Thursday, March 21, 2013

Susan Reinhardt is Proof Why You Shouldn't Give Up




I am delighted to have debut author Susan Reinhardt on my blog today. Susan is a close friend whom I met blogging several years ago. Her first book, The Moses Conspiracy, a futurisric suspense novel, realeased this month. Since her writing journey was rather long and she persevered to publication, I thought you'd be interested in a bit of her story. If you'd like to purchase The Moses Conspriracy, see the end of this post.
Jen: How did you keep discouragement at bay while you were hoping and praying for a book contract?
Susan: Since I had a strong vision for the trilogy and knew how much it meant to my late husband, I tried to keep that front and center. Yet there were many times when I wanted to quit. Prayer and a network of writers kept encouraging me. At some point, I decided no matter what happened this series would make it to publication, either traditionally or through my own efforts.
 
           Jen: Has blogging played a major role in your writing career? If yes, how?
            Susan: In May, I'll celebrate my fifth Blogiversary. Blogging opened up many      opportunities to meet other writers, both aspiring and published. They became my friends, support system, mentors, critique partners, and teachers.
 
Me and Susan Reinhardt at Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, 2011
 
            Jen: What is the best and worst writing advice you’ve received?
            Susan: Best - Have more than one book written, so editors will see you're serious about writing. This was an important element in getting my contract.
                        Worst - Write what the market wants. I never bought into that scenario. If I'm writing merely for the sake of getting published, there won't be any life in my words. While I'd like to try other genres, I must invest myself in the story or readers will know I'm not being authentic.
Jen: Do you pattern your writing after certain novelists? 
Susan: We can all learn and be inspired by other authors, but we each bring our unique personalities to the table. I don't want a reader saying my work reminds them of another author's books. God made me who I am, and I want to honor Him by using my own voice.
Jen: Who are your favorite authors?
Susan: The list is long and somewhat eclectic, so I'll give you some of the highlights. My favorites include Tamera Alexander, Kristen Heitzmann, Kathi Macias, Cathy Gohlke, Julie Klassen, Christa Parrish, Frank Peretti, and James L. Rubart to name a few.
 
Here's a peek into The Moses Conspiracy: "A trip to post-terrorized Washington, D.C. in 2025 and a buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand, PA set in motion events that expose a diabolical plan to destroy the Christian community. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy.

"Convinced it's now safe to visit D.C., Ellie and her 8-year-old son, Peter, travel to the nation's capital. Both mother and child make an effort to enjoy the sights, but they're unprepared for the challenges they face. Her nightmares come true when she and Peter are separated.

"Back home, John witnesses a neighbor's buggy accident. The suspicious circumstances and law enforcement's refusal to take them seriously prompt him to take on the role of detective. He and a tenacious reporter band together and vow to find out what's happening in Bird-in-Hand."
If that sounds intriquing, you'll want to purchase it on Amazon today! Go to The Moses Conspiracy page to download onto your kindle. Get ready for a reading treat!
THANK YOU, SUSAN, for being with us today. I hope your book sells to the moon, and touches many lives for the Lord. Congratulations on your dream come true!

15 comments:

  1. Thank you for introducing Susan to us. I most definitely want to read her book!

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    1. Barb: I believe you'll like it--it's full of suspense!

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  2. "Blogging opened up many opportunities," this is really very inspiring for the young bloggers like me. I am a passionate blogger and I word down my thoughts and feelings no matter good or bad, sad or happy, fun or boring. My passion in writing has always shown me the brighter dawn and yes, I feel that’s an excellent way to improve my writing...

    Susan, I have also read about your book on Karen's blog, few days ago. It sounds very interesting. i would definitely want to read your book.

    Thank you Jean for sharing with us... great post.

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    1. Good for you, Dorji! I appreciate your passion for writing.

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  3. Hi Jen - Thank you for having me on your blog today! You asked some great questions and made me dig deep. :)

    Hi Barb - Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I hope you'll contact me and let me know how you liked the book. I love interacting with readers.

    Hi Dorji - Nice to see you here. I also love blogging. It's a great way to practice your writing skills and meet awesome people. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Susan. I hope we can help you promote your book and increase the sales!

      Love
      Jen

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  4. Hi, Susan... how nice to find you here with Jen. :) Blogs are a great way to practise our writing skills while interacting with cyber friends. I've been blogging for five years now, too, and am so blessed by the many people I've encountered (like Jeanette. She's such a wonderful encourager!)

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    1. Thanks, Carol! I appreciate your kind words. I love the flower photos on your blog--you're quite the photographer!

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  5. Awesome interview and love to you both!

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  6. Great interview ladies! It's nice to see two of my favorite bloggers in the same post. :) Wishing you both all the best!

    Sending much love and hugs your way,
    Karen

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  7. Hi Carol - How neat! We both started blogging around the same time. Yes, Jen's a good friend, and we've had the privilege of meeting in person.

    Hi Diane - Folks, this is the gal who is helping me coordinate the blog tour. I couldn't have done it without her expert help.

    Hi Karen - Aww, thanks! You'll get to see me plenty on blogs over the next 2 weeks. We have lots of fun in store for everyone.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  8. Thanks, Jen, for hosting Susan and letting us get to know her and her road to publication better.

    Susan, I agree with what you say that "write what the market wants" isn't the goal to keep front and center in our writing. If we constantly skew our writing toward the wants of others, we lose ourselves. We should concentrate, instead, on investing ourselves wisely to write in our own voice while keeping the market in mind. It's a balancing act.

    Blessings to you both, ladies!

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  9. I'm halfway through Susan's book, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the read. Such a talented writer! I know that this is the first of many books that we'll see from her.

    Blessings!
    Jean

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.