Looking Out the Window: Multi-Awarding-Winning, Best Selling Author Nancy Mehl Talks About Night Fall. Gives Away a Print Copy.
A Warm Welcome to Nancy Mehl
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About Night Fall
Now that Alexandra "Alex" Donovan is finally free of her troubled upbringing, she's able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Kansas and Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains traveling across the country--all killed in the same way.
Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars. When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.
In a race against time to solve the case while battling her own weaknesses, Alex must face how far she'll go--and what she's willing to risk--to put a stop to a serial killer called the Train Man.
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Hi Nancy, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a wife, mother and grandmother. I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, but moved to Missouri about seven years ago to be near my son, his wife, and our two grandchildren.
I started writing over twenty years ago and am approaching my 50th published book! I started out writing mystery, then went to cozy mystery, followed by Mennonite suspense, and now, to law enforcement-themed suspense. It’s been quite a journey! I just turned in my sixth book that involves a FBI behavioral analyst. My first three books in this genre were the Kaely Quinn series. The first book in my new series, Night Fall, is part of my Quantico Files series.
Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, what did you read?
Yes, I read all the time. Even at night with a flashlight under the covers! I loved everything. Of course, Nancy Drew was a favorite, but I just loved to read so the genre wasn’t all that important.
Let's talk about your writing. Why do you do it?
I believe God called me to this.
Where do you get ideas for your books?
Most of the time they just come to me. Sometimes an idea is inspired by something I’ve heard or read. I got the character of Kaely Quinn in a dream. Would love to have happen more often!
What is your schedule and where do you write?
I write in the mornings. My writing brain is more active then. In the afternoons I take care of other things. If I have editing to do, I use my afternoons to so that as well.
I have my own office in our house. I feel as if it’s necessary for a writer like me to be able to have a private place where I can work.
Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations? How do you balance it?
Sure, everyone does, I think. Since my husband works and my son is grown and gone, it’s not as hard as it used to be. But there are still challenges. I do a pretty good job of handling them. But there are times when if there wasn’t coffee… (:
Are you a plotter or a pantzer?
A little of both. I like to start out without a definite plot and see where I end up. But once I know how the story needs to go and what loose ends need to be tied up, I plot my way through the rest of it.
Does your faith affect your writing? If so, how?
Definitely. My desire is to speak into my readers’ hearts. To bring them closer to God. If I couldn’t do that, I wouldn’t want to write.
Do you put yourself in your books?
Absolutely. I think it helps my characters relate to readers. We’ve all had to deal with hurts and trials. I hope my own struggles come through my characters and help anyone who reads my books.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Yes. Study the craft of writing. Too many novice writers have jumped into self-publishing rather than work hard to learn what they need to know to succeed. Slow down! Learn how to write effectively. Read a lot of books by authors who write in the genre you’re interested in. You’ll learn a lot and you’ll also find out what publishers are looking for. Slow and steady wins the race!
Thank you for having my on your blog, Gail!
It's my pleasure.
Bio:
Nancy Mehl is a USA Today best-selling author. She’s been a finalist for the Carol Award three times and won the award once. She was a finalist for two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews, and was also nominated for the coveted Christy Award.
The first book in her new series, Night Fall, part of the Quantico Files series, was released in March of 2021. She just completed working on a cozy mystery series for Guideposts called Savannah Secrets.
She lives in Missouri with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. 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 a member of the BOLO Squad on Facebook a private group with some of today’s most well-loved suspense authors. She is active on Facebook.
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Comments
Thanks for stopping by. I agree. I love Nancy's books too.
Thank you Gail, and thank you Nancy so much for sharing your wisdom and your experience with all of us.
As usual, Gail, your blog is outstanding, informative, and so motivating.
And Nancy, I cannot wait to read each and every single one of your books. Thank you, thank you, thank you
for sharing all of your expertise and advice with us on Gail’s wonderful blog.