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Susan is offering to one randomly chosen commenter an e-copy of her novel THE MOSES CONSPIRACY. The winner will be announced here on Friday, June 13th, between 5-6 PM EST. To be eligible, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!
Turning
Obstacles into Motivators by Susan
J. Reinhardt
It's
easy to start a new project. The fresh idea, the enthusiasm, makes us run to
the computer, and pound on the keyboard. The word count soars, but then a funny
thing happens....
We
run out of steam.
This
isn't about writer's block. It's about motivation. Life hits, people make
discouraging comments about our chosen genre, and articles proclaim the latest
and greatest trends. We wonder if this is all a pipe dream, another failed
attempt at publication. As my late husband was fond of saying, "You allow
others to live rent free in your mind."
The
concept for The Moses Conspiracy grew out of a trip to Gettysburg in December
2004. As I stood in an old town square surrounded by history, I
"heard" the voices of the forefathers as fading echoes. When we
returned home, I tried to write a non-fiction piece without success.
In
August 2005, my husband and I were discussing "the Gettysburg
experience," and he made a startling declaration. "That's it! That's
your book, and you'll write it in four months and call it Ghosts of the
Past." I thought he was crazy, but soon caught the vision. I sat down at the
computer and wrote the rough draft in exactly four months.
In
February 2006, my beloved was diagnosed with a virulent form of leukemia. Yes,
life hit with a vengeance. My writing involved daily updates to relatives and
friends. The manuscript sat with only minor revisions.
He
insisted I attend a writer's conference in 2006. The news wasn't good. The
manuscript was too short, and my writing needed serious work. Okay, I was
disappointed, but I could deal with that evaluation. It meant improving my
skills and re-writing. There was something I could DO.
After
his death in April 2007, grief became a major hurdle. The pain of losing my
soulmate was beyond anything I'd ever known. I thought about the book, and
remembered its beginnings and my husband's encouragement. It became the
motivator to finish the course.
Years
rolled by, attending conferences, workshops, reading about the craft, writing
and re-writing. Agents and editors began showing an interest in my work, but
didn't want the book. "Write something else. How about a nice
romance?" On and on, the onslaught of negative feedback made me want to
crawl under the covers and never come out.
I
came to a point where I wanted to give up the idea of traditional publication.
I prayed, and God sent a word through the testimony of a singing group at a
concert. They were ready to quit, but someone started to sing, "God will
make a way where there seems to be no way..." I cried throughout the
message. Only God could pull this publication thing off.
As
2013 dawned, I thought about what the year might hold for my writing. After
that special time, the rejections continued to pile high. Within two weeks, I'd
signed with Joyce Hart, of Hartline Literary Agency, and Helping Hands Press, a
small, royalty publisher. The Moses Conspiracy released as an e-book in March
2013 and print in May 2013.
He
opened a door no man could shut. I did all I knew to do, asking for His
guidance each step of the way. And those obstacles? They became the fuel to
move me toward my destiny. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
The back cover copy of 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?
Find it on Amazon.
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Susan J. Reinhardt: Can you turn obstacles into motivators? #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)
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Author's Bio:
Susan J. Reinhardt's
publishing credits include her debut novel, The Moses Conspiracy, as well as
devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies. She is a member
of American Christian Fiction Writers.
A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in
Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and
friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique
shops.
Places to connect with Susan:
