Susan J. Reinhardt’s journey to publication began as a non-fiction writer. She has been published in The RevWriter Resource, Devotions Magazine, A Secret Place, Vista, LIVE!, and numerous other compilations and periodicals. Her first novel, The Moses Conspiracy, published in March. The Scent of Fear released earlier this month.


Susan is an active member of her church and enjoys “singing and signing” during special services.




What sparked your writing journey?


While I’d written for years, it wasn’t for publication. Then, my late husband encouraged me to go to a writing conference. An editor immediately asked me to write a devotional for her. That experience lit the fuse, and I’ve been moving forward for ten years.





Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?


In 2002, the Lord impressed on me to quit my full-time position and return to Bible School for a year. It was quite a leap of faith, and I didn’t understand why since I’d already graduated from a two-year Bible School. At the same time, I met my husband through E-Harmony. The fact I was attending Bible School intrigued him, and we started talking on a regular basis. We married a year later.



How does your faith play into your work?


I want to honor the Lord with my writing and encourage people to trust Him in their daily lives. Prayer is an essential part of all my work. I pray the Lord would make my words containers of life that touch people’s hearts.



Let’s talk about your new book, The Scent of Fear (Helping Hands Press, October 2013). Please tell us about it.


Here’s the backcover blurb from the book:


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?



God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?


I learned a lot about trusting the Lord. This book posed serious techy challenges with formatting and other issues. A few plot problems also drove me to my knees. Yet, the Lord always came through with people, articles, or even dreams to solve those concerns.


My two words for this year are “hold steady.” When everything looked like it was falling apart, I prayed and saw God flatten those mountains.





A few fun questions…


When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?


Chocolate chip cookies and milk! I’ve been the original Cookie Monster since I was a kid. It brings back memories of coming home from school and having that special snack before digging into homework or playing.



This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?


I’ve been in choirs, sung duets, and the extremely rare solo. Now, one of my great joys is to sing and sign for special holidays like Christmas or Resurrection Sunday.



If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?


Without question, a worship song. It’s never been about performance for me—always worship.



In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?


LOL! I think I’ve been all of them at one time or another. Right now, I’d say the little girl trying to walk in high heels. I haven’t quite grown into this new role as a published author.



I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.


For eleven years prior to meeting my husband, I had two cats, Abraham and Sarah. Abraham was a stunning black and white tuxedo cat with a laid-back personality. Sarah, my tiger-striped tabby, was just the opposite. She was the adventurous type and always getting into trouble. Maybe someday I’ll write a children’s story about them.


They both died prior to my husband’s arrival on the scene. It turns out he was extremely allergic to cats and wouldn’t have met me if they were still around. No wonder, I felt a check on the inside when people offered me cats to ease my grief after Sarah went to kitty heaven.



Thank you, Susan! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.


Thanks for having me on your blog, Kathy.


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For more information about Susan, visit her website.


To purchase The Scent of Fear, logon to: