Monday, September 21, 2015

A Visit from Susan J. Reinhardt

I'm excited to share a bit of good news - Out of the Mist by Susan J. Reinhardt is now available! Susan's here to share a little about this long awaited conclusion to her series.

Good to have you back, Susan! Congratulations on Out of the Mist! What is the story about? 

Thanks for inviting me, Karen. I'm excited that Out of The Mist released. Here's the back cover blurb: 

Drive, determination, and an anti-Christian attitude mark Kendra Marshall. When she collides with Peter Gruber (a.k.a., Zimmerman) in a college hallway, she has no idea her life is about to take a sharp turn.

Dave Yoder's geeky ways are a turnoff to the sophisticated, pre-med student. Undaunted by her brush-off, he works to capture her heart.    



Peter's family and friends see red flags in any relationship with the feisty young woman. Trouble is written all over her, but when she's injured, they come to her rescue. They soon find she's marked by The New Patriot organization and could blow their carefully-devised cover.

Once again, the Grubers' (a.k.a., Zimmerman) Amish friends in Bird-in-Hand, PA and Holmes County, Ohio join in the race for answers and protection. Kendra's not always cooperative and gets herself into major trouble. 

Will a young woman accomplish what The New Patriots haven't over the course of two decades? 

This book is the third in a trilogy, yes? Can you give us a brief overview of how the three tie together? Do we have to read them all to understand what is happening? 

All three stories take place in 2025 and later. They track the Zimmerman family and friends through an America that is no longer friendly to Christians. The hostile environment breeds hatred that explodes into a conspiracy led by a secret organization, The New Patriots. 

While each book is a stand alone novel, readers will get a better foundation if they start with The Moses Conspiracy. My novella that's not part of the trilogy, The Christmas Wish, fits between the first two books and gives some information that will enrich the overall story. The Scent of Fear is considered Book 2 of the trilogy. Out of The Mist is the Grand Finale with romance, suspense, and twists. 

I can vouch for that; it is a Grand Finale! Your main character, Kendra, is quite the determined young woman. Did you have any particular inspiration in her development? 

From the beginning, I knew I wanted a feisty woman that was polar opposite to the other female characters. She's the quintessential modern woman who relies on her own abilities. As I wrote the other books, she grew in front of my eyes. Eventually, her part in the grand scheme of things became clear, and I couldn't wait to write her story. 

It is interesting to see her story unfold. You are a seat of the pants writer. Without revealing too much, did you find your characters leading you in any surprising directions? 

The Moses Conspiracy started out as a single volume. When I wrote, "The End," I had this vague feeling that the characters had more to say. 

After several frustrating months, I couldn't seem to get into the story groove. As I prayed, my mind kept rolling out scenes with a secondary character. At one point, he tapped me on the shoulder and said, "This is my story." 

I've discovered the infamous writers' block occurs when I'm on the wrong track. Once I switched gears, the folks in The Scent of Fear took me on a wild ride. 

Characters do clamor for more attention sometimes, don't they? What advice do you have for someone who wants to or is writing a novel? 

I'd say take your time and learn the craft. You might want to try your hand at short stories. I started off as a non-fiction writer and had some modest success with devotionals, short articles, and anthologies. Smaller projects will build your skills and give you the confidence to tackle a novel. Most of all, enjoy each step of the journey. :) 

Good advice! What good is the journey overall if you don't enjoy it, right? Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with us. Wishing you all the best with your stories! 

Thanks Karen! 

About Susan 

Susan J. Reinhardt is a multi-published author and blogger. Her books include three full-length novels, The Moses Conspiracy, The Scent of Fear, and Out of the Mist, as well as The Christmas Wish, a novella for all seasons. Her passion for faith and freedom are reflected in her characters and stories. 

She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and represented by Joyce Hart, of Hartline Literary Agency. You can find her on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. A widow, stepmom, daughter, and follower of Jesus Christ, Susan resides in Pennsylvania and is active in her church. Her interests include reading, bargain hunting, and searching for small treasures in antique shops. 

Visit Susan

Blog 
Facebook 
Website 
Twitter


My Review of Out of the Mist

I thoroughly enjoyed all the other books in this trilogy, but this one just might be my favorite. Deep yet down to earth characters complement the plot that offers a delightful pace as events progress. Ms. Reinhardt blends the heroes and the villains, offering readers a good dose of mystery, adventure, and suspense. Hearts and loyalties are tested throughout the story, and I found myself examining my own convictions while reading. This exciting conclusion to the series is, I believe, Reinhardt's best book yet.
  
 Out of the Mist on Amazon


What are you reading this week?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen

37 comments :

  1. Congrats on finishing your trilogy, Susan. And glad you liked it so much, Karen.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Karen - Thanks for having me on your blog today. It's always fun to visit with you and your readers.

    Hi Natalie - Thank you. It's always exciting to release a new book.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Natalie,
    Thanks! It was a good read. Thanks for stopping to see us! :)

    Susan,
    It's always a pleasure to have you visit! So excited that this book is out! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Susan and Karen - what a great trilogy - sounds a fascinating read .. thinking about the future and it's not that far away now. Good luck .. and cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hilary - I apologize to you and everyone else for my slow response. My Internet access has been spotty at best for several weeks.

      Originally, The Moses Conspiracy was set in 2015, but it took longer than I expected to get it published. 2025 may seem far away, but these days a decade seems to fly by. :)

      Delete
  5. I love it when a certain character grow in a story and you just know you have to tell HER story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I agree. In some ways I'm sad the trilogy is finished, but who knows if one of my characters may decide to start poking me again. LOL! At the moment, I'm working on a contemporary series that I hope everyone will enjoy.

      Delete
  6. I love Susan's writing and her sweet attitude. I will have to read this. Must get the Amazon card and pop over to order. My favorite is The Moses Conspiracy. It's a book that you can read over again and still pick up on a plot thread that you didn't see the first time around. *waves to amigo* Pray for Lenny. He's waiting to have the MRI and his beloved cousin died in front of Lenny late last week. Be safe, amigo. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your kind words, Robyn. You made my day. :)

      Delete
  7. An America no longer friendly toward Christians? Sounds more like the present.
    Congratulations, Susan!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, you're right. Maybe I should have left the year as 2015.

      Delete
  8. Hilary,
    Hello to you too! :) Good to see you. You are right, it isn't that far away. Quite the sobering thought!

    Diane,
    I love that too! She's an interesting character, that's for sure. :

    Robyn,
    I'm so glad you got to read her first book! Yes, you might like this one, I'm thinking. Thanks for letting me know about Lenny. Praying! :) xo

    Alex,
    Well, this is becoming more and more true, isn't it? It is an interesting account of what might happen.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the interview, Karen, and for giving us a heads up on Susan's latest book. And Susan, Out of the Mist sounds terrific :-) The story line is quite intriguing and, on a personal level, the setting got my attention since I've been to Holmes County. Best of luck with the trilogy. I plan to get my hands on a copy of this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kenda - Thanks! I chose settings in Lancaster County and Holmes County because they're popular tourist areas. I didn't know how the story would play out, but it worked. :)

      Delete
  10. Hi Everyone - Please forgive my absence. Getting anything done on the Internet has been an exercise in frustration. Verizon is sending me a new modem tomorrow, so hopefully things will be back to normal soon - if I can figure out how to install it!

    Thanks for all your kind comments.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kenda,
    You are welcome! This series caught my attention as well, only due to knowing the Lancaster County area. :) Hope you get a chance to read it soon!

    Susan,
    Hope you get the internet situation straightened out soon. It's frustrating, I am sure! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Karen - This is the first night in a long time that my Internet Access has been decent. It's past midnight, and I don't want to get off the Net! Next week, I'll be getting Verizon FIOS, and hopefully these woes will be a thing of the past.

      Delete
  12. Congratulations on completing your trilogy, Susan. That's a feat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lisa. There were times when I wondered if it would ever get finished.

      Delete
  13. It must feel like quite an accomplishment to have the third book in a trilogy out! Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I never get tired of seeing one of my print books for the first time. It's a great feeling.

      Delete
  14. It must feel like quite an accomplishment to have the third book in a trilogy out! Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I like what someone said about Susan's character being sweet. That's always how I see her too whenever I read any interviews about her. COngrats on a trilogy! That is a huge accomplishment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, you're making me blush, Terri. I hope Kendra doesn't change your opinion. :)

      Delete
  16. Lisa,
    I agree, it is a feat! Susan can be proud of this series.:)

    Lee,
    I think you are right. There should be a chocolate party or something for people who do this. lol :)

    Terri,
    Yes, sweet is a good word! :) It is true. It's fun that we get to share her excitement.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations on the third book publication, Susan! And the advise to keep working on the craft of writing, and enjoy the journey is fitting where I am at right now. Thank you to both of you for sharing your journey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lynn - I always enjoy visiting Karen and her friends. She asks great questions, doesn't she?

      Delete
  18. It's the end of the trilogy? That's usually when I pick a series up, because I binge read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know a number of people who wait until a trilogy or series is finished and then blast through it. I hope you'll read The Moses Trilogy. :)

      Delete
  19. Lynn,
    You are very welcome! Glad you were able to come and see Susan here.:)

    Crystal,
    You might like this one, I'm thinking. :) I guess the end is always a good place to begin! lol

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  20. I always love when the last book in a series or trilogy is my favorite! Sounds like a great book. :)
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jess - Being a Seat of the Pants Writer makes things interesting. I couldn't wait to see what happened!

      Delete
  21. Congratulations, Susan! I love your advice; it's definitely important to enjoy every step of the writing journey. And, I'm thankful that a fellow pants-ter still exists out there. Sometimes, I feel like I'm the only one not writing by a 22 point outline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are plenty of us out there, Tyrean. I've tried the "methods," but they made me feel like I was squashed in a box. :)

      Delete
  22. Jess,
    Isn't that fun? Sort of like the movie sequel being better than you thought! :) Thanks for hopping over to see us.

    Tyrean,
    I think there are more pants-ters out there, they just don't make a lot of noise! LOL Maybe there should be a club or support group just for them. :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love your idea, Karen. With everything on my plate, someone else would have to take the lead. :)

      Delete

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!