Laura is a lover of history and the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel's Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.
I had the pleasure of joining Laura in Oregon and Washington last summer for two booksignings. What a gracious lady. I'm thrilled to include her here on Books & Writing.
Laura, you've recently had a new book release, Love's Reckoning, which is the first in a new series. What a gorgeous cover! Can you tell us how you came up with the idea for the story and why this place and time period?
1. I've always had a love for the 18th century, so it was a good place to begin. My editor actually suggested I write a generational family series set in Pennsylvania. At the time this sounded too daunting as I'd only written standalones, but after much prayer and thought, I moved ahead. I'd come across a bit of research about the old tradition of an apprentice marrying into the master's family. I thought there might be some historical fireworks if the apprentice had to choose between two daughters. The beautiful cover was the icing on the cake. J
It sounds fascinating. If it's anything like your
previous books, I know I'm going to love it.
I can't wait to dive into the story.
What do you hope readers will take away with them when they read the final page and put down the book?
My hope is that readers, through the story, will experience for themselves the depths of the Lord's forgiveness and restoration power. He not only heals our hurting hearts and wrong turns but restores those lost years in ways we cannot imagine. No sin or circumstance is beyond His power.
What a powerful message.
Can you tell us what your writing day/week looks like?
Usually I get up early, about 5 am or so, go to the pool and then come home and enjoy reader mail or blog comments, visit Facebook and Pinterest. I like to write in the mornings best and then take a quick lunch and finish up by the time my boys come home from school around 3 pm. Then it's time to cook supper, do laundry, etc. I try not to work in the evenings but sometimes I can't stand to be away from the story. Thankfully, I write my manuscripts by longhand so don't have my head stuck in a laptop all the time. J
I'm envious of your disciplined schedule.
I've only met one other writer who creates their
first drafts longhand. I can't imagine. But I do understand about
all the time writers spend on their laptops.
Sometimes I don't even want to look at my computer.
Do you have a favorite scene in Love's Reckoning? Can you share some of it with us and tell us why it's your favorite?
Oh my! That's a little like asking for a favorite Bible verse. But I'll try. In Love's Reckoning, it would be the scene when Silas and Eden meet up again in that very heated, July ballroom eight years after parting company. neither expect the other to be there and voila!
What do you like most about writing and what do you like the least? Do you have any advice for your fellow authors?
I love the first draft best, even unpolished. it's akin to falling in love for the first time, at least for me. I'm always amazed at where the story takes me. I get giddy just thinking about it!
To be honest, I detest social networking and marketing. Once I had a job as a telemarketer and lasted two days. Promoting myself and my books is very painful to me. I'd much rather talk about what you're doing. Maybe it's the southern girl in me. I was raised in a culture of humility and graciousness. Anything else is way beyond my comfort zone.
I have to laugh about your telemarketing experience.
I did that once years ago and I actually
enjoyed it. What does that say about me?
Do you have anything you'd like to share with readers? And how can they find you on the web?
I love hearing from readers at lauran@tfon.com or my website laurafrantz.net.
I don't read reviews of my books but I do read reader mail and answer them. I even keep a scrapbook of every email and letter. My readers are very dear to me and I pray for them and covet their prayers as I really need them. I love meeting new readers online. Please stop by and say, "Hi!"
Thank you, Laura for taking the time to chat with me today. I look forward to reading Love's Reckoning.
Readers, Laura has graciously agreed to give away a copy of one of her books, readers choice, to those who leave a comment, along with their email address. We'll draw for the winner one week from today.
Grace and peace to you from God.
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