Sunday, July 28, 2013

Susan Reinhardt's "The Moses Conspiracy"

   
In 2025, the Christian World is under attack!
     Two seemingly unconnected events set in motion a diabolical plan. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation,  fighting  shadowy enemy.

     After a terrorist attack on Washington, D.C. in the near future, Ellie plans a trip with her young son, Peter, and they become separated. At the same time back home, John witnesses a buggy accident with unusual circumstances.

     Caught between strained family relations and ominous  warnings from a faceless enemy, the couple rely on God for wisdom and protection.
    
     The truth of a past tragedy is revealed. While they may expose the culprits, will they survive the heartache it brings?

1)  How did this story come to you?
     I started off as a non-fiction writer, but switched gears and began writing fiction after an experience in Gettysburg. Surrounded by history, I "heard" the voices of the forefathers as fading echoes. Attempts to writer a poem or non-fiction piece were unsuccessful, so I put the thoughts aside and prayed.

 Eight months later, my late husband and I were discussing that event when he declared, "That's your book, and it will be written in 4 months and be called Ghosts of the Past."

     The first draft was written in 4 months and underwent a name change to Echoes of the Past. Later, it became The Moses Conspiracy. After 2 years of caring for my husband through cancer until his death and 6 years of honing my fictions skills, The Moses Conspiracy was published.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published. 
When I first presented the manuscript at conferences, I was told: A) It was too short (55,000 words) and B) My writing techniques needed improvement. I attended workshops, read articles online, had people critique my work, entered the ACFW Genesis Contest, and read craft books. The lessons were applied to the manuscript, and gradually editors and agents began telling me they liked my writing. The next hurdle became the genre. The professionals had difficulty identifying a category. Some indicated they thought it was Sci-Fi (sorry, no aliens or spaceships), Futuristic (not that far off), Suspense/Mystery (closer), and Political intrigue (not really). I finally presented it as Christian Speculative Fiction, which encompassed several of these elements.

  An author friend, Kathi Macias, introduced me to my publisher in January 2013. Within a few weeks, I'd signed contracts with Joyce Hart, of Hartline Literary Agency, and Helping Hands Press (a small, royalty publisher). The Moses Conspiracy was released as an e-book in March 2013 and in print on May 17th.

 3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
     A) Took a course in Sign Language, and do specials at church.
     B) Like to wear silly socks when my style tends to lean toward the classic.
     C) Write by the seat of my pants. Outlines and plotting make me break out in a cold sweat.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now, I'm editing my second book in the trilogy, which has a working title of, The Scent of Fear. I'm also writing a Christmas novella that bridges The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear. The last book of the trilogy is mostly in my head.

5) Parting comments?
If you're a writer, I suggest you spend time learning the craft and not be in a rush to show your manuscript to the professionals. I could have saved myself a lot of rejection and embarrassment if I'd waited. Also, patience and persistence pays off. In 2012, I wanted to quit. I'm thankful I stuck with the program because it paid off.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
 I blog at http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google+.

18 comments:

  1. Thanks for the good advice about not rushing things. Very wise! My nature I'm a rabbit - but God wisely pared me with a husband who is a tortoise. We help balance each other out. ;)
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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    1. I'm embarrassed to say I brought my first draft of The Moses Conspiracy to a conference editor appointment. First impressions are important, so it pays to do the hard work.

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  2. THE MOSES CONSPIRACY sounds exciting.

    I think that many books don't absolutely fit one genre or another.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com


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    1. I'm seeing more and more books that cross genre lines. While I understand the idea behind categories, our lives aren't compartmentalized. There should be room in fiction for books that encompass several genres.

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  3. Great interview! Thank you both. I'll pass on the giveaway; I have both the ebook and paperback versions of Susan's book. It's a great read! :)

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    1. Hi Karen - Thanks for the thumbs up! I'm thrilled at reader's responses to The Moses Conspiracy. There are 17 5-star reviews on Amazon.

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  4. The Moses Conspiracy is my type of suspenseful thriller.

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    1. Thanks! It's available in both e-book and print formats on Amazon. Barnes and Noble and Kobobooks also carry the e-book. Or...maybe you'll win it here. :)

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  5. a great posting....thanks for the chance to read this story :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi Karen - Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!

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  6. Susan, your book sounds wonderful. I'd love to win a copy. I enjoyed your interview, and thank you for offering a giveaway of your book!
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Hi Nancee - I had fun doing the interview. Doesn't K. Dawn ask great questions?

      Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway.

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  7. Sounds like you had your priorities in the right order, walking with God through the process without running ahead or lagging behind. Great example for the ones who are walking a similar path. Great interview, My Kindle is hungry for your book!

    Blessings, Janice jsmithg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Janice - I try to learn my lessons well. After that initial embarrassment, I did a lot of studying. Thank you for your kind words.

      Be sure to feed that Kindle. :)

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  8. I would love to get to know your work and win and read this. Also I review every book I read. God bless and use you.

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    1. Hi squiresj - Thank you! I so much appreciate readers who give me feedback and take the time to review my book. It's encouraging to know how God is touching lives and blessing people.

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  9. Thanks for having me on your blog, K. Dawn! I've enjoyed my visit. :)

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  10. I put your names in a bag, and Mom drew the winner. Congratulations, Pegg Thomas!

    I'll be sending you an email in a moment and get the e-book to you.

    Thanks for all your kind comments.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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