Special Guest: Karen Lange

There are plenty of challenges in a friendship, but co-authoring a book with a friend takes this relationship to an entirely different level. Today I have the privilege of interviewing Karen Lange, who is co-authoring a historical fiction novel with her friend, Susan J. Reinhardt.

Maria: Thanks for joining me, Karen! Before we talk about your novel, tell us a bit about yourself.

Karen: I am a follower of Christ, wife, and mother. My husband and I are blessed with two sons, a daughter, a daughter in law, and a very cute 4-year-old grandson. In addition to writing with Susan, I blog, do freelance work, and teach online writing classes.

Maria: You stay busy! How did you and Susan decide to co-author a book?

Karen: We were discussing a particular genre one day. I jokingly suggested that we should write a book about it together. Shortly after, Susan asked me if I wanted to give it a try. And the rest, as they say, is history! This is not something I would consider doing with just anyone. Susan and I have a good relationship and work well together. We 'get' each other's sense of humor, encourage one another, and compromise well.

Maria: Sounds like the perfect combination. Tell us about the writing process. How did you decide who would write each scene?

Karen: Susan has more experience than I do, having several novels under her belt already. She started things by writing the first chapter, and handed it off to me. I wrote chapter two, then sent it to her, and so on. We discuss and agree on basic plot and character information, and then let the ideas flow. For instance, a scene in one of Susan's chapters had me laughing out loud; it was a clever twist and a way to handle a prickly character. It's an exciting process, you never know what one of us will toss the other's way. I enjoy giving Susan mini cliffhangers. I think she likes doing the same thing to me.

Maria: As you continue writing your book and plan for publication, what would you say is the most important thing you've learned from this experience?

Karen: It is important to trust the Lord and persevere, always moving forward. It also helps if you play well with others.

Maria: Well put! Any future writing goals?

Karen: I'd like to see this book through to publication. I also have several nonfiction books I'd like to write.

Maria: Share some lessons you've learned on your journey as a writer.

Karen: The writer's life is not all sunshine and roses, but it is very rewarding. Rejection is part of the process. It stings, but ultimately it takes us where we are destined to go. I believe that God has called me to write, and I continue to trust Him to order my steps.

Maria: Important things to remember. What final words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Karen: Keep writing! If you feel called to write, commit yourself to writing consistently, whether it is every day, once a week, or whatever. Polish your skills and continue to learn. Always. Be open to feedback; input from others is an important part of the writing process. Thank you for hosting us here at Life Lessons, Maria. It's been a pleasure!

Maria: You're absolutely welcome, Karen! And the pleasure has been all mine! I wish you and Susan the best as you complete your novel, and I look forward to reading it when it's published!

*Karen Lange is a writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at the Coffeehouse for Writers. Her work has appeared in print and online in business, parenting, educational, and writing publications. Visit her blog @ karenelange.blogspot.com or contact her at karenelange@gmail.com. 

Special Guest: Susan J. Reinhardt

I'll be honest, co-authoring a book seems a bit daunting. Two authors with different ideas, coming together to produce a single work. It's easier for me to imagine co-authoring a work of non-fiction. Fiction? Much harder to imagine. But it can be done!

Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Susan J.Reinhardt, the first half of a team co-authoring a gripping, historical fiction novel. Next Thursday, we'll chat with her partner in crime, Karen Lange!

Maria: A very warm welcome, Susan! Tell us about yourself.

Susan: I've been a believer in Jesus Christ since I was 9 years old. I'm a widow, a daughter, a stepmom, and a friend. My passions are studying God's Word, writing, reading, and teaching. In between, I'm an avid couponer, a wannabe gardener, and a happy wanderer through antique malls.

Maria: Wow! Sounds like you stay busy. How did you and Karen meet?

Susan: We met through a mutual friend. I had some research questions, and MaryAnn Diorio suggested I contact Karen. The rest, as they say, is history.

Maria: You obviously have a strong friendship. What made you decide to co-author a book?

Susan: Karen and I often joked about the possibility. We kicked around ideas, and soon the joke turned into serious discussions.

Maria: Tell us about the writing process. How did you decide who would write each scene?

Susan: Since I'd written two manuscripts and had a third underway, I agreed to write the opening chapter. After researching the time period, brainstorming the characters, and deciding where we wanted to start the story, we got to work. We alternate chapters. Other than that, the plot unfolds naturally. As you may recall, I'm a seat-of-the-pants writer.

Maria: You make it sound so simple! Give us a peek into your novel.

Susan: We were fascinated by a historical incident in Colonial times, and used that turbulent period as a jumping off point. Since our book is far from finished, we really haven't started shopping it around.

Maria: What is the most important thing you've learned from this experience so far?

Susan: Up until we started this journey, writing was a God and me adventure. Now, it's a God, Karen, and me project. When we've had different ideas about the direction of the story, I've learned to consider, communicate, and compromise. My relationship with Karen has grown. She's an amazing, godly woman, and has shown me much grace when life got crazy around here.

Maria: Valuable lessons! Speaking of the Lord, how has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?

Susan: I'm totally dependent on Him for inspiration, whether I'm writing a devotional or a novel. I want the words I write to be containers of life, not mere entertainment.

Maria: Great perspective. As a writer, what are your future goals?

Susan: I'd like to see this book through to completion and publication. Other projects include a near-future trilogy and more devotional writing. At some point, I'd also like to pick up my speaking/teaching ministry.

Maria: Wonderful! As we wind down, share some lessons you've learned on your journey as a writer.

Susan: A gift for writing is only one component of the equation. Learning the craft/mechanics, as well as the business side, play an integral part in the process. Helping others on their journey is one of my greatest joys. The Christian writing community is awesome!

Maria: What final words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Susan: Sitting at the Lord's feet and nurturing that relationship will give you the inspiration and strength for the task before you. You'll still have challenges, but the vision He births in you will keep you focused.

Maria: Well said! Thank you so much for stopping by, Susan, and I wish you and Karen well on your co-authored novel!

Be sure to join me next Thursday, February 2nd, when I'll have the privilege of interviewing KarenLange. God bless!

*Susan J. Reinhardt's publishing credits include both online and print publications such as The Secret Place, Vista, Live!, The RevWriter Resource, two anthologies, and Devotions Magazine. Family, church, reading, gardening, and antiquing keep her from ever getting bored.  She blogs at http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com.

Fry Now...Pay Later

'Sun' and 'damage.' Two words that I don't normally think of in the same sentence. After all, I love being outside on bright sunny days. And doesn't a tan look healthy? Damage from the effects of the sun on my skin is the farthest thing from my mind. But a trip to the dermatologist put some things into perspective for me.

A mole that I've had for years was the subject in question. The dermatologist referred to it as 'atypical.' That didn't sound too good! I was reminded of all the times I had been out in the sun, sans sunscreen - from my teenage years into my twenties. Okay, I have to admit that even as recently as this summer, I've worked out in the yard minus the sunscreen, a time or two.

I think back to my high school days, when I spent hours in the sun before heading off to work. I can still see my Dad shaking his head and hear him saying, "You're doing it to your skin again!" But at seventeen, with not a wrinkle in sight, all I was interested in was a deep, dark tan. I was willing to ignore the posters that warned, "Fry now...pay later!"

Looking back, I would have been wise to heed his words of wisdom. Properly applying sunscreen and limiting my exposure to the sun would have minimized the pigment spots, moles, and fine lines and wrinkles. But instead of listening to his advice, I chose to do things my way - learning by experience.

We really DO learn by one method or the other. Either we listen to wise advise and act on it. Or we choose to ignore counsel and attend the School of Hard Knocks. I'm reminded of the instructions God gave the children of Israel.

He had reviewed the commandments with them and proceeded to give them a list of all the blessings they'd receive IF they obeyed His directions. Then He outlined an ominous list of curses that would plague them if they chose to disobey. Much the same thing we do with our own children. Outlining the good that comes from obedience, and the consequences that result from disobedience.

I'm sure you're familiar with the story of the Israelites. At times they obeyed God whole-heartedly - for awhile. But by and large, they drifted back to their sinful ways or those of the surrounding cultures. Before I simply write them off as a stubborn and rebellious lot, I need to take a look at my own life.

Do I have a teachable spirit? Am I willing to take God at His word and believe Him? Do I believe His Word is the truth? If the answer is 'Yes' to each of these questions, then I need to live like it. I need to give God top priority in my life. I'm to, "...love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might," (Deuteronomy 6:5; KJV). When I obey, His blessings follow. When I put myself first, I follow in the footsteps of the prideful and end up in a mess. "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall," (Proverbs 16:18).

God created me with a free will. I can choose my method of learning. The Bible is filled with wisdom and the right way to handle all kinds of situations. Will I choose to believe the truth of God's Word and live according to it, or will I go my own way, and ignore instruction? Today I choose to listen to God's instruction.

Do you listen to godly counsel or have to learn things the hard way? Accept counsel from the Word of God, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, " (James 4:7-8a).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your instruction manual, the Bible. Forgive me for the times that I'm stubborn and go my own way in spite of being warned. Help me to have a teachable spirit and to be willing to learn from godly counsel. In Jesus' name, Amen.