Santa Cruz, California, October 28th, 2014

Santa Cruz, California, October 28th, 2014

Thursday, April 25, 2013

A visit with Laura Frantz.


Have you ever come across a writer that just knocks your socks off? Like,his or her book was written FOR YOU? 
I have several favourite authors like that. Dee Henderson, Jeannette Windle, the Theones...and this year, I've added several more to the list. I don't want to pick an absolute favourite, but I will go out on a limb and say that a few have taken my breath away. 
Like, that moment when you're reading and you literally are holding your breath, only you didn't realize you were breathless until your body voluntarily begged for air?

I had seen this writer's books on shelves and ignored them. I hadn't heard any word of mouth opinions on her work, so , well, I'd skip hers and  I'd buy a book I knew had good feedback.

Then I started seeing her name pop up on blogs and websites. Then one day, on the fabulous Books and Such blog, there was a genuine love fest going on. Then a few days later, one of her books was on crazy sale on Amazon. So I got it for my Kindle app on my tablet. 

That evening I 'cracked it open'...and finally turned the lights out HOURS AND HOURS later!!!

Laura Frantz, where have you been all my life?!?!?!


I think she just whispered "hiding".



Now, not that I am sucking up (more like, a shop-vac on red bull, Bolivian coffee and tonnes of white sugar) for an early copy 'Love's Awakening'.







I cannot remember which one I read first, but I think it was Courting Morrow Little.
Oh.
MY.
WOOOORRRRRRD.

I wanted Red Shirt for my birthday. Okay, maybe not, the hubby would frown upon that. Ahem. If he reads this, I am so going to get teased.

What I'm saying is, umm, Laura has a way with words.

Over the last few months, I've gotten to know Laura a wee bit, and she graciously took time out of shopping for my birthday present to answer a few questions.

So, now that you've skimmed down to the interview, here we go!!




1) What was the 'aha' moment or situation when your realized that people had embraced your work and you were in for some wild literary adventures? Such as crazy fans, Starbucks recognition or another weird added dimension to your writer life.
Oh, Starbucks recognition, yesWinking smile, which was about the time Oprah called...! Actually, my personal epiphany happened when my first 2 novel were finalists for awards. Really, I thought? Why? I don’t pursue contests personally but my publisher did at that time. I thought then that perhaps all those stories I’d scribbled on for years had paid off in the sense that they somehow resonated with readers. And I was and am so thankful whenever that transpires. There’s also this interesting thing that happens when someone finds out you’re an author. They have this sort of *aha* moment and believe you have superpowers or something. I always smile and tell them the rest of the story...

2) What is the novel out there that you loved and wished you'd written? Not anything older than 2000 please, we all love Jane.




Lol, love how you phrased that, Jennifer. I think Jane would chuckle. I would probably say Diana Gabaldon’s Scottish novels though her first reaches back into the 90’s. But I’d make sure they were the CBA version instead without the adult themes. I don’t read much of her work because of that though I do feel she is a very gifted writer. I almost chose Redeeming Love but that’s back in the 90’s, too. To be honest, I can’t think of a novel in the last few years that I’ve been so wild about I wish I’d written it, even my own (other than Serena Miller's, Joanne Bischof's, Lori Benton's (not out yet), Liz Curtis Higg's...etc.!) I am a harsh critic with my own work especially. And no, I still haven’t read THE HELP!

(disclaimer from Jennifer...I failed 'copying and pasting' in school.)



3) Have you gotten any unexpected flack for your inter-racial romances? You knew I'd ask this one, right?

No flack from readers, thankfully. Not one. My publisher/head editor was a bit nervous though. I believe that people know I write a bit out of the box so many stay clear of that but those who like that sort of story embrace them. The CBA audience tends to be very conservative and there is still some hesitation about relationships between white women and native men even if it’s done tastefully/well. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve had a fascination for Indian captivity stories, especially when history tells us white captives did not wish to return to their own people when “freed” or given the chance.

4) If you could be any of your characters, who would it be? Male or female.

Are you ready for this? I would be Roxanna Rowan because I am absolutely smitten with Colonel McLinn. He was my “first” for lack of a better word in that he was the only male POV I’d ever written up till then. It was a joy climbing into his handsome head and trying to figure out what made him tick. I still haven’t unraveled him but perhaps that’s part of his charm. He became very real to me and very human and the more I got to know him the more I liked him. Okay, we’ll just say I’d like to be Cass out of all my characters, tormented soul that he is.

5) What's a shoe pack? Do you enjoy research?

 A shoepack is a heavy winter moccasin like a boot. The leather is cured in a way that’s more waterproof, unlike most ordinary moccasins, and is made for long distances and hard travel. YES, I love research almost as much as writing. It’s like finding treasure and is a wonderful diversion. The trouble comes when you have to STOP researching and go wash the dishes or taxi kids around or those reality-shattering things. Then I only *dream* about researching. Most every novel I’ve written comes from people and events from history/research.


6) Will you ever set a story or a series in Washington State? Bolivia? Canada?

  I love Canadian history though I’m not very knowledgeable about it. There seems to be huge story fodder there, ripe for the picking. Bolivia – oh my! Washington State, perhaps, though the state is so new (birthed in 1889)it has baby history at best. Though there are those loggers and big trees! I had thought of doing a couple of standalone novels involving the timber industry and the Mercer brides and also the historic inns around the lake we live by. But I really want to return to the 18th-century which I will do shortly. Can’t wait!



Thank you SO much , Laura!!

If you'd like to get to know Laura a bit more, go visit her at 

http://laurafrantz.net/






37 comments:

  1. What a fun interview, Jennifer. Loved the intro.

    Laura is a real gem. When I was a florescent green newbie writer, she spent an hour on the phone answering my questions. She may not remember the conversation, but it meant a great deal to me that she took time out of her busy life to encourage someone she hardly knew.

    As the years have gone by, I've gotten to know her a bit better, and I'm mightily impressed with her as an author and as a person. Talk about someone who is sweet, caring, and generous. That's Laura. Just last week when she learned that I was in a tough place, she sent me some gourmet chocolate. I'm sure there are many tales of her kindness others could tell as well. I'm blessed to know her.

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    1. Keli, You're the gem. I DO remember that conversation and that I was sitting on the deck when we talked. It actually was a sunny day and you made it even brighter. But I must say that when I think of encouragers with HUGE hearts I always think of you first. Your ministry of giving and encouraging just goes on and on. I think you were one of my first if not my very first interviews and you had such kind things to say about The Frontiersman's Daughter. I'll never forget it.

      And it doesn't surprise me that you're here this morning to encourage me yet again. Thanks so very much.

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    2. Sorry to cut in, but I have to say-- I'm just smiling imagining two of the brightest encouragers I know, chatting together on the phone. :)

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  2. LAURA! I am so happy that you enjoy Canadian history! That makes me plight as a writer a lot easier ;)

    GREAT INTERVIEW

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    1. Lol, dear Rachel. "Plight" makes me smile. I can only imagine the literary feast you're preparing for us. Truly! Thanks so much for all you do for authors, both Canadian and American and elsewhere. You're a gem!

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  3. Ha--Keli, laughing at that "florescent green newb writer" comment! And Laura is indeed so kind! I MUST MUST MUST read one of her books! I love that you don't mind taking on bigger themes like inter-racial marriage. Wonderful interview today, ladies--enjoyed "hearing" both of you chat this morning!

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    1. Heather, So good to see you here:) You sound like me and your 'must read' list! I was just saying to another friend, whose book I haven't read, that I must! Never enough time, especially when we're working on our own stuff and managing the rest of our lives. It means a lot that you'd even want to read one.

      Keli's comment made me smile, too:) A wonderful way to wake up on a Friday!

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  4. What a fun interview, Laura and Jennifer. Laura is so sweet and all that she does is so heartfelt. I'm reading Courting Morrow Little now and hope to finish it today. It's such a beautiful story. Love's Reckoning was the first of Laura's books, I'd ever read and I was an instant fan! On top of it all, she's one of the sweetest people. And thank you, Laura for your sweet words about my book. I will feel forever blessed for your thoughtfulness right from the beginning.

    (p.s. Jennifer, I don't usually laugh out loud at 7 in the morning when reading an interview ;) too funny!)

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    1. Whoops, I never seem to master the reply button! Pls see below :).

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  5. I'm laughing with you, Joanne. Jennifer does have the most wonderful sense of humor - she lights up the page here and am sure we could say the same about her books. LARGER THAN LIFE.

    Thanks so much for being here on a busy Friday and for taking time for Morrow and Eden! That's quite an honor given your very full life. It's a joy to know you and savor the stories you bring to life.

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  6. Laura,
    Lovely to see you here, my friend! And yes, we love us some Jennifer, too.

    I think it's grand that your "first" was the guy whose head you climbed inside - that makes PERFECT sense to me!

    And I'm a die-hard Gabaldon fan - even with the adult themes, there's no hero like Jamie Frazier, is there? I love his solid faith, even in the face of unspeakable acts and times. And Claire? I've claimed these two as relatives, by the way. MY Jamie and Claire. All that said, I DON'T recommend them out because of what you said - the themes - but if there was one author I could emulate with a God-fearing version, it's be Diana.

    Wonderful interview.

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    1. Becky, So glad to see you again:). I'm coming up for air and have been buried in the typeset pages of this next book - and seeing things I wish I had changed and now can't - ouch! Being over here is much better, lol...

      I just KNEW you were a Jamie fan! Love how you explain things that resonate with you about that series. I heard through the grapevine that it's going to be made into a tv series. Not surprised!

      I keep thinking of your new, beautiful website and must come visit again. Thanks so much for stopping here! And happy Friday.

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  7. Yay! Laura and Jennifer together. :) Is it possible to smile the entire time you read a blog post? Yes!

    First, let me say to Keli (who was MY first author interview), both you and Laura have an amazing gift of encouragement. I always feel like I'm extra-special when talking to the two of you. :)

    And second, Laura, you are a blessing to me in so many ways. I LOVE hearing your heart about your stories. I had to laugh at question number one! When you accepted my friend request on Facebook (my first author-friend!) I almost fell over. :) And then, when you wrote to me and told me I had a beautiful family I thought: she actually LOOKED at my Facebook page?!?!?! I'll probably be a little star struck when I finally meet you in person. ;)

    Number five also resonates with me. Sometimes I don't know what I love more, researching or writing! And, number six makes me get excited! I'd love to read a story you write about the lumbering era in Washington State! :)

    Now I must go. The twins are conducting a wrestling match on the small love seat I'm sitting on. :)

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    1. Gabrielle, I hope your birthday was wonderful in every way! I kept wanting to check your page yesterday but knew I'd get buried in the avalanche there, hence the early bday wishes:)

      So amazing to hear your thoughts about how we connected, etc. I was so amazed by your grasp of history and the Lindbergh connection and all else. You are a memorable character indeed! I couldn't be one of those aloof writers if I tried. I like to love on people too much! It must be the encouragement gene you say Keli and I have. As do you, my friend!

      I think I'm being led away from the timber stories so you can do that. It dovetails so well with your own history and where you live, etc. I think you'd do it much better, anyway!

      Hug those twins for me - I miss those little boy days, wrestling and all!

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  8. Laura--I can't believe how similar our reading tastes have been! I was obsessed with Indian captivity stories as a girl. My favorite was Mary Jemison. Oh, my word, how I loved that book. And I'm a huge Gabaldon fan, as well. I skim over the steamier parts (and try to remind myself the characters ARE married, well, sort of...). I can't wait to read Lori Benton's Burning Sky. We rode down to the last Books & Such Retreat together and I got to hear about the premise. I know I'm going to love it.

    And Washington's "baby history?" That made me laugh. :)

    Can't wait to read Love's Awakening!

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    1. Karen! Oh, Mary Jemison is a favorite of mine, too. As is Jenny Wiley. I fell in love with James Alexander Thom's captivity story in FOLLOW THE RIVER and never quite got over it. And you are going to be wild about Lori's debut! I've read it and it's wonderful. So authentic and heartfelt and it also incorporates the native theme very nicely.

      I'm over the moon about your own release!! Can't wait for that, too!

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  9. Love this interview! Out of the box questions and out of the box answers. Way to go you two!

    By the way, I love Laura Frantz books and I'm reading "Love's Reckoning" right now.

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    1. Bonnie, Thanks for being here and for spending time with Eden and Silas. That means a great deal to me. You're always such a encouragement and you bless me at our every contact!

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  10. Lovely interview, ladies!! Jennifer, as usual, you crack me up. And Laura, I loved hearing more about your thoughts surrounding your work. You have such a humility about you -- and just look how God has blessed it!

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    1. Lindsay, Thanks so much for your kind words. I always remember it's God's grace, all of it, or I couldn't do any of it. But writing friends like you make the journey much easier - and fun!

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  11. I failed copy/paste too. That had me cracking up! And I would love to be Roxanna as well. I too loved Colonel McLinn, Laura. Great interview. Lots of fun!

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    1. Jessica, I've been cracking up every time I come over here, too. I so wish I had Jennifer's sense of humor - life would be a lot more fun! Thrilling to know McLinn won your heart, too. That means a lot to me :).

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  12. Oh fun. Jennifer you ask great questions. And as I happen to be rereading Mary Jemison's story right now I feel right at home in this comment thread. I'm going to underscore Laura's mention of James Alexander Thom, for those who like frontier or 18th century novels. Follow The River, The Red Heart, Panther in the Sky, Warrior Woman, Sign-Talker, Long Knife, From Sea to Shining Sea... those are all good ones. I'm so looking forward to Laura's next, Love's Awakening. I remember feeling just like you did, Jennifer, when I first got my hands on The Frontiersman's Daughter, thanks to our friend Ruth Anderson's review.

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    1. Yes, Ruth! She does so much good with her reviews and booktalk and more :). So glad for your shout-out about Thom's fine work. It's truly like stepping back in time. Thanks very much for your comments, Lori! Counting down till Burning Sky releases!

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  13. This was a good one, and I did NOT skim to the interview, Jennifer. :p

    It’s always a pleasure to be in Laura’s company, and I enjoyed this interview that asked some goodies. Rarely seen questions!

    I think you know, Laura, how I feel about Colonel McLinn, so I’ll suffice to say YES, I agree with your comments. And the one pertaining to inter-racial marriages… I think anyone who loves your books must be one of those people who loves TLOTM, Follow the River, etc., so I’ll just say that I am SO glad your publisher/editor did not shy away from Red Shirt and Morrow’s story. And I say “bravo” to you for not being afraid to share it. I love that you’re always true to yourself, despite what decorum may dictate.

    This… Diana Gabaldon… she wrote Outlander, I see. I had to look her up after all the comments. I’ve never read it... I always thought “Outlander” was science fiction and written by a man. LOL. I guess I was wrong…

    Returning to the 18th century will be a joy for your readers, after the Ballantyne Legacy sadly ends. I am, however, so eager to see how you weave a Civil War story. I’m sure it will be a tear jerker!

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    1. Whitney, So happy you're here and didn't skim, lol. Skimmers miss out on a lot of Jennifer's lively spirit. I think this is probably the funnest interview I've ever done. And yes, I know funnest isn't a word but it should be ;)!

      Yes, Diana G. is an amazing writer and I wish they'd publish G Rated editions of her work. Maybe the tv series will be G or PG at least.

      Thanks for your kind words about my books. I hope I can stay true to the stories I'm meant to write instead of the stories I'm supposed to write, if that makes sense. I think you said it better though :).

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  14. Laura, it's such a treat to see you here on Jenn's blog. Isn't she stinking hilarious?!! I love her so much.

    I love that you're so attached to Colonel McLinn!--he was a favorite of mine too. ;-) And I'm so glad that the CBA decided to adopt CML--such a beautiful story, and I never even considered that it was inter-racial! I'm a sucker for a romance between a Native American and white settler, and loved that you set it in the days of the Revolution! ;-) I have wanted to read "Outlander", but I've shied away from it since I've heard it has adult content. Why can't authors who write captivating stories leave that stuff out!!?? Or at least publish a clean "version. ;-) Bless you, Laura!

    Wonderful interview, Jenn! You always make me smile!

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    1. Gwen, So happy to finish a Friday with you :). And know you're smitten by the colonel like me. YES, Jennifer has a wonderful way about her as evidenced by her lively questions and repartee all over the blogosphere. I first "met" her on the Books&Such blog and she was quite memorable!

      Thanks for taking time here and for all your encouragement. And have a wonderful weekend!

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  15. I love Laura, so I was laughing out loud when reading your interview, Jennifer. This is one the best I have read. Thanks for making me smile today. Laura has a special place in my heart, as many others, because she is one of those genuine people that touches each person she meets. I can't wait for her next book! In fact, I am waiting rather impatiently. ;) Have a blessed weekend!

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    1. Stacey, If you lived closer, I would literally hand you the whole book right now - all 5 pounds of it and 400 plus pages! I have the typeset copy right here to review before it goes to print and I'm up to page 201. Whew! And I'm still finding things I wish I'd changed :( The writing life is never dull, that's for sure!

      You're one of those special readers that are so genuine you're easy to love right back. Thanks for your ongoing encouragement of me and my books.

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  16. Oh my word!! What a great day! Thank you so much, Laura, for joining us here at TFTR!! Thank you everyone for your great comments.

    And yes, I do weddings and birthdays!!

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  17. LOL, I think you do weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and everything :) Thank you for having me here, Jennifer. You're truly the hostess with the mostest!

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  18. What a treat--Jennifer and Laura in the same post! :) Thank you so much for sharing with us, Laura. I too greatly anticipate your next book...as you might know by now, I am a huge fan of yours as well. Besides your exquisitely beautiful writing (I can relate to the "taking your breath away"), you're such an encouragement to those of us newer writers attempting to venture a bit out of the box in writing about Native American history and such...anyway, thank you and the Lord bless you! And thank you, Jennifer, for orchestrating this treat. :)

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    1. Hi Kiersti! Isn't she a DOLL!! So encouraging and helpful, and genuinely awesome. And you're welcome, having Laura here was a huge treat for us all.

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  19. What an enjoyable post! Red Shirt for your birthday! ❤ LOL~
    So hard to believe that Col. McLinn was Laura's first male POV, especially in the CBA, but that is what I admire about her (among the many other wonder attributes she has!)...she writes outside the box. She just writes, and does it so exquisitely in her own specially way. Now, if you ask any of her readers that question about favorite fiction from 2000, Laura Frantz most certainly is top on the list!

    Counting the days to Laura's next release, and ALSO to that next 18th century novel!

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    1. Hi Carla! Yes, Laura does write outside the box, maybe that's why we all love her, and her work. She did a fabulous job with Cass, didn't she? I'm counting the days too!!

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