Coming Soon from the Pen, Please Welcome Historical Author Laura Frantz!
What made you interested in writing Christian Historical Fiction? Do you write any other genres?
I wish I was one of those prolific people who wrote across genres but find myself mired in historicals, both writing them and reading them! Since I was small I’ve always loved visiting historical sites like Old Sturbridge Village and Colonial Williamsburg and places like that. Since my family came into Kentucky in the 18th century, all that history is close to home.
Are there any other Christian Historical Fiction authors that you think your readers would enjoy?
There are so many Christian authors out there who write well and the CBA is gaining a fine reputation. I’m discovering new authors all the time. Aside from Francine Rivers, one of the authors I enjoy most is Liz Curtis Higgs, particularly her last series, Here Burns My Candle and Mine is the Night. Stellar storytelling, rich characterization, and a real sense of regret when you reach the last page. Few authors reach me on that level but she does every time.
Are there bits and pieces that were cut in editing that you might ever share with your readers?
How about a whole book?! I actually wrote a sequel to The Frontiersman’s Daughter which was never published. Readers still write and ask me for more of that story. But my publisher never asked to see it so I wrote Courting Morrow Little instead. And I hope that one made up for the former!
What is your favorite scene from Love’s Reckoning?
Oh, love the question. That would have to be when Eden and Silas meet up again after time apart. Neither of them sees it coming and so there are some historical fireworks!
There are 4 books in The Ballantyne Legacy series. I’ve just finished book 2 as it’s due September 1st and have just started book 3 due this time next year.
How would you relate your writing experience and research to some Creative Madness?
I think writers are a little crazy creatively – a little madness, for sure! Especially where writing a book is concerned. Where do these characters come from? How do words ever get woven together to create a readable, enjoyable story? I know writing is a gift from above as I still can’t tell you how to write a book!
What is something that you have never told anyone in an author interview?
That I’d love to write for the general market, maybe even the Young Adult market. They need a light over there…
What is the one thing that you want to leave readers of Love’s Reckoning pondering over?
The power of the choices we make and the consequences that result from them. God is a God of second chances but oh, how we humans complicate things!
Please please tell us about your next planned project…
After this current series, I’m not sure but I’ve had readers ask for a historical series set in Washington State, the place I now live. It’s not quite as rich in history having only achieved statehood in 1889. But it does have some good story fodder!
Tell us about your blog and participation in other blogs…
I have an active blog or what I call “journal” at LauraFrantz.net via WordPress. I’m also part of a group blog called Colonial Quills with other authors and writers. I’m on Facebook at Laura Feagan Frantz and also on Pinterest. I don’t have a Twitter account anymore but love connecting with readers at the former sites. 🙂 I’d love to see you there!
If you’d like to be one of the first to read Eden’s story, leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Love’s Reckoning!
(No spam, I promise. Just creative madness ramblings, reviews and life-stories, with quilting and cross stitch inspiration in between!)
81 Comments
Laura Frantz
Margaret, You have such a great blog and lay out these PEN interviews so beautifully! It’s an honor to be here and I pray/hope Eden’s story blesses you and others. Thank you for ALL you do for Christian fiction. Your heart for Him and others – and good books – really shows:)
CherryBlossomMJ
Laura you just made my day! I truly enjoy your writing and getting to know a bit more about you I really feel a kinship. My family through both sides has been state-side since the early 16th century (Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina through out the years primarily) and my original favorite author that started this whole love of Christian Historical Fiction is Liz Curtis Higgs. I love her Ruth and Boaz saga, but nothing will even compare to Jacob’s wives and Dinah’s story in her older Scottish Lowlands series for me. They made such an impression that will never leave me.
As for formatting a pretty post, oh – do you have any idea how great that is to hear?! It’s easy to make it pretty with such great cover images and author photos, but I just do what is pleasing to my eye and hope that others have it work on their computer screens and browsers as well. (I realize some are all different.)
I think the only historicals that I have read in Washington State revolved around loggers. I even remember a young adult one in the general market and loved that series as a younger person and still seek for the third in the series that was based there. I look forward to it!! AS WELL AS the rest of the Ballantyne series. 😉 <3
Laura Frantz
Oh Margaret, We are kindred spirits indeed. Love that Liz:) All of her books are on my keeper shelf and I treasure every one so understand when you say you do, too. I’m going to Scotland with Liz this December and can hardly wait:) I’ll try to send you a postcard!!
Love hearing your family history and where your roots are. Southern states like mine. Such rich history. And I’m chuckling at your logger comments – SO TRUE of the northwest! Think Paul Bunyan and Babe the big blue ox and things like that. I married a logger of sorts so better be careful, lol, of what I say;)
CherryBlossomMJ
Oh! I’d love a postcard. If it weren’t for the girls, I’d love to jump on a plane with you ladies. 🙂 I’d get to see my sister too. *sigh* I’ve yet to be to Scotland to see where she calls home, but maybe one day.
Laura Frantz
Margaret, I had no idea you have a sis in Scotland! Be still my heart:) Immediately another dear reader came to mind who’s from Texas and married a Scotsman and lives there, too. She’s expecting her 4th baby any day now and she’s been a wonderful reading friend to me. I do hope you can go some day. I think you will when your littles are bigger:)
CherryBlossomMJ
Yes my sister is working on a PhD – Eng. Lit. at St Andrews. 🙂
Laura Frantz
Margaret, St. Andrews – WOW! You have one smart sis:) I think that’s Prince William and Princess Kate’s alma mater, if I’m not mistaken…
Joanne Bischof
Every time I see Laura’s book pop up I just get so excited for her and what I just know is a wonderful story! I already am thinking about the Christmas presents to buy and have a feeling this book just might make it’s way under the tree for someone. I’m so curious to see the next phase of the Ballantyne’s legacy!
Laura Frantz
Joanne! Love seeing you here! I always smile when you appear:) I heard or remember you’re having edits and Eden and Silas must wait! I so know the feeling. I’m expecting them on book 2 Ballantyne soon as I just submitted the story last weekend. And I hope you like it just as much though I must say the 19th-century is oh so civilized! Have to search for things to stir the pot, so to speak…
And I love that you think of books as gifts. Me, too. They’re really the gift that keeps on giving, especially when they’re passed on and shared. Thanks so much for being here. Praying for you as you write and edit and mother those precious little ones!
Susan Baganz
Madness describes at times my writing experience. I love historicals! Blessings on you with this series! How exciting! I would love to read it!
Laura Frantz
Susan, So good to meet you here amidst a little creative madness:) Love Margaret’s online home! And I love that you have a heart for historicals, too. Thanks for the blessing on this series. God is so good to give us these stories and to link reading hearts. I’d love for you to read LR, too!
CherryBlossomMJ
🙂
CherryBlossomMJ
I was just looking at your site, I’d love to hear more about the Rose Hill series.
Marie Burton (@BurtonReview)
I have been eyeing Laura Frantz’s work for quite awhile! I would love to snag a copy. I most especially loved her comment about needing a light over at the YA market, I have thought that myself. I think it would be fantastic if she would pursue that. I hadn’t heard of Liz Curtis Wiggs so I’ll have to check her out too. Thanks for the giveaway!!
CherryBlossomMJ
Ooh! I forgot to comment on that! Most definitely could use some light over there from what I see on the sidelines. With all the paranormal and gothic it’s gotten a bit much.
Liz Curtis Higgs is amazing. Click the name in the post and you can see my reviews of just about every single one of her books. 🙂
Laura Frantz
Marie, Bless you for your gracious words:) And please do try Liz’s books! She’s such a gifted writer and speaker and more. A truly Godly woman who glorifies Him. Here’s hoping we can shed a little light on the ABA market if led that direction. I love YA myself in the ABA. Historical writers like Ann Rinaldi and others are really riveting. Thanks so much for being here – happy Friday!
Elyssa
How exciting! I’ve been so looking forward to reading Laura’s latest, and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of it! Thanks for the chance to win it! =)
CherryBlossomMJ
Thanks for stopping by and entering Elyssa, good luck!
Amy C
What a great site. It’s beautiful. Thank you for hosting a giveaway. I am looking forward to reading this book. I am a genealogy nut and love history. Looks like I need to look up Liz Curtis Higgs, too. I’ve never read anything by her.
campbellamyd at gmail dot com
CherryBlossomMJ
Thank you!!
Liz writes some great Bible studies too on women of the Bible. But her historical series are awesome. She also has a new Christmas novella (I think it’s a novella) coming out this year that I’m looking forward to. She has two historical series bases in Scotland that are both retellings in a way of Bible stories in a different time and place. Be prepared to turn every page and laugh and cry.
Laura Frantz
Love her Bad Girls of the Bible:) They’re hilarious, deep, and full of TRUTH. And yes, her novella will be out very soon! Can’t wait:)
CherryBlossomMJ
It’s neat these days to discover that I’m not the only genealogy nut around here. 😉
jill
Thanks so much for the chance to win! I’ve had Laura Frantz on my list for some time, but haven’t started yet.
Laura Frantz
Hi Jill, Thanks so much for taking time here today! Glad I’ve been on your list – with so many authors out there, that’s an honor and blessing! Happy Friday to you!
CherryBlossomMJ
Thanks for coming by and for entering! Laura’s books are all fabulous, with seemingly each one better than the next, but they’re all worth a go back on the backlist. 🙂
Debbie Clark
I have read The Frontiersmans Daughter and enjoyed every bit of it. I have not read any other of Laura Frantz books, but would love to win Loves Reckoning. Thanks for the chance to win.
Laura Frantz
Debbie, So happy you’ve met Lael and read TFD:) And that you’d like to win Eden’s story. I pray you like that one, too, if you read it. It was such a joy to write! Thanks so much.
Laura Frantz
Kaye, Glad you love Liz’s books, too:) Can’t say enough good about them except I wish we had one a month! Thanks for looking for mine. They’re at many libraries and often on sale at Amazon and other places. Barnes&Noble usually carries them, too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Paula Osborne
Someone is being talked about over at Goodreads so here I am to check out what is happening, I too am a Ky gal and proud of it, I live in Ga now and miss my “Old Ky Home”. I am anxious to read this book everyone is talking about, thanks for sharing some comments today.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Laura Frantz
Paula, Oh, Goodreads has some good book buzz, that’s for sure:) Love meeting another Ky gal. So happy you moved further south and not out of the south! I’m still trying to get back there. Bless you for being here and wanting to read Eden and Silas’s story!
Leigh Ann
I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! I’ve been a major fan since I discovered The Frontiersman’s Daughter as a free Kindle ebook and immediately followed it with Courting Morrow Little and The Colonel’s Lady. Would love to score a copy of this one!
Laura Frantz
Oh, Leigh Ann! So happy to meet you here and discover you found me via Kindle! Woohoo:) I was just wondering today if those free Kindle downloads are effective. You’ve just proven they are! Thanks so much for reading Morrow and Roxanna’s stories, too. Now you must meet Eden:) I pray you like her just as much. Thanks so much for being here and bringing a blessing!
Stacy Henrie
Love this interview and Laura’s answers! I’ve heard good things online about this book – sounds like a must read!
Marissa E.
Great interview! A series in Washington would be cool! How about a series in Colorado? 🙂
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
Laura Frantz
Marissa, so glad you like the sound of a WA series:) But yep, Colorado is cool, too! I think that state has many popular historicals set there and for good reason as it’s so picturesque! Thanks for stopping today. Happy Friday!
Sarah Richmond
Enter me!
Sarah Richmond
sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com
Laura Frantz
You’re entered, dear Sarah! Thanks for stopping:)
Liz Riggs
Thanks so much for the chance to win Laura’s latest, I can’t wait to read it! I think writing YA would be a great idea! I love reading YA novels (not so much into the vampires), Lisa T. Bergren’s River of Time series are some of my favorite books! I definitely need to check out Liz Curtis Higgs, I’ve got a couple of her books in my TBR pile.
Laura Frantz
Hi Liz, So happy you’re here:) Whenever I see you online I do a double take and think you might be Liz Higgs, lol! Glad you love YA, too, sans the vampire/paranormal stuff. YES, Lisa ROCKS! Happy weekend to you!
Laura Frantz
Liz, Thanks for the thumbs up on the YA:) I love them, too, especially the historicals by Ann Rinaldi and authors like her. And yes, please check out Liz Higgs! You’re nearly twins, lol – I always do a doubletake when I see your name!
CherryBlossomMJ
I don’t know Ann Rinaldi… tell me more.
Laura Frantz
Liz, Ann is just tops for YA historical fiction in the general market. All of her books are clean and have a very memorable theme and message. She is PROLIFIC. My favorites by her are her colonial novels such as THE SECRET OF SARAH REVERE and WOLF BY THE EARS, etc. Also THE COFFIN QUILT which is about the Hatfield and McCoy feud. She writes across eras and is known for her exceptional research and attention to detail. Though they’re YA, I find they’re a treasure trove for adults, too. Hope you like her if you read her. But she’s written so many it’s kind of like being a kid in a candy shop when it comes to selecting one!
CherryBlossomMJ
Ahh.
Bluerose
Well, I’m playing catch-up today, so this is the 3rd wonderful interview for you(Laura) that I’ve read today. 🙂 It’s been great getting to know you a bit better.
Laura Frantz
Bluerose, Love that you take time to read these interviews and celebrate book bling:) You’re a keeper! It’s wonderful seeing you here, too. I sure hope you read Eden’s story and enjoy it as much as I loved writing it. Happy Friday to you! You have a beautiful web name, BTW:)
Laura Frantz
Bluerose, Love seeing you here, there, and everywhere:) Thanks so much for being so faithful! It’s great getting to know you, too, and I really like your web name:) Roses are some of my favorite things – and a blue one – oh my!
Julia
Tammy,
I’m so glad you are still occasionally perusing and posting. 🙂
CherryBlossomMJ
Yes, me too. 🙂
Katelyn Marie Shear
Lovely interview! I would love to be entered in the giveaway!
katelynmwhitley@yahoo.com
Laura Frantz
HI Katelyn, So happy you’d like to read:) That sure blesses me. Happy Saturday!
Cheyenne
I think it is great that she wants to write for the general market. I am an aspiring writer and agree that a world needs a light, in a place that can often be so dark.
Laura Frantz
Cheyenne, So glad you have a heart for the general market, too, and their need of a light in a dark place. God bless your writing as you pen stories for Him. Thanks so much for being here:)
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Laura Frantz
GWEN! YES, a big fat sequel! And thanks so much for the prayers. They’re needed and appreciated:) You have mine, too for your writing and all else. I know you have a heart for teens so maybe we’ll both be headed that direction in future. Fun to think about! Thanks for being such an encouragement and a light!
Leah
I’m so excited to read this latest book!
Laura Frantz
Hi Leah, Seeing your lovely name reminds me I need to name a character that:) It’s also beautifully Biblical but you know that, of course. Thanks so much for wanting to read Eden’s story. I hope you enjoy every word!
Carol Gehringer
Glad to hear of your interest in YA — love to read all genres, but I focus on YA because I’m a K-12 librarian. Dystopian is big in YA but good historical has its place: loved Cathy Golke’s WILLIAM HENRY IS A FINE NAME and Lisa Bergren’s RIVER OF TIME series. Go for it — I’ll be watching for your works!
Laura Frantz
Carol, I always feel honored when a librarian shows up:) If I could change careers, I’d be one. You’re very savvy to keep up with the best YA writers in the CBA. Cathy is wonderful as is Lisa. There’s a new author, too, you may already be aware of – Melanie Dickerson. She crafts very interesting YA fairy talels and her covers are stunning! Interestingly enough, a leading library journal endorsed Love’s Reckoning for teen girls. I was a bit surprised but given how much teens face these days, they feel this novel will resonate. I hope so. It’s always been my desire to reach that age group. My sons are that age as well as my neices and nephews.
Anyway, thanks so much for being here. I admire what you do so very much. You have a huge ministry all your own!
CherryBlossomMJ
If I remember correctly, when Melanie’s first one The Healer’s Apprentice was labeled as a YA she was surprised but I think I can see how yours could be a fit for that as well. It is the same in the context of a young adult, on the edge of being ready for marriage. She is not quite grown in mental maturity and the course of the novel and her experiences bring her to that point. (As well as learning details of her past and parentage!) In both cases they are a book of hopes and dreams for a future and learning from someone else’s experiences as well as creating your own.
http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/tag/melanie-dickerson/
Laura Frantz
Love how you put this, Margaret, in terms of the mindset of a young adult/teen and the novel itself. So true…
Carol Gehringer
Yes, I am familiar with Melanie D. — have read both her books and her latest is in my piles. I haven’t read Love’s Reckoning, so I’ll add that to my growing list. Thoroughly enjoyed TFD, so I expect I’ll like LR too. Thanks for the tip . . .
Laura Frantz
Carol, I really appreciate your interest in LR if you have time for it in future. I forgot to mention another passion of mine – the Dear America books. I find them fascinating and they help round out my own research. I wish I had the entire collection. And then there’s Laurie Halse Anderson and Fever 1793… I could go on and on:) And I’m sure you could, too!
CherryBlossomMJ
My local used bookstore has several of the Dear America books on their shelf. Are there any you want me to look for to help fill out your collection? — I love the Mandie series and I’m excited about Bethany House republishing in several mini-omnibus editions.
Julia
With the pictures you have up on your blog a Washington book would be gorgeous! Seems like there are so many pretty spots where you live! You always bring your gracious spirit wherever you are on the web. Great seeing you at Margaret’s site!
Laura Frantz
Julia, I LOVE visiting with you this way:) And as far as your very gracious comment, you bring that around yourself:) I love Margaret’s site – one of my favorites – and I’m thrilled you know each other! It’s been so fun doing giveaways on blogs other than my own. Always a pleasure and honor. If I remember correctly, you won a book some time ago and that’s how we connected. I’ve been thanking Him ever since!
CherryBlossomMJ
Julia and Tammy are my two favorite commenters. Whenever I see a comment from them it makes my day. 🙂
Julia
Margaret, You’re so sweet. I really enjoy your comments, too.
Laura, Margaret and I share something else in common we use many of the same curriculum to homeschool our children and are on a curriculum board together for Sonlight. She has some of the neatest ideas for early childhood, very creative.
Laura Frantz
It’s amazing how small the Christian blogging world is. I’m thrilled you both are likeminded as far as curriculum and kids and more. I’m not surprised at Margaret’s creativity – or yours, Julia! Your children are very blessed to have such gifted Mamas:)
CherryBlossomMJ
You’re gonna make me blush! 🙂
Audrey Grant
I have LONG been fascinated with Scotland! My sisters always talked about Australia and Italy, but if I found a book about Scotland I was a happy girl!! I am on the hunt for all of your books! I intend to have the whole set eventually! You are a lady, Author and and person after my own heart!
Laura Frantz
Audrey, Such welcome words – I sense you are a lady, reader, and person after mine, too!!
Laura Frantz
Margaret, You’re so thoughtful to help me round out my collection – a nice way of putting it! I’m embarrassed to say I have been buying good used copies of them for only 3 cents a piece! The price fluctuates somewhat but they’re so reasonable usually. It hurts somewhat to see a book sold for so little but guess that’s what happens with overstock or returns or whatever they’re called. But I really appreciate your kind thought!
Renee C.
This was an AWESOME book but Laura’s are always stellar. I hope whoever wins this likes it as much as I did. 😀
No need to enter me since I already have a copy on my keeper shelf.
CherryBlossomMJ
Renee! You’re awesome to stop by!
Laura Frantz
Renee, Thanks so much for being here – your thumbs up means so much:) And it doesn’t hurt you are a Pennsylvanian. LOVE your state – and you!
Leah
I am very excited to read Loves Reckoning, It looks and sound super good!!
I read The Colonels Lady a few months ago and LOVED it!!
So I’m looking forward to reading The Ballantyne Legacy series.
Laura Frantz
Leah, SO happy you’ve met Roxie and Cass and want to meet Eden and Silas:) Hope you enjoy their story just as much. Fun to hear the book sounds and looks good. Thanks for that! And thanks, too, for being so thoughtful and coming here on what I’m sure is a busy Tuesday:) Bless you bunches!
Amyfishgirl
Oh, CreativeMadness. you keep finding all these authors, and then I have to read them, cuz you read it, of course i will love it too.
CherryBlossomMJ
heh 😉
CherryBlossomMJ
And the winner is….. Amy C!!!
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