About Me

Welcome to Whence the Adventure

My name is Nancy Bechel (rhymes with "treacle"). I am an adventurer at heart, and a hobbit in practice. As a creative and book lover, few things get me as excited as a great story. I'm a former youth minister and middle school teacher, an Assistant Editor with Chrism Press, a contributing author in the 7th Grade teaching and catechetical materials for Augustine Institute's Word of Life program, an active member of the Catholic Writers Guild, and an editor/reviewer for CatholicReads.com.

My love of reading—and plea for just one more chapter!—started as a small child when my school teacher mom would read to my siblings and me every night. I still haven’t learned that I can’t begin a new book after 9:00pm; in a choice between sleep or finding out what happens next, the story always wins.

I have a special place in my heart for young adult and middle grade fiction—especially fantasy, adventure, mystery and romance—and enjoy finding fabulous books to recommend to my nephews, nieces, former students, and anyone who cares to listen! With a background in middle and high school youth ministry, retreat ministry, and middle school education, I have a deep love for youth and a passion for providing opportunities for them to encounter Christ within the depth and beauty of the Catholic Church. I have BAs in Theology and Youth Ministry from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, and over a decade of experience working with teens.

I am currently writing a young adult fantasy/adventure series aimed at high schoolers, and a fairytale-ish romance for adults, and always have new worlds and stories percolating in my imagination.

Life experience has taught me that chocolate and bacon are their own food groups, and that everything tastes better when eaten with chopsticks. I love the wonder of words, and believe in the power of truth to transform and inspire. My other loves include playing guitar, singing, and writing music, jigsaw puzzles, playing tabletop games, frolicking with my sister’s kids, finding deeper meanings in movies and TV shows, reveling in old mysteries, and writing my own adventures.

I am passionate about helping stories become the best they can be, and watching writers transform in both craft and confidence. I look forward to getting to know you! Welcome to Whence the Adventure!

To learn more about the name Whence the Adventure, read this blog post in my Adventure Journal.