I’m honored to have Laura Frantz as my guest today! She is such a warm, kind soul, and her writing is pretty fantastic too. 🙂 She’s preparing to go on a trip to Scotland, so I’m glad she made time in the midst of packing to be here.
Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late 18th-century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little, both Carol Award Finalists, and The Colonel’s Lady, a Readers Choice/Family Fiction winner for Historical Novel of the Year and Author of the Year. She is currentlyworking on her new historical series, The Ballantyne Legacy, and lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons. She enjoys connecting with readers at www.laurafrantz.net.
Welcome, Laura! Let’s get to the questions, shall we?
Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?
Sensitive, compassionate, creative, driven, passionate, pensive, saved.
Either/Or Questions:
1) Right brained or Left brained?
Whichever side of the brain isn’t math related! 🙂 I tend to be in creative overdrive most of the time. I can’t imagine NOT thinking about writing. Editing is more math-related, or so I’ve heard, which may be one of the reasons I like it less than the joy of writing that first draft.
2) English gardens or Hills of Scotland?
The hills of Scotland, definitely. I’m headed to the Highlands soon and want to make every minute count! It’s a joy to look forward to visiting the very castle I write about in Love’s Reckoning.
3) Homemade lasagna or Chinese take-out?
Oh, I’m such a pasta lover but Chinese is fine, too. I love to cook! Two favorite dishes at our house are lasagna and kung pao chicken. We’re quite happy eating both. And who can resist take-out? I love NOT having to cook as much as I love cooking!
4) Diary of Anne Frank or Princess Diaries?
The Diary of Anne Frank. It’s a classic that shows what really matters in life. Anne had a beautiful, hopeful spirit in a very tragic time. I hope to meet her in heaven.
5) Stick to the basics or Frills and ruffles?
Frills and ruffles, please! I’m all girl and love dressing up though I must admit I’ve never even had a manicure. And I’m a mom to two boys, not a girl in sight! Maybe I’ll get that grand-girl someday to dress up!
6) Coffee or Tea?
There’s a time and a place for both! Coffee in the mornings and tea in the evenings with a good book by the fire are wonderful, one of my favorite things about fall and winter.
7) Better Homes and Gardens or ESPN Magazine?
Better Homes and Gardens. I just want to step inside those lovely pictures, build a new house, plan a garden… I never liked sports probably because I was never any good at it. But I really admire those who enjoy them and participate!
Fun answers, Laura! I can picture you in the Scottish countryside — or in an English garden — sipping tea and writing to your heart’s content. Not sure how we could sneak any lasagna or kung pao chicken in there, but scones would be a fine replacement, don’t you think? 🙂
Thanks so much for being here today and letting us get to know you better!
Love’s Reckoning
On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.
Blog Readers: Let’s talk…What’s the biggest gardening or yard project you’ve taken on this year? Or how about an inside project? Any redecorating or remodeling?
*flower photo by Twigy Posts
This book looks great! Laura is one of the authors on my to-read list–I’ve heard wonderful things about her books!
Our house has been in a constant state of remodeling for…well let’s just say, too long. But I’m certain I’ll appreciate it even more when it’s finished. 🙂
Heidi, Good morning! I’m a bit late here being on west coast time but am thrilled to see you and others:) So glad I’m on your to-read list. Thanks so much for your kind words about the book buzz.
And I had to chuckle at your remodeling comment as our house, lived in now for 13 years, still has a couple of unfinished corners;) So I know about eternal remodels and good intentions. Guess it’s quite creative to live in a house that’s always in a state of change!
Anyway, thanks so much for being here this blustery, grey morning!
The biggest yard project I SHOULD be taking on is the leaf removal. But it’s like dusting….seems so pointless…
Hi Bekah, Oh yes, those pesky leaves, now quite wet and not so colorful, at least here in the northwest woods! Happy fall to you! And thanks for being here:)
Oh dear, I’ve not done a single yard project (my landlord does that) or indoor project, really. BUT I did help my dad on my parents’ acreage multiple times. I actually really like outdoor work…probably because I don’t have any of my own to do. 🙂
Love this interview and I LOVE Laura Frantz books!
Hi Melissa, Wish you were near enough to hug:) Thanks so much for your kind comments about my books. Love the thought of you reading them!
Like you, I really like outdoor work though writing gets me off the hook! And I miss raking leaves, strangely enough – here there are so many Christmas trees, raking is kind of passe;)
Love your books, Laura! I look forward to reading Love’s Reckoning.
I’ve tried to take on this bare patch in my lawn. Grass just doesn’t want to grow in this one spot. I’ve tried everything from high grade seed to those green patches you lay down, even some sod. Nothing works.
Hi Loree,
So happy you’re here and want to read:) You’ve always been an encouragement and blessing to me.
We have a couple of those grassless patches, too. Strange how stubborn they are – and how they can drive you crazy!
Hope your fall is going well and you’re well out of the way of that storm we’re hearing about. Prayers with all on the east coast and southern states.
One of my very favorite authors! Great interview.
As for projects, it wasn’t big, but when I organized the laundry room complete with shoe rack (for outdoor shoes) and hanging rack (for drying delicates) it made me inordinately happy!
Sarah! When I think of you now, I have this image of you in that sassy, colorful apron, lol:) Frying squirrel! But we won’t go down that road today…
Thanks so much for being so gracious about my work. As for those projects of yours, I would be inordinately happy, too! My Randy, who never complains, recently passed my office door and said he hopes when this deadline passes, I will clean it up;) Trouble is, deadlines never pass! But I can’t wait to tackle that room next week when this next book is finally in…and be happy to do it at last.
Happy Monday to you, my friend.
So your husband drops hints, too? I like to let things get a “little” messy so I can appreciate how much nicer it is to be tidy again.
I like the way you think, Sarah. It must come along with that great name of yours. 😉
Me, too – how else would we feel that same JOY when something is tidy again?!
I hereby would like to confess that I would repin every single thing Laura pins on Pinterest. Ah, now that that’s out there…:D I’m so with you that there’s a time for both coffee & tea, Laura!
~ Wendy
Wendy, I’m smiling because we are twin pinners, if there ever was such a thing:) Absolutely addicting over there – and I just added a brand new board, oh my! Like I need that?!?
I still have vivid memories of talking to you at ACFW lunch that day and the fun we all had. You are a wonderful conversationalist and I can’t wait to hold your book in hand someday. Hats off to cofffee and tea time, yes!!
“twin pinners” :o)
I’m not a decorator but I’d like to be a gardener. 🙂 My poor garden is nonexistent right now but I plan to play with it a little. Sometime. I think. lol
Lovely interview. I hope she has a blast on her trip!
Jessica, Love your garden thoughts. I had to give that up along with the publishing bit and am still sad about it! I just play at it now,, like you said so well, where I was totally immersed in it before. Thanks for the trip wishes. I’m packing and can’t wait:)
Thanks so much for being here.
Um yeah…black thumb here, so no gardening. But I did finally decorate our bedroom. It’s not super professional, but I like it. And I finally bought an oversized chair the nook in our room, and it serves perfectly as a writing and reading chair. Love it!
Lindsay, I always smile BIG when I see you as I know you’re friends with dear Gabrielle:) Love the black thumb, lol. And ditto on the oversized chair! Those do make the best writing and reading places:) I love redoing rooms and bedrooms are the most fun, I think, as they’re our intimate, private spaces. We can go a little crazy there. I have floral wallpaper in an 19th-c. pattern on only one wall in our bedroom with a big window overlooking our garden. The rest of the room is painted ivory. Kind of odd that only one wall is papered – but somehow it works! At least for me:)
Happy writing and reading to you!
Yay, I was so excited to see Laura and Sarah together today! Laura is one of my very favorite authors (and people!) – please don’t enter me in the drawing for her book, as I’ve already devoured it. 🙂 And to anyone who has Laura on a to-be-read pile, pull her books up to the very top (or even put down the book you’re reading!) – her writing is amazing and you won’t regret it!
My husband is a landscape designer and we recently bought a new home on the Mississippi, so he’s been busy with a LOT of projects, especially in our backyard so we can enjoy the river. In the winter he’s home full time, so we’ve had a lot of indoor projects, too. This winter we’re going to tackle the out-dated walk-out basement. It’ll be a big project, but I’m really looking forward to having more family space and a writing room all to myself!
Gabrielle, OH YAY! You’re here:) It means all the more as I know you’re on deadline and super busy! Prayers with you all the way. It’s so exciting to watch your journey and anticipate all the good things to come. Publishing is quite an adventure. One editor told me when I started 5 yrs ago to “enjoy the learning experience.” I didn’t know what she meant back then but I sure do now. And I’m still learning, learning, learning…and trying to enjoy the bumps, too!
I’d love to visit you on the Mississippi. I’ve become so attached to that river as I’m writing about it now. I can imagine how beautiful your place is with your husband doing what he does! Oh, that writing room to be sounds heavenly. I sense your excitement. Nothing like a creative space to nuture our stories and souls, so to speak. I hope you post pics when it’s done. You’re always so good at that:)
Guess I’m writing a novella here and better get back to work! Hugs to you, my fine friend. Thanks so much for being here this morning.
Enjoyed the quick back and forth dialog in this interview. Always fun to learn some new little tidbit about one of my favorite authors. I’m sitting here trying to NOT envy Laura’s trip to Scotland…too much!! My mother’s family “roots” are in Scotland. Please do not enter me in the drawing. I have already read “Love’s Reckoning” and have it on my “to be read again” shelf. Can’t wait for the sequel. A year goes much more slowly when you are waiting for sequels! Thank you for the time you gave to one of my all time favorite authors.
Mary! Thrilled to see you – and to learn about your Scottish roots:) I just finished a post on Scotland that I had such fun doing, with pictures of where we’ll be going, so hope to get that up week after next before I leave. Hope you enjoy it. And I’m very thankful you’re ready for that sequel. I apologize for the delay – a year is really a long wait between books! I actually have Jack and Ellie’s story in my lap right now, about 6,000 words shorter than it was. Hate trimming but it’s good to tighten those scenes – just not the romantic ones, as my editor says:)
Thanks so much for taking time here this morning. I imagine you’re getting winterized where you are as I remember talking to you about that last fall. My husband has even been talking about moving your way! I wouldn’t mind a bit:)
Anyway, happy almost November to you, dear Mary. You’ve made my day!
I’ve heard good things about Love’s Reckoning, and it’s on my Wish List.
Thanks, Sarah, for having Laura on your blog. I enjoyed learning more about her. BTW, I also prefer the creative versus editing. 🙂
Susan, So good to see you here. I think we are kindred spirits regarding the creative process. I’m always a little amazed when writer friends tell me they like editing more – yikes! They are braver than I am. Nothing like the rush of getting those first scenes down on paper. Kind of like falling in love:)
I hope your writing is going well – thinking of Karen Lange, too! Thanks so much for stopping this busy Monday.
Hi everyone! I’m loving the conversation today. So many house and yard projects going on, I’m tired just thinking about it. 🙂 I have to admit I leave all the yard work to my hubby. He’s my hero! 🙂
And Laura, I think I goofed and said you just got back from Scotland, when it sounds like you’re really preparing to leave soon. I hope you have a wonderful time! I can’t wait to see pictures.
Happy Monday to you all!
Sarah, I didn’t even notice about Scotland. I do wish it was past tense as going in the holiday season can be a bit tricky!
Hats off to hero husbands who do yard work! And house stuff!
Thanks a million for having me here. It’s wonderful to slow down and spend time in your corner of the world as opposed to mine:) Hope your Monday is blessed.
Ooo, fun interview, Sarah!
Laura, your new book looks amazing! I’m such a fan (but I think you already knew that…:). Scotland? Mm! I’d love to head there someday. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
We did MAJOR remodeling this summer, and next year we’re tackling the deck and landscaping. Gee. Can’t wait. (Ha!)
Hi Jill! I bet your house is beautiful and feels new after all that remodeling. My heart is with you about tackling that deck next. It’s my favorite place to write:) Only I’ve had to give that up till next summer now that monsoon season has arrived…
I sure appreciate your encouragement, especially since you’re a contemp writer (if I’m remembering correctly) and yet you still make time for historicals! I need to be better about that myself. I tend to get stuck in my genre and can’t get out, lol. But you might well convert me:) Bless you for being here!
As a single gal, I don’t take on big projects! My mom is the green thumb in our family, and always comes over in the spring to help me get my flower beds in order. I’m doing good to keep up with the weeding throughout the rest of the year!
I just finished ‘The Frontiersmans Daughter’ over the weekend, my first book by Laura. can’t wait to read more=)
Patty, So good to meet you here:) And it’s wonderful to know that Lael’s story is still out there being read. If you made it through that winding coming of age story my other historicals will be a breeze! And quite a bit shorter, lol.
Love imagining your flower beds:) The mums lately in those rusts and golds for fall are so gorgeous I’m seeing at Costco and Walmart. Makes me want to dig in the dirt! Bless your Mom for helping – Moms have the magic touch:)
Thanks for coming by today and for your kind words about Lael. You sure bless me!
Thanks so much for posting the interview it was fun and interesting to read.
Giveaway. I am commenting here now and I also shared on my Facebook.
Jasmine, Thanks for the share:) Sarah asks great interview questions – and it’s neat to think of her as my agency mate though we’ve never met. Not yet, anyway! It’s great meeting you here – hope your Monday has been a good one.
Oh boy, haven’t tackled any big projects lately. Delightful interview! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip, Laura! I smiled at the thought of you having grandbabies. Chris’ mom has 4 sons so you can imagine how thrilled she is to have 2 granddaughters (Elizabeth and my niece now).
Julia! I always love hearing about Elizabeth. And I always imagine her red hair like my Eden:) I must confess, I am over the moon about grandbabies though tell my boys they better not deliver on that till they’re about 30! We have yet another thing in common. Randy’s mom has 5 boys (he’s #4) and she has mostly granddaughters while her sister had 4 girls and has all grandboys! It’s quite the joke in the family. I do hope I get my girl someday:)
Thanks so much for being here!
Because of a health condition, I’ve had to cut back on my gardening. It hurts even to weed my flower beds, which I find rather annoying since I enjoy grubbing in the dirt! Laura’s new book sounds great; thanks for giving me a chance to win a copy of Love’s Reckoning.
Pam, You must miss your gardening very much – but you’re so right – it can hurt! I’m noticing more aches and pains myself as I hit the mid-century mark, ouch. One step nearer heaven, I guess, on the positive side…
Thanks so much for taking time here and wanting to read Eden’s story. I hope it blesses you if you do. I should say, too, that starting this Friday, my books will be available for e-readers at greatly reduced prices. So that’s a little heads up if anyone likes to download free items – or nearly free:)
Yard project, we’re supposed to do stuff to our yard besides mow and slash the weeds? LOL!! No, no yard projects for us. We are completing our master bathroom renovation…finally! It’s been a long journey. It looks great, though.
Laura, I love your stories! You are very creative and I, for one, am very thankful! Blessings!
Hi Sandy, I’m with you – my version of yard work is slash and burn:) We live in the woods so doing that works pretty well, lol. CONGRATS on the new master bath! I think bathrooms are one of the hardest undertakings in a house – all that plumbing and wiring and stuff. I bet you’re enjoying the finale very much.
And thanks so much for loving my stories. That’s a joy to hear! Love that creativity gene:) Bless u for being here!
Laura…I loved your answers…we are very much alike 🙂
Sarah…thanks for hosting Laura today. Both of you ladies made my day.
Karen, Kindred spirits we are:) So happy to see you! I was hoping you’d come by. You’re always so faithful. Praying for everyone in the midst of the storm. Hope you’re warm and dry where you are, my friend. Bless you for stopping!
I love getting to know authors better!! Thanks for the interview Laura and Sarah!
The biggest garden project I did this year was with the help of my dad. We planted a garden, and even though we didn’t anything from it except tomatoes and two small pumpkins, it was still fun!
Marissa, Fun to hear about your pumpkins and tomatoes – two of my very favorite things:) We have trouble growing those here in the wet woods so I miss them very much! Your dad sounds like he has a green thumb – a very good thing!
Thanks for stopping in and saying hello. I love meeting new readers like you like meeting new authors. Sarah does a great job of bringing people together!
don’t enter me, sarah, as i’ve already had the pleasure of reading laura’s book! it’s AWESOME! ~~~waving at laura!~~~~
love your creativity with your questions, lady.
Jeannie, YES!! It’s you:) Thanks a million for the thumbs up on the books. Your reviews are some of my very favorite – love how you get inside those characters’ heads, especially those troublesome heroes:)
Hope your fall is blessed and all is well in your world!
Laura is one of my favorite authors! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I live in an apartment in the city, so that doesn’t leave many opportunities for garden or yard projects. I am a big crafter, though, so I’m always creating something for inside:)
Britanny, I’m honored to be among your fav authors – bless you for that!! Eden’s story would be in good hands then:) I’m a big crafter, too, so it’s always fun meeting someone else who is. I’m not very good at it though and I don’t have much time for it bu I do love to knit, crossstich, and make those crazy velvet bookmarks with book bling attached.
Bless you for stopping this morning – praying you and others are well out of the storm/Sandy’s way!
Historical fiction really makes the past come alive. I would love to have this book!
Claudia, Love how you put that – historical fiction really does make the past come alive. I think that’s why I like to get stuck in stories and never come out! Thanks for your enthusiasm and spirit:)
I’m thrilled about the Ballantyne Legacy and am eagerly awaiting the next book. I always love getting to know our Laura better…but I must say, I felt as though she answered exactly as I would have! So nice to have kindred spirits.
I love to do interior decorating. This year was mostly for reorganizing and weeding out. My last at home son moved out and that created a spare room, now the guest room. He took our other son’s sectional from our living room so we were able to return our loveseat and tables that was stored in our bedroom to its proper room. Crazy, yes. Now we are adjusting to our empty nest and I’m hoping to spruce things up a bit soon.
No need to enter me in the drawing, but I know the winner will just love Love’s Reckoning!
Must be eary morning – I missed that reply button;)
Oh Carla, Wonderful to see you here! With my boys at 13 and 16, we will soon be empty nesters ourselves. Well, maybe. Sometimes those kids stay awhile longer! Love hearing about your changing and rearranging at home. It’s always a joy to do that here so it must be fun for you, too. You are very creative so know the end result is lovely. And if I’m ever on the east coast, I so want to meet you!!
Oh, yes, Laura. Those boys of your won’t be home long, but rest assured that they will be back and often! I call mine the boomerang boys, but I think at last they’ve found permanent nests of their own. Especially with Justin making a place for his new little one. I would so love to meet you in person, as I already feel such a special kinship. So many do, you are so dear and welcoming.
Wonderful words, Carla:) The same could be said of YOU! Thanks very much. I do feel we’re kindred spirits and always have. I am so excited about that baby!! I love babies and try to sneak them into every book I write as you know. Pls let me know the expected due date. I’d love to send a gift – and if you know whether it’s a boy or girl, I’ll tailor it accordingly. After 2 boys, I have a feeling you’d love a wee girl:)
It’s so nice to read more about Laura, thanks to both of you for sharing. I just finished Love’s Reckoning. I loved it! 🙂
Karen, I just flagged Susan above and was thinking of you:) Thanks so much for being here – and for taking time for LR. So thrilled you liked Eden and Silas’s story. You’ve made my day!
How cool that you get to visit Scotland, Laura. I hope you have a wonderful time.
Hi Keli, I’m really thankful to be going – and to experience it with Liz Cutis Higgs whose been there so many times:) I won’t be getting lost that way! Wonderful to see you here!
Just lurking Sarah and Laura. Great blog today. I’ve been slobbering over your Scotland pins for weeks Laura! I just knew you were planning something special! :o) How great for you.
Anne, I’m slathering over those Scots pins right along with you:) I wish we were going together! Love that you’re lurking. I do that a lot, too. It’s always wonderful to see you here, there, or anywhere. I think you’re another twin pinner right along with Wendy and moi:)
I enjoyed the interview thank you. LOVE’S RECKONING looks just wonderful.
I am constantly doing some work around & about.
Mary, Thanks for your kind comments. I hope you enjoy LR if you read it. It was a joy to write:)
I’ve heard this is really good and I love the cover! I tweeted and shared on facebook!
Veronica, Thx so much for sharing! And for wanting to read:) Happy Saturday to you!
I enjoyed the interview! Fun questions.
And I am currently trying to remodel a bit of everything inside the house. I have yet to know what it will look like, but it would probably be nice if I at least put some photos on the wall already.
Adrienne, So good to see you here:) Your remodeling sounds great – and putting pics on the walls, one of my favorite things, sure gives it that homey finished feeling. I’d like to do a little remodeling here myself! Thx for being here and entering the drawing. Hope you’re having a blessed weekend!