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Friday, April 12, 2013

The Soft Middle ~ Guest Post by Susan Reinhardt (and giveaway!)


While chocolate will always be my favorite, I reach for hard candy when I have a cold or tickle in my throat. Since I'm an impatient eater, I end up biting and chewing this type of confection. One day, I came across a yummy caramel with a soft center. At the point when I wanted to "be done with this thing already," the creamy goodness stopped me in my tracks.

Writing has the same effect on me. I need to take my time and learn my lessons. But, oh how I want to bite down and finish this task. Where is that soft center that keeps me engaged in the process? I'm so tired of revising, re-writing, and editing that I could scream.

Then, a non-fiction editor accepts one of my devotionals. An agent and two authors urge me to stay the course. Ah, the soft middle! A word of encouragement keeps me interested. Maybe if I stick with this writing long enough, I'll succeed.

UPDATE:  I stuck with it, and guess what? My novel, The Moses Conspiracy, is now published! Here's a short book blurb:


A trip to post-terrorized Washington, D.C. in 2025 and a buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand, PA set in motion evets 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.

Convinced it's now safe to visit D.C., Ellie and her firstborn, 8-year-old Peter, travel to the nation's capital. Both mother and child make an effort to enjoy the sights, but they're unprepared for the challenges they face. Her nightmares come true when she and Peter are separated.

Writers: What's your "soft middle?"

Readers: Have you ever taken time to express your appreciation for someone's writing? Do you
not only recommend their books to others, but also let them know you're spreading the good word?


You can find Susan at Christian Writer/Reader Connection, Facebook, and Twitter. The Moses Conspiracy is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobobooks.

To enter Susan's giveaway head over to this link: a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win her novel and a $25 Amazon card! (U.S. Residents only)

Alley readers!

 Be sure and leave a comment about YOUR soft middle and what you're doing to make it stronger and be entered to win a copy of Susan's ebook!
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11 comments:

  1. Debra E. MarvinApril 12, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    I don't usually fear the sagging middle, as I tend to plot heavily and feel the story gets better and better (While fearing I won't get it all in under word count) Of course this is MY OPINION and I recall when I thought my first book was perfect and ready for publication.mumblemumble years ago!

    Susan, this story sounds fascinating! Genre-wise it's an unusual choice for me but I want to read this book! Wow!

    Thanks Casey. IT's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2. Susan J. ReinhardtApril 12, 2013 at 5:45 AM

    Hi Casey -

    Thanks for having me on the Writers Alley! I'm looking forward to interacting with your readers.

    Hi Debra - I'm a SOTP writer, so that could explain the difference. :) Thanks so much for your willingness to explore another genre.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  3. Rhonda SchrockApril 12, 2013 at 6:11 AM

    Again-congratulations, Susan! Your faith and perseverance paid off. Praying a hugely successful blog tour for you and great sales with more to come.

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  4. Karen LangeApril 12, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    I like this analogy of the soft middle; it has many applications in the writing life, doesn't it? Working on strengthening these areas, mostly through perseverance and encouragement from other writers.

    I just finished Susan's book. It's a winner! :)

    Happy weekend!

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  5. AudreyApril 12, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    That looks like an amazing premise! I'm really curious now to read the book. Thanks also for the writing advice--it does get hard at times to keep on with out those morsels of encouragement.

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  6. Diane EstrellaApril 12, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    Awesome write up and I'm always learning more about Susan!

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  7. Jean FischerApril 12, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    I enjoy Susan's blog posts, and I'm also reading "The Moses Conspiracy" and loving it. Great job, Susan!

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  8. AnonymousApril 12, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    What a fun post and analogy, Susan. :) Candy-wise, my soft middle is truffles--especially a concoction of dark chocolate and mint. I'm like you, when I have hard candy, I chew it gone, quickly. :)

    Writing-wise, my soft middle comes when a scene comes to mind spur-of-the-moment, and comes out on the page, fully developed. It doesn't happen often, but when it does....oh, I'm so happy. :)

    You're book sounds very interesting! It's nice "meeting" you today.

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  9. Susan J. ReinhardtApril 12, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    Hi Rhonda - Thanks for being one of those encouraging friends!

    Hi Karen - Go see today's post at my blog, as well. :)

    Hi Diane - I hope you're surprised in a good way.

    Hi Jean - I'm also suggesting you see my blog post for today. A little surprise for you, my friend.

    Hi Jeanne T - Ooo, truffles sound wonderful! Your writing soft middle is delightful. I could use some of those right now for a project.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. CaseyApril 12, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    Hello ladies and our guest Susan! I've been out of the loop today with work, but glad to have you here and the conversation generated.

    DEBRA, YES IT IS!! Thank goodness. ;-) Sleeping in and good books. That's my agenda. ;-)

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  11. PepperApril 12, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    Susan,
    Thanks for being our guest at The Writers Alley.
    I'll have to agree with you and others - encouragement is DEFINITELY a soft middle.
    My fellow Alley Cats are at the top of the list.
    I also find a soft middle in reading good books to inspire me in my own writing.

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