Congratulations to the winner of last week’s Author Spotlight, PEGGY KIRCHMEIER. Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.
Welcome Laura Frantz, author of The Mistress of Tall Acre, to Author Spotlight! Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy of Laura’s latest release.
Introduce us to you as an author: When did you get bit with the writing bug? How would you describe your writing style?
I wrote my first story when I was seven years old and never stopped. Readers say my style is evocative and emotional. I certainly feel that way when writing them!
After you started writing seriously, how long was it before you were published?
40 years.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well?
Prayer and Coke Life (the healthy kind made with stevia).
Do you prefer reading physical books or e-readers?
I’m old fashioned enough to love a real physical copy, partly because I love book covers and the feel and smell of books.
Right this moment, what does your office look like?
I write at a 200-year-old desk in the loft of my log cabin in Kentucky. It’s tidy and the windows are open to woods and blue skies.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
I like reviews least, at least for my own books, when they’re negative. I’m too sensitive and try not to read any of them, good or bad. I LOVE working from home, being able to keep my own schedule and have more family time as well as writing time.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Write your heart out. Create the book you wish you could find on the shelves but can’t. Read authors in your chosen genre who write better than you. Never stop writing if it’s your calling.
What was your biggest break?
When my dear editor, Andrea Doering, rescued me out of the slush pile and I had no agent, no web presence, no writing contacts, nothing. She is a true heroine!
Who’s your favorite character you’ve written so far?
I love my heroes most. Strangely enough, they are dearer to me than my leading ladies, my heroines. I wish I could pick one favorite male lead but cannot! I’m especially drawn to my native hero in Courting Morrow Little and my Revolutionary War officers, General Ogilvy and Colonel McLinn.
What drives you to succeed?
Knowing the Lord gave me the gift of writing. Not wanting to face Him in the end and have any regrets about misusing any gift He’s given me.
Tell us about your new release:
The Mistress of Tall Acre is truly a book of my heart as I’ve wanted to write a marriage of convenience story for a long time, only I added a twist and turned it into historical suspense as well as romance. Set just after the Revolutionary War, it involves an old Virginia estate called Tall Acre, a hidden diary, and some historical fireworks.
If I could go anywhere, it would be…
Israel and India. After Scotland, that is!
Best indulgence:
Gigi’s Cupcakes. Any flavor will do!
How can readers connect with you online?
I love having readers join me at Facebook, Pinterest and my latest interest, Instagram.
Anything new for you on the book horizon?
I have three more historical novels releasing with Revell through 2019, thankfully.
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Suzanne, It’s such a JOY to be here today! Thanks so much for your insightful questions and hospitality here. You have a beautiful site!
I LOVE the smell and feel of an actual book. I love seeing them on my shelf/table/bed, you know, wherever I lay it down lol. Really want to win a copy!
Enjoyed the interview and I don’t see how she could have any bad reviews. Love Laura’s books and can’t wait to read this one!
This sounds like a book I’d really enjoy, marriage of convenience mixed with some intrigue to it. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of Laura’s book.
wfnren at aol dot com
I so enjoyed your first three books (haven’t read your series yet). This one keeps looking more and more enticing with all the praise it’s getting. 😀
Grace, SO happy you enjoyed my KY books:) I have another coming soon for you! Thanks so much for your gracious words!
Would LOVE to win this one, Suzanne. I love all of Laura’s books. 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity!
Ruth, You bless me by your support and encouragement. It’s such a pleasure knowing other authors like you!
Hi Laura! I absolutely adore your books. You’re one of my most favorite authors. I actually delay reading your new books as long as I can stand it, because I know I’ll dread the end of them:)
Brittany, So blessed by your heart for my books and your saying you delay reading them :). Anticipation is truly half the pleasure! I do the same with favorite authors/books, too. Bless you and others here for coming by and wanting to meet those tenants of Tall Acre!
I loved reading this interview! So fun getting to know you more, Laura! ^_^ I love the part about prayer and (healthy) coke. And your encouragement for writers. And wanting to use the gifts God’s given you! Awesome! <3 So cool that you started writing at seven! I started when I was about eight, 🙂
Aww, it is hard getting negative reviews! 🙁 Just to let you know, I've enjoyed all your books, and especially The Ballantyne Legacy. And I absolutely ADORE Courting Morrow Little!! <3 I can't tell you how excited I am to read The Mistress of Tall Acre!!
Blessings!
Love your heart for Morrow and those Ballantynes, Shantelle! I hope you and others here feel the same about Tall Acre:) You bless me, all of you!
Nice interview.
Thanks so much to all of you for the gracious comments! I’m thrilled you want to meet Tall Acre’s tenants and get lost in those pages! I think this is my most suspenseful novel to date yet and also has the expected history and romance and a HEA:) Wish we had a copy for everyone!
I love marriage-of-convenience stories. I can’t wait to read this one. Thank you for the terrific author interview.
This sounds like another terrific book I’d like to read. I cannot keep up! Thanks for the chance to win The Mistress of Tall Acre.
Incredibly excited to read this new release-especially since I just moved to Virginia for school!
I LOVE all of Laura Frantz’s books. Can’t wait to read this one!!