Thursday, October 27, 2016

Interview With Laura Frantz






What inspired you to write your first book? I wanted to create the happily-ever-afters I didn’t have in real life. So I did:) 

Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to grasp? I hope readers sense the presence of God in my stories on some level, particularly His great love for them and His ongoing faithfulness to them personally and uniquely.


How much of your books are realistic? Most of my ideas stem from real life historical events. It’s challenging but very enjoyable to have plots pivot around actual circumstances in history. And very fun to make up imaginary characters who live out these events.


What books have most influenced your life most? The Bible and biographies of historical people.



What book are you reading now? The Poldark series while I watch season 2. Definitely a great combo!


Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? I love Joanne Bischof, Amber Perry, Cristine Eastin, Brenda Anderson, and others who I’m forgetting to name! There are SO many solid authors out there across genres. Christian fiction is truly blessed!


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I wrote my first story at age 7 after reading those little historical biographies for children about famous people. I can still see those shelves in my elementary school library. Those books were like candy to me J.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Weaving in a spiritual theme that is relevant and believable to the reader.






Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? George MacDonald, a 19th-century pastor and fiction writer. He had the amazing ability to create compelling characters with such dimension you feel like you know them and come to care for them deeply. Also, his descriptions of Scotland and nature are mind-blowingly authentic and beautiful.



Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? It’s all about readers. If not for readers, there would be no books. I’ve been very touched and blessed by readers

around the world. I’m continually amazed at how God uses fiction to reach people in all kinds of circumstances. I can’t believe anything I write is of any merit or worthy of praise but I always remember He’s the giver of the writing gift and all the glory goes to Him.


Why Christian fiction? Why historical Christian fiction? Because history is really HIS story and it’s a privilege to share God’s grace through stories. Sometimes readers might not pick up a Bible but will a book with a Christian theme. God meets seekers wherever they are in all sorts of creative ways, including fiction.
Writing is obviously in your blood – was there a particular person who encouraged you to nurture your gift?? My granny who died at nearly 100 shortly before my debut novel was published. I dedicated The Frontiersman’s Daughter to her. She always said to me growing up, “I think you should write a book.” Also my brother, a pastor and missionary, told me to share my gift of writing. 




Tell us how you felt/what you did when you found out you had your first contract. I stayed up all night listening to Christian music as I couldn’t sleep!
Favorite movie and favorite line from a movie? “Look back at me,” from the BBC’s North and South.
Please share some of your faith journey… Came to know Christ at age 12 as I was raised in the church but didn’t have a heart knowledge of him until my 30’s. Heart knowledge wins hands down! I’m learning and growing in the faith all the time, overwhelmed with God’s heart for us and how He wants a personal relationship with us above all else.



Please feel free to leave questions for Laura in the comments.




2 comments:

The Great Adventure said...

Love this interview! I can totally picture that line in North and South 😊. Laura has amazing gift. When I read her books I feel like I'm stepping right into the pages myself. God bless you, Laura! I hope to read your books for many years to come! ❤️

Laura Frantz said...

So honored by your gracious words, Stacey. Love your gracious heart & am so thankful you have a heart for my books! 💛

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