Special Guest Saturday: Laura Frantz

Laura, thank you so much for being here today, what a treat! I have loved both of your books, The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little, where did you come up with those story ideas?


Thanks so much for hosting me here! Your blog is one I visit and find so full of energy and sound writing advice/technique. As for your question, Kentucky history gives me so much inspiration. Since my family came into Kentucky in the late 18th-century and have been there ever since, we have quite a rich history of our own. I try to keep those first settlers and their experiences alive in my books.

When you sit down to write, do you have an objective for how you want that time to go? A goal to meet or obstacle to conquer?

I’m afraid writing has never been work to me so I’ve never approached it as I do a task. My problem or obstacle is to stop writing and attend to other things. I’m one of those writers who could write and not eat or do anything else, just write, as it brings me such JOY. Now the editing and marketing are another story! I have to set goals for that as it’s pretty painful at times.

Prior to publication, I was definitely a panster but now that my publisher requires proposals with a synopsis of each book, my writing is a bit more structured. Never mind that I stick the synopsis in the drawer and pretend I’m a punster again! I don’t count words as it’s too much like counting calories to me. I just write till I’m too tired to write any more on a given day or family needs take precedent. I often write on holidays which probably sounds taboo but it’s my favorite thing to do.

Your novels are filled with a wonderful sense of that time and place. I feel like I am there. How do you do your research?

Research to me is almost as enjoyable as writing. I read far more research and biographies than fiction. Setting is so vital to immersing a reader into the story. If I don’t have a firm grasp of my setting, I can’t go very deep. Setting sets the tone of the entire novel and is like another character to me. I’ve read novels that barely touched on the surroundings and always feel a bit lost. I want to fall in love with a place as well as its characters.

You were a debut novelist just a short time ago, but already so many readers love your work. What do you credit with your success?

God’s grace. It’s really His gift and His glory in the end. I really believe that if I do the work he calls me to do I can leave the results (readership) to Him.

Have you always wanted to write?

Yes, since age 7 or so. I remember standing in the library amidst all those little historical biographies for children and feeling like I was falling in love. I still get that feeling when I read or write.

I must admit that it is a dream of mine to be published by Bethany House or Revell, how did you get picked up by them and how is that experience been working with them?

I came in by the back door, so to speak. Revell found me through the Writer’s Edge. I was unagented and had never been to a writing conference, had no writing contacts, no blog/website, etc. It was definitely God’s doing. At that time, my editor was the editor-in-chief of Crossings Book Club and kept my book info via the Writer’s Edge for 6 months while she transitioned to Revell and became their senior acquisitions editor.

Some have called your fiction, “edgy” I have called it “evocative and moving”, but how would you classify your fiction?

Thank you! Love the words “evocative and moving.” I do strive for that in my work. I never think of my work as edgy, simply realistic. I try not to sugarcoat the 18th-century. The time period was so very earthy and edgy, full of romance and rebellion and all the elements of great fiction. I would do historical damage if I portrayed it any differently than it was.

You have a very lyrical and distinct prose that is completely your own voice, did you have to cultivate that or has it always been there in your writing?

My voice has stayed true over the years, I think, but has been refined by time and experience. I have a novella I wrote at age 12 about Old Sturbridge Village set in the early 19th-century, and that lyrical quality is there. I can’t take credit for it as it is just a trait, like having green eyes and blonde hair. But I’ve always thought the best writing is beautiful writing. I love writing that reads like a song. Like music. My favorite writers have that same symphonic quality and it really strikes a chord with me, no pun intended.

Laura, we have loved having you here on the Alley, thanks so much for visiting, do you have anything you want to add for our readers today?

It’s such a privilege to give away two of my books here today. I pray it blesses the readers into whose hands they fall. Bless you all! And may we meet again!

Hey everyone, Casey here again, Laura has generously offered BOTH of her books in a giveaway for two fortunate readers! So be sure and leave a comment for her to be entered, I can promise you, that you don't want to miss this one!