Translating Reading into Fine Writing by Susan Reinhardt

The 7th Blogoversary celebration continues! Susan J. Reinhardt lends her insight regarding the connection between reading and writing in the following post. One of my very first blogging friends, Susan cheered me on in the early days (Way back in 2009!) and continues to inspire and encourage to this day.

Susan's throwing in a bonus and giving away an ebook of her first novel, The Moses Conspiracy, so don't forget to check out the giveaway details below.

Translating Reading Into Fine Writing 

by Susan J. Reinhardt 

As writers, we're admonished to read excellent books in our genre. Many post about how they analyze an author's style, plot, characters, and setting. As a Seat-of-the-Pants writer, this comes about as naturally as standing on my head.

So, how do I translate what I'm reading into principles I can integrate into my writing?

1) I read the story for pure enjoyment. If it grabs me and takes me on a breathtaking ride, I go with it.

2) After I finish, I evaluate how the book affected me. Did I keep getting pulled out of the story or was I engaged the entire time? Did the author create characters that were sympathetic or did I want to slap them silly? Was the ending satisfying or did it leave me feeling cheated?

3) When I narrow down the aspects of the book I liked and the ones I found unsatisfactory, I ask myself, "how did she/he do it?" Did the author make all those historical references a natural part of the story or did they pound me over the head with facts? What techniques did the author use to evoke an emotional response in me, the reader?

4) I then compare the methods against my WIP. I'll re-read sections and see if they're effective or need more work.

5) If I were reading my book, would I want to have a sequel or be disappointed at the end?

Writers: How do you translate what you read into tips for your own writing?  

Readers: What makes a book go from so-so to so awesome?

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. 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 on her blog or on Facebook



Giveaway Info 
 
Susan is giving away one ebook of the first in The Moses Trilogy, The Moses Conspiracy. 

1) Open to U.S. residents only.  
2) Please leave your email address with your comment. 
3) I'd appreciate you following by Google Friend Connect or Facebook (see sidebar). 
4) Ends Friday, March 18 at noon EDT. Winner will be notified by email and have 36 hours to respond or another name will be chosen. 

What are you reading this week? 

Happy reading and writing,

Karen



 Photo info: Free Images

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

Meet the Blogger with Susan J. Reinhardt

Welcome to another installment of my new series, Meet the Blogger. Susan J. Reinhardt is here to share a little about her blogging adventure.  

Susan is the author of The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear. While each book can stand alone, they comprise a series set in the future in the scenic Amish countryside in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The last book in the series, Out of the Mist, should be out later this year. The collection also includes a heartwarming novella, The Christmas Wish.

 

Welcome Susan! Why did you start blogging? How long have you had your present blog?   

Hi, Karen! Thanks for having me on your blog today. I began Christian Writer/Reader Connection to start building my social media platform. May will mark the blog's 7th anniversary. 

Congratulations on 7 years! What is your blog about? 

It's all about connecting writers and readers. There's something special about drawing those who love to write and those who love to read together. I've met so many lovely people during my blogging years.

I agree on both counts. :) What benefits have you gained through blogging? 

The biggest plus has been the relationships within the writing/reading community. As a result of visiting other blogs, I've discovered authors and books I would never have otherwise known about. Posts on the craft, encouragement for the journey, and helpful links have educated me and helped me progress in my own writing.  

What projects are you working on right now?  

My fourth novel, Out of the Mist, will be out soon. I'm so excited to have The Moses Trilogy completed. (The 4th book, A Christmas Wish is a novella that gives a peek at what happens between the first two books.) I've also begun my 5th novel, which is a Contemporary, a new experience for me!  

What might people be surprised to learn about you?  

I didn't start off writing novels. Non-fiction was my first love. I might still write a non-fiction book or two down the road.  

What advice would you share with a newbie blogger?  

Start small and build your following. If you try to post five days a week in the beginning, you'll burn out. I began posting Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, which worked nicely for me. The important thing is consistency. People will get accustomed to finding a new post on a certain day. Don't disappoint them. Also, visit other blogs and ask the bloggers to exchange links. This will give your blog greater exposure. 

Thanks for visiting, Susan! 

Thanks for inviting me, Karen!  

More About Susan: 

Susan's publishing credits include numerous devotionals, articles, and some anthologies. In 2003, she began writing fiction. The Moses Conspiracy, The Scent of Fear, and The Christmas Wish were published in 2013. Her latest book, Out of the Mist, released in 2015. A Christian, widow, stepmom, daughter, and friend, she makes her home in Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she enjoys couponing, reading, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.

Susan's Blog - Christian Writer/Reader Connection
Susan's Facebook Page  
Twitter - @susanjreinhardt


Do you have any questions for Susan? What advice would you share with new bloggers?  

Happy writing,

Karen

  
Purple rose photo credit: Free Images