Writer’s Window: Nancy Mehl
I’d been seeing Nancy Mehl’s name for a while, getting curiouser and curiouser about her and her writing. So when I learned she was going to be going to ICRS and that I was going to get to do some book signings with her for our Barbour books, I was thrilled. Y’all are going to love Nancy—and if you haven’t heard of her or her books, be sure to check them out. I know you’ll enjoy them.
Nancy has graciously offered to give away a copy of one of her books. The winner will be drawn from comments on today’s post—with the cutoff date for entering on Friday. So be sure to indicate if you want to be entered and which book you’d like to receive in your comment!
Simple Secrets
Can graphic designer Gracie Temple have it all: the big city life and a job at a successful advertising firm? Just when she feels life coming together she receives an unknown uncle’s inheritance in a quiet Kansas Mennonite community. The house comes with a dark legacy and a cast of interesting neighbors, including farmer Sam Goodrich. Can Gracie shake off the dust of this town or will its secret charms pull her in to stay?
Missing Mabel
A strange twist lands a beautician in a funeral home mystery.Watch the tangled mess a Kansas hairdresser gets herself into when she reports to the funeral home that the body she is to work on is not the same as in her reference photo. Is she being punished when the director accuses her of stealing a diamond ring? Will Hilde Higgins’s former boyfriend help her unravel the issue or only bring more trouble to her life?
What do you like best about being a writer?
- I would have to say that getting a letter or email from a reader who says that something I wrote affected them spiritually or emotionally. One woman told me that my books helped her to get through chemo. Others have commented that they felt closer to God after reading one of my books. I always pray over every book and ask God to use me to reach the people He wants to touch. I believe He honors that prayer.
What do you like least about being a writer?
- Trying to balance the rest of my life and my writing time! It’s difficult to get everything done. I have to say no to things I’d like to do, and the time I can spend with friends is limited. I wonder sometimes if I’m not losing precious time with people who mean a lot to me. I’m not sure my choices are always right.
Pop, Soda, or Coke? What do you call it, and what’s your favorite variety?
- Pop! I only drink diet pop. We’re kind of stuck on diet orange Sunkist right now, but I’m also partial to diet A&W root beer.
Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
- Okay, this is embarrassing. I just bought two new pairs of sandals, and I have a very comfortable pair of black leather Ecco shoes – but my very favorite shoes are my pink rubber thongs with flowers! LOL! I wear them around the house, and they’re soooo comfortable. My husband bought them for $1.00! Is that sad or what???
What’s the most fun/interesting/crazy/scary/unique hands-on research you’ve done for a book?
- I visited a cemetery once because I needed to find out what kinds of epitaphs were written on tombstones 100 years ago. Of course, the research I’ve had to do for my “Curl Up and Dye” series has been a little weird. The main character is a hairdresser who works for funeral homes. But there hasn’t been any “hands on” experience yet. And with a little luck, there never will be! LOL!
Candles. We all have them. But do you burn them? What scents are your favorite?
- I love the idea of candles, and I buy them frequently. But I have a tendency to forget them after that. When I actually burn them, my very favorite scent is Christmas Cookie.
Have you ever re-gifted something someone’s given you?
- Of course not. (That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!)
If you were to write a novel about what your life would have been like if you’d become what you wanted to be at eight years old, what kind of character would the story be about?
- Hmmm. Not sure, but it would have included horses. At eight, I loved them – but I also thought Super Girl was cool. So I suppose my character would be a cowgirl with super powers!
What makes you happy?
- My family makes me happy. I have the world’s most wonderful husband and son. And my puggle, Watson, makes me laugh. But the real joy in my life comes from the relationship I have with God. He is everything to me. It’s incredible to be loved as much as He loves me, and to know that no matter what happens in life, it’s not too much for my Father.
What makes you nervous?
- I wasn’t sure how to answer this question so I asked my husband. He had an immediate response. You see, he usually waits until the very last second to get ready to go anywhere. I have a thing about being on time, and his procrastination can really make me uptight. LOL!
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
- Always keep your story moving forward, and never take yourself seriously.
What’s your biggest dream for the future?
- As far as my writing career, I want to be a full time writer, concentrating on my novels and not having to work another job. But my biggest dream is probably to see my son married to a wonderful woman—and have grandchildren who think I’m cool!
Tell us about what you’re currently writing (or your newest release, or both).
- Right now I’m writing the third novel in my Mennonite-themed Harmony Series. Before the end of the year, I will also complete the third book in my Curl Up and Dye mystery series. As far as newest releases, the first book in the Harmony Series, Simple Secrets just came out, as well as the first book in the Curl Up and Dye series, Missing Mabel. These are two different kinds of books, but I hope readers will enjoy them both.
Where can people find out more about you/connect with you online?
- They can learn more about me through my Web site at www.nancymehl.com, my blog at www.nancymehl.blogspot.com, or they can find me on Facebook.
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Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and her son, Danny. She’s authored nine books and is currently at work on her newest series for Barbour Publishing.
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. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. 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 especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
Comments are closed.
KayeDacus.com 
I would be happy to have either book. They both sound great! Thanks for the chance.
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Loved the interview! I loved Simple Secrets and would love to be entered for Missing Mabel!
Blessings
Michelle V
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Thanks, Michelle!
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Hey everyone–
If you’re entering the contest, and you’re using your correct e-mail address in the Name/E-mail/URL form you have to fill out before you can comment, there’s no need to put it in the body of your comment as well.
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Great interview! I’ve been noticing Nancy’s books for a while now (bought some for my library!), and they’re definitely on my “to read” list!!
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Thanks, Regina!
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They both sound really good! I would like to get Missing Mabel.
I’ve never read any of Nancy’s books, they all sound good though.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
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Both books sound good (I’ve actually heard of Simple Secrets before), but I would like Missing Mabel if I win. It sounds real unique!
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I have read Nancy’s SIMPLE SECRETS and fell in love with her work! I would love a chance to read her book, Missing Mabel please! Thank you!
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Thanks so much, Molly.
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Nancy I love your books…they are always a great read.
Thank You!!
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Thank you, Maureen. I really appreciate it. (S)
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I would love to read Simple Secrets.
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I would be thrilled to have either book.
Thank you
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Another talented Kansas gal writer; I’m a native Kansan and think Nancy’s stories taking place in Kansas Mennonite locations makes for enjoyable reading. I know where those locations might be. I’d be honored to win either book in this giveaway. Thanks for the chance, it is appreciated.
Sharing Christ’s Love,
Barb
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Just posted about Nancy’s giveaway on Twitter. Thank you for this chance. If I win, I’d like Simple Secrets. I remember calling coke “pop” when I was a growing girl in Kansas. Thank you.
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Thanks for posting it, Barb!
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Yes, thank you so much Barb. (S)
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i’d love to win “simple secrets”!!! and as a “i hope to be published someday” writer, her advice is much appreciated.
thanks!!
amber
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I’m so glad, Amber. (S)
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Both books sound great! I guess I would like to have SIMPLE SECRETS if I win. Thank you!
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Loved the interview. Simple Secrets is sitting on my shelf, it was one of the books I bought myself for my birthday a few months back.
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I’m honored, Michelle!
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My thanks to Kaye for the interview. I loved meeting you at ICRS, Kaye. You are so much fun! And thanks for all the kind comments from those of you who have read my books. Good luck to everyone. I wish I had enough books to give each and every one of you a copy. (S)
Blessings,
Nancy
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I would prefer Simple Secrets, I haven’t have the chance to read anything by the author but it all sounds very good.
Thank you for the giveaway.
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I’ll be reading Simple Secrets soon (borrowing the book) for my book club; we are looking forward to meeting with Nancy to discuss it! I think since I’ll have the chance to read that, I’d like to have the chance to win Missing Mabel.
Thanks.
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Hi, Pam. I look forward to meeting you!
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I read Simple Secrets a few months back and LOVED it and am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Nancy writes in such a way that you feel you’re right there living the life of the heroine. I love getting lost between the pages of a book. Please don’t enter me in the draw as I have Simple Secrets (it earned its place on my keeper shelf which is now a whole bookcase(s) )and I have the mystery one on order at my Christian bookstore. 🙂
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Thanks for you kind comments, Kav. You’re so sweet! (S)
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I would love to have Missing Mabel! Nancy Mehl sounds someone I would like to know.
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I loved Simple Secrets!! I cannot wait to meet Nancy with my book club in September!! Since I already have simple secrets I would love to win Missing Mabel
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I have read Nancy’s book, Simple Secrets, and loved it! I would love a chance to read Missing Mabel! Thanks!
Sheri
hspruitt {at} juno {dot} com
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