THE SCENT OF FEAR - Susan J Reinhardt - One Free Ebook

Welcome back, Susan. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

Thank you for having me on your blog today, Lena.

I didn't choose my genre. It chose me or I should say, “God had other ideas.”

My late husband and I were visiting Gettysburg in December 2004, when I heard the voice of the forefathers as fading echoes. Eight months later, we were discussing this experience when my husband declared, “That’s your book. And you’ll write it in four months and call it Ghosts of the Past.”

In exactly four months, I had the first draft of The Moses Conspiracy. (The name changed a couple of times.) I thought it would be a single title, but a reader comment and the characters turned it into a trilogy.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Oh, I’m glad you asked that question! I’d have to say it was my wedding day. Years before, my friends and I embroidered a Christian wedding canopy for another friend. Beloved and I used it for our wedding. Our first dance was to Steve Green’s, “Cherish the Treasure,” which we sang to each other. So romantic.

How has being published changed your life?

Out of necessity, I’ve become more focused with my time. In addition to being published this year, I started a full-time position. Since my publisher wants as much as I can produce, I don’t have to deal with proposals and trying to sell editors on my book ideas. This alone has removed a huge amount of stress.

What are  you reading right now?

Non-fiction:  Covenant Relationships by Asher (Keith) Intrater

Fiction:  The Charm Bracelet by Susan Page Davis

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on book three of the trilogy, Out of the Mist. I'll also have a Christmas novella coming out in December 2013 called, The Christmas Wish. It’s a peek at the silent years between The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear.

What would be your dream vacation?

If time and money were no object, I’d love to take a road trip. I’d visit historic sites from Pennsylvania to Florida. I’d also include visiting several blogging friends along the way and throw in a writers conference or two.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Since the trilogy takes place in Amish Tourist Zones, the decision was easy. The Moses Conspiracy starts in Washington, D.C., but most of the action takes place in Bird-in-Hand, PA. The Scent of Fear also begins in D.C., but then moves to Bird-in-Hand and Holmes County, Ohio. I chose these areas because in my story world, they had more freedom than the rest of the country.

By the way, although there are Amish peripheral characters and settings, the books are not traditional Amish novels.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be?

I’d like to have a long talk with Jonathan Cahn, who wrote The Harbinger. Since he has extensive knowledge of our history and the Hebrew cultural basis of Scripture, it would be like a crash course on the subject.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Antiquing, gardening, couponing, crocheting, and doll collecting are all fun activities. I’m interested in so many things that I’ve had to pick and choose because of time constraints. I’d say poking around antique shops ranks as #1 on my list. Recently, I crocheted a ruffled scarf to scratch my crocheting itch. The picture is on my Facebook Timeline.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Building momentum is my toughest challenge. Once I get going, the words flow. As a seat-of-the-pants writer, I know the beginning and the end of a story. It’s interesting to see it develop over time. I overcome the start-stop syndrome with prayer about the story’s direction and by leaving an idea or two unwritten. The next time I sit down to write, that’s where I start.

What advice would you give a beginning author?

Don’t be in a rush to get published. It’s better to absorb your writing lessons, experiment with different genres and techniques than to produce something you’ll be unhappy with down the road. Enjoy the learning, the connecting with other authors, and seeing your writing skills grow.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here's the backcover copy:

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?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Jim leaned back in his chair, satisfaction spreading through him like the promise of spring. The last time he’d been to the White House, the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom. Washington, D.C., felt more normal than it had in years. He refused to allow gossip to dampen his mood.

A light tap on his door signaled the entrance of his assistant, Andy. The man approached, bearing a courier pack emblazoned with the Presidential Seal. Jim sat up straight on full alert. Only urgent communications arrived via special messenger.

Andy extended the pouch to him. The world came to a screeching halt as the bag hung between them. Almost in slow motion, he grasped it and nodded his dismissal.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog: http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com

My Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt

I'm also on Twitter, Goodreads, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest. There are links to those sites on my blog.

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this book with us today.


Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Scent of Fear

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. 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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THE MOSES CONSPIRACY - Susan J Reinhardt - One Free Ebook

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?

Blog:  http://www.susanjreinhardt.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt

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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com