Welcome back, Nancy. Why do you write the
kind of books you do?
I love mystery and suspense. Being able to combine them together
excites me. I believe writers should write what they love. I’m blessed to work
with a publisher that allows and encourages me to do this.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
Easy. The birth of my son. I still remember the words, “It’s
a boy!” I knew it would be though. I felt as if I already knew him even before
he was born. He is the joy of my life. And now, he’s made me a grandmother. My
grandson’s name is Aidan Jackson Mehl. His birth was the second best day of my
life.
How has being
published changed your life?
It’s helped me to discover my identity – my calling. I think
finding the thing God has created you to do changes you. Makes you realize that
your life isn’t insignificant.
What are you reading
right now?
What is your current
work in progress?
Perfect segue. LOL! I’m working on the first book in a new
series, tentatively titled, the Sanctuary Series. I’m excited about it. It’s
the story of Wynter Evans, a young woman obsessed with her job at a television
station in Missouri .
While researching unusual towns in the state for a special report, she runs
across a photo of a boy living in a Mennonite town called Sanctuary. He bears
an uncanny resemblance to her missing brother, Ryan, who disappeared ten years
earlier. Telling her boss that she’s going to Sanctuary to research it for
possible inclusion in her story, she takes off for the small town to see if
this young man could actually be Ryan. What she discovers will blow the lid off
the town and turn her life inside out.
Wow! I can hardly
wait. Sounds like something I’d love to read. What would be your dream
vacation?
I have several answers in mind. Right now? A week at a cabin
on a lake where I could fish and relax. Sounds heavenly. I’m also determined to
take an Alaskan cruise someday. I want to see the Northern Lights and watch
whales swim past the ship. And one day, when he’s old enough, I want to take
Aidan, along with his mommy and daddy, to Disney World. My husband and I would
love to do this!
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
Until now, all my books have been set in Kansas . Writing cozies and Mennonite-themed
suspense meant they had to be in small towns. So, my settings were already
chosen for me.
In my new series, I’m shifting the stories to Missouri since I’ll be
moving there soon myself. I like writing about an area of the country that I can
research in person rather than just online. It helps to add realism to my stories.
I enjoy driving through the region I’m writing about so I can get a feel for
it. Find out what it’s really like.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Joyce Meyer. Her ministry has changed my life. I’d love to share
my story with her, and thank her.
My husband and I
really enjoy watching her teaching. We have been in the studio audience when
she was on TV with James and Betty Robison. What are your hobbies, besides
writing and reading?
Not too many right now, I’m afraid. I love to watch TV,
especially shows with mystery and suspense. When the weather’s nice, my husband
and I enjoy going to a nearby park and walking. I really love fishing, but it’s
been years since I’ve had time to do it.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Rewrites. Hate ’em. But I’m realizing that they are actually
my best friend. I have great editors and once I get through the rewrites, I know
I have a much better story. Pulling up my big girl panties gets me through that
initial letter with rewrite suggestions. I’m actually getting better at receiving
them. Leaving more hair on my head and not screaming quite as loudly. The
neighbors appreciate that! LOL!
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Learn your craft. Too many writers are slapping together
unsellable manuscripts. Writing is an art. You have to learn it, and then you
have to learn some more. Truth be told, we never stop learning. Perfecting any
craft takes hard work and commitment. If you’re not willing to do it, get a job
wrestling crocodiles. It will be less frustrating.
Research the publishers you want to target. I didn’t listen
to this advice when I started, and I probably set my career back several years.
Find a publisher that specializes in what you want to write. Read their books.
Study their lists. Write what they’re looking for. Too many writers ignore
this, claiming that they are going to “Write what I want! I won’t sell out for
anyone!” The truth is, you just won’t sell. Period. To be honest, I had no
intention of writing Mennonite-themed books. A certain publisher eased me into
it, but today I’m very grateful I found this niche. To my surprise I really
enjoy it. Win, win!
Tell us about the
featured book.
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.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
“All I know, Hope, is that you folks in Kingdom need to be
careful.” Flo neatly folded the piece of fabric I’d just purchased, running her
thin fingers along the edge to create a sharp crease.
“Two nights ago a church near Haddam burned to the ground.
Someone is targeting houses of worship in this part of Kansas , and they don’t care about the
denomination. They just hate Christians.”
“But Kingdom is so remote. Besides, when anyone new comes around,
we know it. There’s only one road into town.” My words sounded reassuring, but
the rash of recent attacks left me feeling troubled. Was our small Mennonite
town in danger? The idea that someone was harming people because of their love
for God was hard for me to understand.
“Just yesterday someone tried to run a car off the road
outside of town,” Flo said. “Folks had a Christian bumper sticker. That was all
it took to get them into trouble.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
She shrugged. “No, I think they were just being hassled, but
the car was forced off the road. Something like that could do a lot of damage
to anyone in a buggy.”
This book is at the
top of my to-be-read list. Hopefully, tomorrow I can start reading it. How can
readers find you on the Internet?
My website is: www.nancymehl.com.
I’m also a part of a great blog called the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com.
And I’m very active on Facebook.
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Books one and two in Nancy's Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)
Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!
Thank you, Nancy for sharing your new book and contest with us. I loved book one in the series.
Readers, here is a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Unbreakable (Road to Kingdom)
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book on this blog. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
30 comments:
I don't think I've read anything by Nancy yet, but I enjoy this type of book! Look forward to reading it!
Bethany
Chesaning, MI
Nancy I would love to read this! I hope to join your party I need to remember it. Have a Bless day and thanks for the giveaway!
joeym11@frontier.com
The more interviews I read for this book the more I want to read it!!!
sylvesternator@yahoo.com
I have't read anything YET from Nancy, but I've been hearing more and more about her, and eager to read this!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Annette
Duncan, OK
pickles_and_co(at)yahoo(dot)com
i keep seeing this book around the web, would love to read it!
Monica Ontario
Thank you or the chance to win your books! Cant wait to read them.
Wow would so love to win this prize.
Would so love to win.
After reading Inescapable I am very much looking forwar to reading Unbreakable.
I would love to win Unbreakable.
Katie J. from FL
Thanks to everyone who has stopped by. I loved writing Unbreakable. Wish you could all win!
I enjoyed the interview. I'd love to win a copy of Unbreakable. Thank you for the opportunity.
East Tennessee
After winning Unescapable through Suspense Sisters (which I am sharing with my Christian suspense reading buddy), I just purchased Unbreakable. Can't enter facebook sweepstakes, but want to tell your readers that this is AWESOME! Book three has just been added to my amazon.com wishlist. Can't wait to read Unbreakable, just arrived in yesterday's mail - I am now hooked on your books! Blessings!
It would be so great to win a book!
Thank you for giving me a chance to win your book. I like mystery and suspense stories also.I also believe you should be able to write what you love.I like the sound of you book and also you book cover. Does your grandson sing, with the name of Aiden Jackson? Liked your interview. God bless you and yours.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio
This is one I really would like to have. Thank you for the chance to win it.
Wendy from FL
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Good evening, I enjoyed this interview as although I have read about this book elsewhere, its always lovely to get to know a bit more about the author who pens the book! :) I liked Ms. Mehl's cheeky humour and her ability to bring a sense of realism to writing! Love her take on life in general! I also think this would be a good book to read, as it balances the delicate line between standing by one's convictions and protecting innocents.
Thank you for this bookaway! It would be the first I've read of hers, and from the previous comments, I can tell, one not to miss! :)
inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
// Florida
Would love to read this one, please enter me.
Kentucky
What a wonderful idea for a story.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I really liked the first book in this series. Please throw my name in the hat!
Kandra in Tennessee
Would love to win!
Enter me!
Nathanael
Blanch, NC
I would love to win a copy of Nancy's book Unbreakable. Thank you for the chance.
I live in Indiana.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
Enter me!!!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
I am looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the giveaway.
Lourdes in Dix Hills New York
We have this series in the church library.
I would love to win a copy to add to my library.
Thanks for the opportunity to do so.
JanetE.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx
Please Enter me!
Blanch, N.C.
I love Nancy's book and would like to get this book.
believe4ever59@yahoo.com
I love Nancy's books. I read the Harmony series. Usually I don't read mystery and suspense books but Nancy's are wonderful! I highly recommend an Alaska cruise! We went on our honeymoon. It was AMAZING!!! Thanks for the great giveaway! Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
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