Nancy Mehl Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?
A. I started out writing mysteries. I’ve always been a fan of mysteries so it was the natural choice. I wrote two or three books for small publishers, and then in 2007, I was given the chance to write cozy mysteries for a book club. I wrote several books for them, but unfortunately the club folded. Then the publisher asked if I could write Mennonite suspense. I said “Sure!” although I had no idea what Mennonite suspense was! LOL! I ended up writing a series for them, and then two series for another publisher. (Took a lot of research since I’m not Mennonite!) Gradually, we made the suspense stronger and moved the Mennonite theme out. I decided I wanted to include law enforcement in my books. I wrote three books about the U.S. Marshals, and then began writing about the FBI. I’m on my second series that revolves around the FBI’s behavioral analysis unit. (BAU) I love writing these books. Besides my FBI series, I’ve been able to write several cozy mysteries for Guideposts. Now I have the best of both worlds!

Q: What does your writing space look like?
A: I actually have a nice office. My desk looks out on the backyard where we feed birds and squirrels. I have built in bookcases and drawers for storage. There’s a rocking chair in the corner and a small electric fireplace. Also included is my dog, Watson’s, crate and toys for my grandsons! (Not very professional, but it works for us!)

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?
A. It can all be difficult if you don’t give yourself enough time. When deadlines, rewrites, and promotional activities all hit at one time, you can feel overwhelmed. I’m trying to be more careful not to agree to more than I can do comfortably.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release NIGHT FALL?
A: 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 the Train Man.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
A: The most? Creating my characters. I love that side of it. Even the naughty ones. LOL!
My least favorite part? Probably the editing process. I appreciate all the work my editors do to make my book the best it can be. But just editing itself can be a little tedious.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?
A: There are two characters with rough childhoods. One joins the FBI because she wants to help people. She aspires to be the best behavioral analyst she can be. But the other character uses his fractured childhood to punish the world he feels let him down. I think we all have to make a choice when bad things happen. Either those times will break us…or they will make us strong.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. Book three in my Quantico Files series, FREE FALL. I’m still developing my characters, but I like this one.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
A. Well, of course I would say Jesus – and someone else from the Bible. After that it would be loved ones who are no longer here. If you mean people who are alive now? I don’t know. There are just too many, I can’t choose two!

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?
A. I used to do embroidery. I really enjoyed it. I need to pick it up again. I love to read. And I enjoy fishing, although it’s been years since I’ve had the chance.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?
A. Raised a good, godly son. No contest. ?