I discovered Laura Frantz’s books by chance. Although, I’m sure the Lord led me to them. I was looking for more historical fiction to read and found her books in a Hoopla app search. Little did I know, I was in for a wonderful world of amazing Colonial and Pre-Civil War heroines. I have voraciously listened to most of her books (I’m a momma of two little boys and it makes reading easier). I’ve been known to walk around the house with my Bluetooth headphones, on the edge of my seat wondering what the leading lady is going to do or what is going to happen to her.
I have recently connected with Laura, herself, through the wonderful world of social media. Since I can’t exactly ask her out for a coffee meet up, I asked her to join me online for a Q&A. So settle in with a cup of coffee or tea and listen in.
Tara: Laura, it has been so wonderful getting to know you more after discovering your books. Thank you for allowing me to ask you some questions.
Laura: Thank you, Tara. Hope your summer is going well!
Tara: Ok, let’s start at the beginning. When did you discover your love for writing?
Laura: At age 7 or thereabouts. I fell in love with those little biographies written for children about famous historical figures and was instantly smitten. When I ran out of all those I decided to write a story of my own. It was about characters on a ship. My first novella was written at age 12 and set at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts after our family visited there.
Tara: I loved those as well! That’s so great! I would love to find those for my oldest to start reading, but haven’t been successful.
Tara: When did you start writing historical fiction and what inspired you to write in this genre?
Laura: I fell hard for this genre in childhood and then as I came of age I wrote a story that had Gone With the Wind vibes, then a sequel to Dances With Wolves. Not very original 🙂 Because Daniel Boone has always been my hero, I wondered what it might have been like being a frontiersman’s daughter. Thus A Frontiersman’s Daughter was born, my debut novel which took me 10 years to write due to wild-crafting research.
Tara: I would love to visit Scotland and I am so interested in Scottish heritage and Scottish things. You’ve written about Scotland and Scottish born characters. What interests you in writing about Scotland and Scottish characters. Do you have a Scottish ancestry?
Laura: I am so happy to have Scottish roots. So many of us do! A Bound Heart echoes the life of my sixth great grandfather, George Hume, of Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Scotland seems to be a beloved setting and destination for many so I thought it would be delightful to set a story there.
Tara: Your Ballentyne series takes place in Pennsylvania. Being a Pennsylvania native myself, I really loved reading a book set back in this time period there. I am curious why you chose Pennsylvania and this setting for this series?
Laura: Pennsylvania, being one of the original 13 colonies, has such rich history and is very picturesque. Researching that series there was such a highlight for me, especially taking the train between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh which both figure in those novels. Daniel Boone was a PA native, too. I could keep gushing! Going through so much Amish country made me wish I wrote that genre, too.
Tara: That’s great you were able to visit. I took my boys to Daniel Boone’s homestead this summer. It was really neat to visit. I’m right near Amish Country. Let me know the next time you come for a visit!
Tara: I love Williamsburg and Jamestown. I love reading about those places through the characters in your books. Are you able to tell us a bit about the book you are currently writing that takes place in Jamestown?
Laura: I am really enjoying stepping back a century to 1634. My first bearded hero, too! The villain in this book is quite true to James Towne back then as there were quite a few rogues. I have a strong Native American thread and have had to do pretty extensive research as the 17th-century was so very different than the 18th-century. I’ll be sad to type THE END soon.
Tara: I am especially excited to read this story even more now! I just love visiting Williamsburg and Jamestown.
Tara: You have a new book coming out in January 2020. What can you tell us about this book?
Laura: The working title of this book changed a few times, beginning with The Ferrykeeper’s Daughter, then The Spinster Swan. The story is inspired by my lifelong fascination with Indian captives and has that theme. It’s set in present day West Virginia which was Virginia back then. Pennsylvania and Virginia had quite a tug-of-war over who it belonged to and so it became its own state during the Civil War. Truly Wild, Wonderful West Virginia! The story revolves around two redeemed Indian captives and a woman who longs to be anywhere but the frontier.
Tara: Sounds so interesting! I can’t wait until the release! Laura, thank you so much for taking the time away from your family and writing to answer my burning questions! It was a delight to have you join me on my blog and it has truly been wonderful getting to know you on social media!
Well there you have it. If you have not read any of Laura’s books, put them on your list. Plus there is always audiobooks. Be sure and check out my post about listening to audiobooks.
Keep an eye out for Laura’s new book ‘An Uncommon Woman’ due out January 2020.
Check out Laura on her website , facebook and instagram.
Dear Tara,
What a wonderful way to start a Monday (and return from 3 days away)! Your web home here is just beautiful and I so appreciate your heart for fiction – & that I’m on your reading radar with all the books out there! Means more than I can say. 2019 is truly a banner year for good reads:) Thank you for taking time to host me here. Such a pleasure!
Shalom,
Laura
Awww, thank you Laura, that means so much! I’m happy to have you here!