THE ALTAR by Nancy Mehl

Someone recently asked me how I created the eccentric behavioral analyst, Kaely Quinn, from MIND GAMES. There is a simple answer, but behind that answer, is a story that I think is worth telling.

Twenty years ago, I began to seriously consider writing stories. I’d written things in my youth, mostly poems, until a high school teacher accused me of plagiarism. If I’d been more secure, I would have realized that her allegation was actually a compliment. Maybe I actually had some talent. But I didn’t come to that conclusion. I let her actions crush me. So here I was again, many years later. Should I give it a go? Or would I just be opening the door to more heartache? I was aware that beginning this journey would change my life. It would take time from family and friends. And I had a lot to learn before I even attempted an actual novel. So I went to God. Was this really what He wanted me to do? I was serious. Unless He confirmed that this was His will, I wouldn’t start down this path. I turned my future over to Him and he answered in a big way. No doubt was left that I was called to write. After His response, surely the first book I wrote would be a literary success. Uh, no. I had a lot of work ahead of me. Some victories and a lot of failures.  

As my life became busier and my dreams became bigger, I began to rely more on myself. Less on God. When I realized my mistake, through my tears, I put my entire career on the altar, telling God I only wanted to write what He wanted me to. Not long after that, I had my first contract with a large publisher. Since then I’ve written over thirty books.

I can hear you asking, “Did you continue to lean on God? Did you keep your career on that altar?” I would like to say yes, but I can’t. The busier I got, the more responsibility I took on. Regardless, God always brought me through. I really have no idea how He did it. I’d put myself in an impossible situation, at one time working with three publishers. But He never walked away. Never deserted me. The impossible became possible.

Then came the day when I’d had enough. I was working constantly. Weekends, holidays…every single day. I was missing time with my husband, my kids and my grandkids. Something had to give. So once again I came to that altar. This time I cried out for help. Guidance. He gave it to me. I brought my daughter-in-law in to help me with one publisher, and I went to the other publisher and asked for more time. (That happened more than once.) But now life was headed in a better direction. And I was ready for a new series. I’d always had a desire to write about FBI profilers. I’d read about profiling for years. But I didn’t know anything about the FBI. Surely that dream was out of my reach.

But God…

So back to how I came up with the character of Kaely Quinn? God brought her to me in a dream. I saw her sitting at a table. The first line of a book came to me. And then she began to profile criminals who weren’t really there.

I was so excited I called my editor. I knew I might sound insane, but I was convinced I’d heard from God. I really wanted to write about this character. My wonderful editor listened and asked me to send her my ideas for the first three books. Ideas? I didn’t have any. It took some work, but I finally came up with something. Now, what to do about my lack of knowledge in regards to the FBI? My agent told me to contact another author who writes about the FBI. I did. And she hooked me up with a friend of hers. A retired FBI Behavioral Analyst. In other words…a profiler.

God already had everything I needed in place. And MIND GAMES was born.

If you have a dream, I pray you’ll put it on the altar. Let God confirm that this dream is something He put in your heart. And then…relax. Trust God to bring it to pass. Don’t make my mistakes. The truth is, you can’t do it alone. Let Him carry the heavy stuff. Enjoy the journey knowing you’re not responsible for the outcome. God is searching for those who will allow Him to show Himself strong.

Be one of those people. 

Leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of MIND GAMES. U.S. only for print copies. 

What's Hot in Inspirational Suspense

by Patricia Bradley



This week's feature: A new book from Elizabeth Goddard!

Perilous reunion at sea

A Coldwater Bay Intrigue story

When shipwreck archaeologist Cora Strand is attacked and the research boat she’s on explodes, her ex comes to her rescue. Years ago, Kirk Higgins forfeited her heart, and now with no memory of who attacked her, Cora must trust him with her life. But at the risk of blowing his cover, can the NCIS agent stop a killer determined to put them both in a watery grave?

You can purchase DISTRESS SIGNAL at:

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS!

We’re planning another great week on the Suspense Sisters. Check out our posts, our interviews, and our awesome giveaways!

THIS WEEK:

On Tuesday Patricia Bradley will tell us What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery.

Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister, Nancy Mehl. She’ll be giving away a copy of her new suspense thriller, MIND GAMES!

FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn's methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She's done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she's the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders,

ending with Kaely's, it seems her old life has followed her.

When a body is found that fits the poem's morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.

With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.

On Friday Suspense Sister Elizabeth Goddard will share her new release, DISTRESS SIGNAL. She’ll be giving away an eBook copy!

Perilous reunion at sea

A Coldwater Bay Intrigue story

When shipwreck archaeologist Cora Strand is attacked and the research boat she’s on explodes, her ex comes to her rescue. Years ago, Kirk Higgins forfeited her heart, and now with no memory of who attacked her, Cora must trust him with her life. But at the risk of blowing his cover, can the NCIS agent stop a killer determined to put them both in a watery grave?

The Suspense Sisters

We love books!

by Patricia Bradley

Happy Friday! Let's start my first blog of the new year off with a review and a giveaway! But first, have you thought about how many books you plan to read this year? I've signed up at the Goodreads Challenge for 52 books. Same amount as last year. And now onto my review.

Over the Christmas holidays, I read MIND GAMES by our very own Nancy Mehl. I am so excited about this new series. Before I tell you what I think about it, here's the back cover copy:

Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.

When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.

Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else--including Kaely herself--is killed.

Now for my thoughts:
Nancy had me on the edge of my chair from the get-go. I loved the way she opened the book with Kaley Quinn interviewing a fantasy but very real serial killer. There are so many twists and turns to the story that will keep you glued to the page.

Kaley is likable and so competent that I want to be Kaley Quinn! And Special Agent Noah Hunter. The name alone is enough to make a girl’s heart speed up. And it does make Kaley’s heart beat faster, but she’s so determined not to fall in love…you know she will…eventually. But will it be with Hunter? Guess I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out. Or maybe the next one. Hurry up, Nancy, and get that next book out!


If you'd like to be entered in a drawing for a copy of MIND GAMES, leave a comment and tell me how many books you think you'll read this year! Winner announced next Friday in the comments.

Mind Games can be purchased at:
Amazon

B&N

Little bumps in the road...and a free book give-away Roxanne Rustand

Hi everyone....Happy New Year!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and that 2019 brings you health, happiness and success.  Today is my day to write a blog post, but just as writers try to create conflict and nearly insurmountable barriers for their characters,  I've had a bit of a temporary barrier myself, while writing this.

A month ago, I had cataract surgery on my first eye. After a lifetime of glasses with a very strong correction, it's like a miracle to have 20/20 vision in that eye!  But...until the second eye can be done, I can barely read.  Neither my old glasses nor "readers" work for both eyes at reading or computer screen distance. So imagine me as a one-eyed pirate, squinting, with a pink post-it note taped over one lens of my "readers", and with my nose  pressed to the computer screen.  <g>   If there are typos here I apologize!

During this process, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by those who have progressive, permanent visual challenges.  All will be better for me in a couple weeks--if the next surgery goes well--and I have absolutely no right to complain.  But this temporary situation has been a blessing,  I now feel a sense of awe over the writers I know who are dealing with macular degeneration, glaucoma, and yes--even blindness, yet manage to continue their careers and personal lives with great success.  Several gals, who I don't want to name as I haven't asked their permission, have very prolific, award-winning careers in Christian fiction.  And then there are others, who overcome other physical disabilities daily, with strength, determination and courage.  I am humbled by them all.

Do you know of people who have had to overcome challenges in life?

Best wishes to you all for health and happiness in the year ahead!  If you leave a comment, your name will be in a drawing for a free e-copy of  Comeback Cowboy, a contemporary romantic suspense.

Roxanne Rustand

WHAT'S HOT IN SUSPENSE!

CHECK OUT LYNETTE EASON'S LATEST!

What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend's cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe--and catch those who would see her dead.

Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn't trust many people. And even though she let the detective who saved her life in on a few pertinent facts about why she was being attacked, there are some things you just don't share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that the secret she is keeping just might get them both killed.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason sends readers on a race for the truth in this heart-stopping story of risk, regret, and redemption.

Buy CODE OF VALOR here!