Interview with Susan Reinhardt

This week I am honored to present to you an interview with fellow blogger Susan Reinhardt, owner and author of the Christian Writer/Reader Connection. Faithfully she posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Personally I love her Friday Round-up posts, always something interesting, funny or helpful. I have been following Susan's blog for quite some time and I think she really deserves an honorable place in the Christian blogging world. Here we go, enjoy!

Please, introduce yourself…anything special we need to know about Susan J. Reinhardt? 

Thanks for having me on your blog, Marja. I’ve been writing for publication about 10 years. My late husband encouraged me to go to a writers’ conference in 2004. In August 2005, I wrote the first draft of my manuscript The Moses Conspiracy. While non-fiction is my first love, fiction has exercised writing muscles I never knew I had. Like natural muscles, they’re often sore from the workout. Now, I appreciate both writing avenues and understand how they complement each other. 

How and when did you start your blog?  Around the time I started attending writers’ conferences, I searched for Christian bloggers. Once I found a couple of them, I visited everyone on their blogrolls. Talk about being hooked! They educated me on many facets of writing and publishing. In late May 2008, I started Christian Writer/Reader Connection. In addition to building a platform for my writing, I wanted to meet and encourage other writers and readers.

What is your drive behind blogging? What do you hope to accomplish? 

The whole idea behind this blog is connecting and supporting Christian writers and readers. I wanted a place where both could relax and enjoy each other’s company. On Mondays, I post a short devotional/writing journey/life experience article, while Wednesdays are devoted to book reviews and author interviews. The Friday Round-Up offers a link I’ve discovered in my blog travels, which I think my friends will enjoy.

Your writings have appeared in several devotionals. Any work in progress in that field?

I’ve been blessed to be in two Cup of Comfort anthologies. My latest devotional will be in the Love Is A Verb Devotional book, which is a companion book to Gary Chapman’s Love Is A Verb. I also have a short article scheduled for Vista in the fall of 2011. At the moment, I’m preparing for a writers’ conference. Several devotional editors are on my list of possible appointments. Most of the assignments I’ve received have come as a result of attending these events. I highly recommend them.

Earlier this month you broke the news that you are working on a novel together with blogger Karen Lange. What have you learned from this project so far? 

Sharing the research/writing duties with another writer is both delightful and daunting. We’ve learned much about communication, expectations, and writing styles. Like a good marriage, we’ve turned our different approaches into something that adds unexpected spice to the writing stew. Both of us have the freedom to do our own thing within certain story parameters that we’ve discussed. Karen’s addition of an antagonistic character was a stroke of genius. We’ve had a lot of fun using her to create tension and emotional reactions. The other day, I mentioned the need to give this person some redeeming characteristics because I wanted to smack her! (As an effective villain, she makes the grade, but brings out some not-so-nice responses in me. It’s an area I have to work on.)

What role does your faith in God play in your daily life? 

I really can’t say my faith in God plays a role in my life. He IS my life. Beyond my morning devotions, we talk all day long. For every area, not just writing, I go to Him for wisdom, strength, and grace. Without His input, writing is a dead letter. Only He can breathe life into our words, so they minister to hurting hearts.

Top three on your “things-to-do list…  Oh, wow, only three? Since we’re talking about writing, I’ll say: 

1. To write books that dispel confusion, foster a deeper relationship with the Lord, and go beyond entertainment value. 
2. To encourage greater connection in the Body of Christ. 
3. To also write non-fiction books and develop a corresponding speaking platform. 

If the whole world could see your bumper sticker, what would it say?

I have a modest collection of Noah’s Ark paraphernalia. One item I saw by an anonymous writer showed the ark with this caption, “God Keeps His Promises.” Instead of a bumper sticker, I’d like that as a sign I could hang up in my home. I hope that sentiment is apparent as I live my life.

Do you have any authors or specific books that have been an inspiration to you?

Many authors impacted my life and writing over the years. Francine Rivers and James L. Rubart are two that come to mind. If you want examples of deep point of view, their books are a great place to experience it firsthand.

Any words of encouragement to us bloggers?

Keeping our audience in mind is of paramount importance. As a devotional writer, I learned one of the major elements is the take-away. I share my stories, but always include something the reader can apply to their lives or writing. Another way to foster discussion is asking a question at the end of each post. It gives readers something to think about and comment on.

Thanks again, Marja. I enjoy your blog, and I appreciate the opportunity to share with your readers.

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Thanks Susan, for sharing part of your writing journey with us.

Feel free to visit Susan's blog Christian Writer/Reader Connection and enjoy her writing!