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Looking Out The Window: Best-selling, Award-winning Author Nancy Mehl Shares The Story Behind Her New Novel, Mind Games, Book One: Kaley Quinn Profiler Series. Gives Away A Copy Of Blind Betrayal.



A Warm Welcome to Nancy Mehl

What a treat to learn about Nancy's new series! I'm delighted she's sharing the story behind the story for Book One: Kaley Quinn Profiler series, Mind Games, currently on pre-order on Amazon.

Nancy will give away a print copy of Blind Betrayal, Book Three of the Defenders of Justice series. (U.S. residents only). To enter to win leave a comment and an email address below.

Hi Nancy, tell us about Mind Games.

Writing Mind Games is a dream come true. I’ve been interested in FBI profiling for years. I’ve read about it, studied it, and watched every TV special I could find on the subject. So when the chance finally came to write the book I’ve always wanted to write, I jumped at it. Thankfully, through the help of another writer, I was hooked up with a retired FBI profiler. I was so excited. Until I found out I had almost everything wrong. Yes, I had some understanding about profiling, but I knew nothing about the FBI and how it works.

First of all, the FBI doesn’t call the men and women who profile criminals, profilers. They’re called Behavioral Analysts. The plot for Mind Games had my analyst running around the country solving crimes while she was stationed in St. Louis. Uh, no. Behavioral analysts do travel, but they all work out of Quantico in Virginia. So…I rewrote.

There were ways around my conundrum, but one solution led to more and more problems. We finally worked through them. Then I spent the next few months learning acronyms. CIRG, CJIS, NCAVC, HRT, UNSUB, CNU, THU, ViCap, CODIS, SWAT, ERTU, OPU, THRU, ERT… Well, the list goes on and on. The FBI is made up of many specialized units. And a plethora of acronyms, it seems.

I rewrote Mind Games three times before my source said we were good to go.

If you assume I’m out of the woods now, you’d be wrong. I haven’t had the nerve to open up the manuscript I sent her for book two in my Kaely Quinn Profiler series. I figured I had Fire Storm right but… Well, I can tell from her email comments I’ll be doing more rewriting. Sigh.

So is it worth it? A resounding yes! I love learning, and as long as my analyst friend hangs in with me (she has the patience of Job), I’ll keep at it.

I hope you enjoy Mind Games. It’s edgy but fun. Kaely Quinn is a quirky character. She was thrown out of Quantico because her version of profiling is… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Thank you for sharing your journey writing this with us. I can’t wait to read it!





About Mind Games


Kaely Quinn, Behavioral Analyst for the FBI, has become the target of a serial killer intent on proving he’s smarter than she is. His end game? Her death.

Pre-order Mind Games on Amazon






About the Giveaway Book, Blind Betrayal


After two years at the St. Louis U.S. Marshals Office, Casey Sloane is tasked with escorting a reporter to Washington to testify before a grand jury. The reporter's research on an up-and-coming environmentalist who suddenly disappeared is now even more vital than anticipated.

At first, Casey's assignment seems routine. But a dangerous attack on the Marshals Office puts everyone on high alert. When Casey and two other Marshals--one a man from her past--are forced on the run with the reporter, they'll do whatever it takes to protect their witness and make it out alive.

Buy Blind Betrayl on Amazon

BIO:

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 Website. She is part of The Suspense Sisters, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.

Comments

Sonja said…
I would love to read this book. Nancy is a very talented author! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
I enjoyed learning about your adventures while researching and writing your book. I think research is my favorite part of writing. I wish you the best, Nancy.
Nancy, I am truly impressed with your labor in researching and willingness to revise. Your books should teach us much in profiling. Do the TV shows get it right? I am made to wonder sometimes now that I've read your post. Your writings will be very informative on the subject. My very best to you and Gail thank you for having such a talented and dedicated writer on your blog. lhammersley at comcast dot net.
NancyMehl said…
Thanks, Sonja.

Research can be fun, Linda. Getting it right is important to me.

Hi, Larry! No, not all TV shows get it right, but for the most part I think they try. Writing about the FBI isn't for wimps. They are highly specialized and rather complex. Without my FBI source there's no way I could write this series. I still mess up from time to time. Thankfully, my source straightens me out. LOL!

Thanks to everyone for your comments.
Gina said…
Hi Nancy, it is nice to meet you. Congratulations on your new release, that is quite an accomplishment. I'm curious about your writing process: with so much research involved, how do you organize you plot outline? Thanks ahead of time and best of luck with your writing.

Gail, you blog is just fantastic, and your guests are really outstanding. Thank you!
Nancy Darby said…
I cannot WAIT for Mind Games! I have loved all of Nancy Mehls books. But this series seems like a huge step up into the next level of nail biting suspence.

Ps. I already have Blind Betrayal so please chose someone else to win the prize.
Stella said…
I am so impressed with your writing. Most of the time we get a book and we read and enjoy it without ever considering what the author has to go through to write it and get it right. I want this book. Stella(dot)potts77(at)gmail(dot)com
Anonymous said…
I love your books Nancy! And your turn to suspense is a real treat.
jenmom1707@yahoo.com
Unknown said…
I love reading Nancy’s books. They always catch me from the first chapter.
MJSH said…
Thanks for the preview/interview and the giveaway! Love her books.
mindyhoung AT msn DOT com
Mary Gessner said…
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book by Nancy Mehl that I've read, and I have preordered Mind Games through B&N. I can hardly wait for its release.
Susanne said…
The new series sounds awesome!
smincer10(at)gmail(dot)com
Patricia said…
I would love to read this, as it sounds like a really good book.
Finbar said…
Always interesting, these suspense novels. Love them, and this author writes some very good fiction. This book should be no exception and the research necessary to get the profiler job correct was probably very difficult. It should do well like many others from this writer.
I am always excited to learn about a new book from Nancy. Thanks for sharing about Mind Games and for offering Blind Betrayal as a giveaway.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Joan A said…
I enjoy Nancy's books! I haven't met her but we don't live far apart! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

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