Thursday, December 18, 2014

Susan J. Reinhardt Interview & 3 Book Giveaway


Hi, Susan!!! It's such a pleasure to have you on the Sweet South Blog! 

1. Give us a couple of sentences describing what you write.

My writing takes issues and wraps them into a story. People may not relate to a theory or bare facts, but characters going through situations resonate with them.

2. How would you label the overall mood of your stories?

The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear could be classified as sobering, passionate, and yet there's always an element of hope. Through all their situations, my characters discover the faithfulness of God.

One reader described The Christmas Wish as, "heartwarming." Yet it also has strong tension/suspense.

3.  What is the theme of your story, and how did you come to it?

The major theme of my story is, "we're heading in a direction that could lead to this scenario."

I'm a Seat-of-the-Pants writer and don't plot my novels. The Moses Conspiracy was inspired by a trip my late husband and I took to Gettysburg at Christmas 2004. Standing in the town square, surrounded by old buildings and whizzing traffic, I "heard" the voices of the forefathers as fading echoes.

Eventually, that experience gave rise to various questions. Have we lost sight of our roots as a nation? What would America be like if we didn't have the freedoms we've taken for granted? What would that look like in the lives of ordinary people?

4.  A sneak peek into what you're working on right now?

I just sent off the third book of The Moses Trilogy entitled, "Out of the Mist," to my publisher. My next book will be much different and based in the present.

5.  Describe your writing space.

I have a home office with the usual computer equipment, printer, and a large L-shaped desk. (This girl needs lots of space for all the projects she's handling.) Shelf space surrounds me with my favorite things: books.

While many folks have neat spaces, mine always seems to be a wreck. I'm fine until the I Love Lucy candy factory belt moves too fast. Then, I can't keep up with the accumulation of papers, notes, and research materials.

6.  Do you work another job besides writing? Is there a secret/technique you've found that helps balancing the writing and working life?

Yes, I work as a full-time Administrative Assistant. Keeping up with everything presents a constant challenge. Lists help, but it's prayer that preserves my sanity. Everyone's life has different variables that must be taken into account. Flexibility and being able to turn on a dime are essential tools.

At the moment, I'm working on this interview while someone is in the basement servicing my furnace. This morning, my Mom had a doctor appointment, and I got some reading done for a book review. I squeeze as much into my day as I can, while remembering to re-group and breathe.

7.  Do you blog?

Yes, I've been blogging almost seven years at Christian Writer/Reader Connection. There I share my writing journey, tips for writers, bits and pieces for readers, and valuable links I've discovered in my Internet travels. The address is: http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com

8.  When you read to you prefer a paperback, e-book, or audio?

Print is my first choice, but I love the portability of my Kindle. It's hard to lug four or five books when traveling any distance. I haven't listened to any audio books, so I don't have an opinion on them.

photo credit: MissMessie via photopin cc
9.  Hot chocolate or cider?

Hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream! It's a rare treat since I'm lactose intolerant and pay for the indulgence afterward.

10.  Real or artificial tree?

We've had artificial trees since I was a kid because my mother would get asthma attacks from real ones. They're also less messy, and they can stay up much longer than a real tree.

11. What can readers do to spread the word about this book?

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt
Twitter:  @susanjreinhardt
You can also find her on Goodreads, Google+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobobooks reviews are also helpful.


Author Bio:  Susan J. Reinhardt's publication credits include numerous devotionals, short articles, and stories in anthologies. She switched gears to fiction in 2005 and is now represented by Joyce Hart, of Hartline Literary Agency and contracted with a small royalty press in Pennsylvania. Her novels include The Moses Conspiracy, The Scent of Fear, and The Christmas Wish. The fourth book in The Moses Trilogy will be released soon.

A Christian, widow, stepmom, daughter, and friend, she enjoys gardening, couponing, reading, and searching for small treasures in antique shops.

 


About The Scent of Fear:
 The Zimmermans enjoy the tenuous peace in the wake of their hair-raising year battling the New Patriots. Unexpected visitors once again throw them into turmoil.


Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the plan to break up a hate group ravaging the Christian community. Now, his enemies are out to eliminate him. Should he make a run for it or stick by his tried-and-true negotiating skills?

Monty Addison, a topnotch operative, carried out his assignment in Bird-in-Hand. A plot to destroy his boss sends him on a mission. Without agency sanction, it may cost him everything - his career, his family, and maybe his life.

Dr. Abby Weaver strives to save infants and toddlers in Holmes County, Ohio. When she meets two strangers, she can't get the tall, handsome one out of her mind. Will their paths intersect again or will dangerous times keep them apart?
  




Susan is giving away not one, not two, but all THREE of her books as e-copies!
Note: Book reviews encourage authors and readers. If you win, please consider posting a short review on Amazon and/or Barnes and Noble.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


9 comments:

  1. Hi Natalie -

    Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I'm looking forward to chatting with your readers.

    God Bless,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Always such great interviews and contests here. Would love to win Susan's books. Blessings, ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Natalie, thank you for hosting Susan today! It was fun to learn more about her. Wishing her all the best with her writing! :) Blessings to you as well!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations to Susan, and best wishes for more breakthroughs and successes in the coming year.

    It's nice to meet you as well, Natalie.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for being here on the Sweet South Blog, Susan!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sybil! Such kind words! Thank you! Best wishes in the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi, Karen! Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, Rhonda! Very nice to meet you, too, and thank you for coming by!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Everyone -

    I just finished a segment on BlogTalk Radio and a promo on Facebook.

    Thank you for your comments. I always enjoy meeting readers.

    God bless,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete

Let's chat!