Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
Like me, Ellie Zimmerman in The Moses Conspiracy is
passionate about her faith, family, and country. The other characters have
totally different personalities. A critical element to any story are
believable, individual people. I don't want them to be clones of yours truly.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I'm not a quirky-type person, so this question has me
stumped. Does wearing a conservative outfit with wild socks count?
Sounds a little
quirky to me. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
For years, I wrote Christmas pieces, skits, Bible Studies,
and Sunday School curriculum, but never considered myself as a writer with a
capital "W." About 10 years ago, my late husband urged me to seek
publication. When an editor requested a devotional, it dawned on me that I was
indeed a real writer.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
My reading tastes range from Romance to Christian
Speculative Fiction. I also enjoy suspense, mystery, and contemporary novels.
Some of my favorite authors include Tamera Alexander, Cathy Gohlke, Kathi
Macias, James L. Rubart, and the early works of Frank Peretti to name a few.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I start my mornings with prayer, Bible reading, and
journaling. They set the course for my day and help me maintain peace.
Lists also keep my day from spinning out of control. As a
blogger, I make an effort to stay a month ahead with my posts. Scheduling and
organization are great stress reducers.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
At times, a name just comes to me. Researching surnames
online is another way I choose names. I discovered the name,
"Zimmerman," means "carpenter." Since the husband in The
Moses Conspiracy is a carpenter, the name was a perfect fit.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I'd have to say writing and getting The Moses Conspiracy
published fits that description.
The inspiration for the story occurred in Gettysburg . I "heard" the voices of
the forefathers as fading echoes. My late husband and I were discussing that
experience eight months later when he declared, "That's it. That's your
book, and you'll write it in four months, and call it Ghosts of the Past."
In exactly four months, the first draft was written. The
names changed from Ghosts of the Past
to Echoes of the Past. Later, it
became The Moses Conspiracy.
Shortly after this initial draft, my husband was diagnosed
with leukemia and died within two years. The vision for the story and the
desire to dedicate it to his memory gave me the strength and motivation to
reach the goal.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
I'd like to be a lamb because of its dependence on the
shepherd. Jesus uses that analogy in the Word, and I know how much I need Him
in every area of life.
What is your favorite
food?
I'm part Italian and love that cuisine. Meatballs and spaghetti
are my favorite entree.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
When I started The Moses Conspiracy, my
fiction-writing was miniscule. The learning curve was a steep one. I overcame
this deficit by attending writers’ conferences, reading books and blogs, and
asking my critique partners to look at my work.
Tell us about the
featured book.
A trip to post-terrorized Washington ,
D.C. in 2025 and a buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand , Pennsylvania
set in motion events that expose a diabolical plan to destroy the Christian
community. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a
life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
The last thing she needed was to lose her way in Washington , D.C.
She hoped the "See D.C. 2025" commercials weren't all hype. Ellie
Zimmerman's hands clenched the van's steering wheel. A quick glance into the
rearview mirror reassured her Peter didn't sense her growing nervousness.
A truck barreled past her, kicking up water from the wet
road. She turned on the windshield wipers to clear away the fine mist. The sign
for her exit came up, and she exhaled.
Would the fears from past experience ever stop dictating her
present reactions? She slid her hand into a bag of M&M's and popped several
into her mouth. Maybe they would get rid of the metallic taste anxiety
triggered.
A United Nations' checkpoint came into view. Her stomach
tightened into a knot. Relax, Ellie. The congressman sent passes for the White
House Tour, and John double-checked the preparations before you left. He'd
pronounced them in order.
I can’t wait to read
this. I’ve been on a White House Tour, but it was in 1964. I’m sure things are
very different today, and in the future will be more so. How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susan.j.reinhardt
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your life and book with us today.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Moses Conspiracy - paperback
The Moses Conspiracy - A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
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17 comments:
I loved the post today and can't wait to read this story, sounds a lot like today with all that is happening in the world...
I like to wear crazy socks,hubby shakes his head when he sees what I am wearing when we go out...
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a reader from Ga
Hi Pol -
Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway.
I once wore cow spot socks with a very conservative pants outfit. It's fun when people do a double take.
Blessings,
Susan :)
It's great to see Susan here! It's nice too, to learn more about her. I did not know the name Zimmerman means carpenter - interesting!
I live in north central KY, not far from Louisville. I'll pass on the giveaway since I already have Susan's book. It's a winner!
Thanks for a great interview, ladies!
Hi Karen -
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I was so glad when I discovered the meaning of that name. If all character names were that easy, it would cut my research time considerably.
Blessings,
Susan :)
What a fascinating story this promises to be.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I would love to read this book and see what happens concerning the Christian faith.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
from South MS
Thanks for the opportunity of possibly winning this book!
Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL
Hi Mary - Thank you! I appreciate your comment.
Hi Patsy - Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway.
Hi Jean - You're welcome. The Moses Conspiracy has 8 5-Star reviews on Amazon.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Would love to read this - sounds fascinating! Jeanie in Phoenix
Hi Mama Cat -
Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway. I loved writing The Moses Conspiracy, and there are two more books on their way.
Blessings,
Susan :)
i would love to win a copy of this book! I live in Illinois.
likesmusic2@consolidated.net
Sounds like an interesting book--it would be great to win this book.
Vicki
Hi Debbie - Glad you were able to pop over here from Facebook. :)
Hi Vicki - Thanks for entering.
Blessings,
Susan :)
This sounds like an exciting read! I'm in MN.
Hi Veronica -
Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway.
Several readers have described The Moses Conspiracy as suspenseful and action packed.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Your book sounds great. I can't imagine someone trying to destroy the Christian community because it is so large. Wow! I'm glad you decided to try your hand at fiction. We used to have "Silly Sock Day" at work. One lady wore socks with jingle bells. It was cool (but noisy). Ha ha. Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Hi Kristie -
Sock Day! That sounds like fun. You're giving me ideas. :)
Blessings,
Susan
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