioned it. Good luck in this drawing!
I wrote the names of your books, so I can request them when the Bookmobile comes back to my town!
Oh wonderful, MS Barb! Thanks so much for commenting. Happy Reading!
I’m so happy to hear that! I love the Bookmobile!
I love Nancy’s books!
I’m loving Becky Wade’s book covers for Undeniably Yours, Meant to Be Mine and A Love Like Ours; they are fresh and romantic. 🙂
Yes, Becky has some adorable covers too. And fun stories! 😉 Thanks for joining us, Merry. Hope you get to read Nancy’s latest book soon.
I enjoyed this interview with Nancy. Several years ago, when she still lived in Kansas, she met with my book club. It was a lot of fun to meet her and talk with her about her books. She’s such a nice person. Her Finding Sanctuary series sounds great.
Oh wow! That is SO cool you got to meet her, Pam. Sounds like so much fun. We’re glad you stopped in for a visit. Good luck to you! 😉
The last book cover that really caught my attention was “The Longest Ride” by Nicholas Sparks!
Yes, that is a pretty cover, Kim! We appreciate you taking the time to visit. Good luck in the giveaway!
Hi Savanna. Nancy has some good ones. I like the covers on this series. I’m ready for the #3 tho, for my name will be in that one. Excited. One book cover I love is “A Beauty SO Rare” by Tamera Alexander. Beautiful !! Sure hope I can win this book of Nancy’s. I have the first of this series.
Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Hi Maxie! That is SO cool your name is going to be in the 3rd book!! You definitely have to complete this series then. 😉 So glad you stopped by. And I agree with you… Tamera Alexander’s “A Beauty So Rare” is another really pretty cover. 🙂 Have a great evening!
I really enjoyed your interview with Nancy about ‘Deadly Echoes’.
It sounds like a terrific book!
I’m glad you enjoyed our interview, Cheri. We always appreciate you stopping by. Good luck!
Thank you for all the kind comments. I recognize some of you! Hi, Maxie! Yes, I have a waitress named Maxie in Rising Darkness, the third book in my Finding Sanctuary series. I also remember Pam and her book club. What a great group of people!
would love to win.
Good luck to you, Angela! Happy Reading! 🙂
Savanna,
Loved the interview! I think my favorite genre to read is a mystery/romance. I have read a few of Nancy’s books and they are so good.
danajeweler at y mail dot com
So happy to hear that, Dana. Thanks for joining us for the interview. Hope you get to read Nancy’s latest soon! 😉
The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson!!! She just revealed the cover the other day and it’s BEAUTIFUL!
I agree, Sierra! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day, my reading pal!
Great interview. I would love to win a copy of Nancy’s book.
Blessings,Tina
Thanks for visiting, Tina! And good luck in the giveaway.
The last book cover that caught my eye was Chivalrous by Dina Sleiman! 🙂
I absolutely loved the cover for Dauntless too. Dina’s covers are awesome!
Looks like a good book,thanks for a chance to win
Welcome to the blog, Martha! Here’s hoping for a giveaway win, right? 😉
Enjoyed your interview, Nancy and Savanna – thank you!!
I haven’t read any of Nancy’s novels – love the story line for “Deadly Echoes”. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity – would love to become acquainted with your writing, Nancy, the message you want to send readers through your books is inspiring!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Shared post!!
Thank you so much. Bonnie. Giving readers more than just a story is important to me. 🙂
Hi Bonnie! I hope you get to read and enjoy Nancy’s writing soon. Thanks for your sweet comments and for sharing the post. Blessings, my friend!
Thanks, Nancy, for taking the time to stop by and chat with us here. We appreciate you and wish you all the best!
Thank you! Your books inspire me and help me with building my relationship with God!