Interview with Susan J. Reinhardt and GIVEAWAY!

Today I'm pleased to introduce you all to friend and author Susan J. Reinhard. Susan is a multi-published author and blogger. Her books include two 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.
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. 
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.

Welcome, Susan! Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for having me on Stitches in Time, Amber. I'm honored to visit with you and your readers.


What made you decide to become a writer?
I didn't. The whole thing kind of ambushed me.

As a kid, I had difficulties learning how to read. Once I got the hang of it, I was off and running. It wasn't long before the thought of writing a book occurred to me. I decided to write my life story - at the tender age of 10. LOL! I discovered it was a lot harder than it looked.

Years later, I began teaching Sunday School and needed some Christmas pieces for the kids. I couldn't find what I needed, so I wrote them. That motivation - need - prompted me to write other things, but I never thought of myself as a Writer with a capital "W."

Several people commented that they loved my writing. Eventually, I thought about trying my hand at publication. One thing led to another, and here I am today with devotionals, articles, anthologies, and four novels under my belt. God put the gift in me, but I think He knew it would scare me silly if He revealed too much at one time. :)

Where did the inspiration for your latest book come from?
Out of The Mist released in mid-August. It's the third book of The Moses Trilogy. I knew where I wanted the story to end, so it was simply a matter of getting there. I knew Kendra and had a mental picture long before I started writing her part of the story. She grew up in my head because she was merely hinted at in the other two books and The Christmas Wish.

What is your favorite thing about writing a series?
I love hanging out with the same characters. Now that the trilogy is done, I'm both relieved and sad. I might bring back the younger ones for an encore someday or perhaps do a prequel with the older characters.

Is there a big difference in writing a regular novel vs. a Christmas novel?
Huge! Christmas novels are much shorter, and it's challenging to develop a story and characters in 20,000 words vs. 95,000 words. My experience with devotional writing helped me get the job done.


How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?
I couldn't do what I'm doing without bathing every project in prayer. I'm a Seat-of-the-Pants writer. Usually, I'll get inspiration for the beginning and the end of a novel. The rest of the story is an exercise in faith. I'm not saying God dictates the books, but He sure gives me some nifty ideas along the way.
My main prayer is that my words will be containers of life and bless readers.
 

What are you working on next?
Recently, I finished the first draft of a Contemporary novel. My agent has the manuscript, and I'm waiting for her evaluation before diving into edits. I'm envisioning a series, but as usual, the ideas are dependent on what this new cast of characters decide to do.

Very interesting. Looks like you have some great stuff going on. Thank you so much for being with us!

Susan is offering a kindle copy of The Moses Conspiracy, the first book in her series to one commenter! Leave a comment for Susan to get your name in the drawing. Winner announced in the Weekly Windup.