I am delighted to be a part of the Diamond Mine community, and for my debut post I’m so happy to bring a visit with my friend and best-selling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz!
Laura has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, 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. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.
Regina: Laura! Welcome, my Kentucky sister! I know our readers are looking forward to getting to know you better!
We both write for the Christian market. Do you look on writing as a “calling?”
Laura: I definitely consider the gift of writing a calling. I knew from the age of 7 that writing held something for me that nothing else did. A sort of heavenly magic that transported me out of the ordinary while doing it. As I grew up I realized anyone given a gift needs to steward that gift well and wisely, always crediting the source. I’m really grateful to have the gift of words. It’s not something I can take any credit for except to say I’m willing to do the work (which is not really work since I love writing so much). Publishing is work, however😉
Regina: It is! You have such a calming presence, however, that you make it look deceptively easy! God has definitely given you a gift.
Now for some “favorites”:
What is your favorite Bible verse, and why? How about chapter?
Laura: When I was a child and my father had left our family and we were dealing with that loss, my mom and I memorized Psalm 139 and would say it together. I sign books with that Scripture reference today. Looking back, I see why she chose it. Such a comforting Psalm that covers our entire lives from the moment of conception – God never leaves us or fails!
Regina: So, so true—He is our firm foundation! That’s an incredible story, Laura. Thank you for sharing this.
On a lighter note, what is your favorite movie and why?
Laura: North and South, the BBC drama starring Richard Armitage. Such a moving, well-done production! He’s such a hero in that film.
Regina: I can’t believe I haven’t seen that one! (adding it to my list!)
Which do you prefer, salad or sandwich?
Laura: Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, every time! I have a great recipe for the dressing though I rarely make it so it’s a treat.
Regina: That sounds good – I’m a sandwich person, but I can get behind the idea of Green Goddess Dressing!
Switching gears, I have a few questions for Laura’s character from her new release, The Seamstress of Acadie!
What is one thing about you that makes you an interesting character?
Sylvie: I’m Sylvie Galant, a French-Acadien seamstress who has a secret fascination for a forbidden Army Ranger.
Regina: So nice to meet you, Miss Galant! An Army Ranger, you say? Sounds intriguing! I’ve read a little about the gentleman in question …
If you were going to travel (I know it can be quite difficult in the year 1715!), what is your favorite vacation spot in the U.S.?
Sylvie: I do not care for the American colonies one whit. I am an enemy and outsider there, sadly.
Regina: Understandable. On a more personal note, what makes you giggle or laugh out loud?
Sylvie: My little sister, Marie-Madeleine. She is never serious and always acts as though she is in a stage play.
Regina: Little sisters are the best! Mine would be shy in front of others, but at home? Always entertaining!
What is your favorite? Pie or cake?
Sylvie: Gateau!
Regina: I’m fond of cake, myself!
Now, let’s dish some dirt … What would you like to tell us about your author?
Sylvie: She is good at making things up but tells me this novel is the hardest she’s ever written, possibly because she almost failed college French! And she even had a French tutor!
Regina: Ah! How funny! I have two daughters, both of whom took French in college – they passed, but I’m not sure I would travel to France with them!
Thank you, Laura and Sylvie! I received my copy of The Seamstress of Acadie on the day it was released, and I will admit to having a hard time getting my work done, wondering what will happen next!
Until next time, enjoy a good book – or ten! 😊
Connect with Laura here:
https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/laurafrantzauthor/
Purchase The Seamstress of Acadia at these fine booksellers:
https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542752
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-seamstress-of-acadie-laura-frantz/1143717380
11 comments:
I enjoyed this fun interview, some interesting things about Laura Frantz, and the introduction to Sylvie Galant, the main character of The Seamstress of Acadie which will be an intriguing read.
So blessed to be here among you diamonds! Thanks for the delightful questions. Love talking books!
Sounds like some fun characters with Sylvia and her sister. I hope you had fun writing the book!
I enjoyed reading this interview! This cover has me gaga!
Loved both interviews and the interview with Sylvie has me itching to read this book.
I've so loved your books Laura and am looking forward to reading all about the seamstress! You definitely have the gift!
Sounds like a lovely book! I can't wait to read it!
Thanks for the great interview! This book is one I'm looking forward to. I love that Laura started writing at the tender age of 7, and I'm so grateful for each book she writes.
Laura, it's such a blessing to have you on the blog today! Thank YOU!!!!
I’m in love with that cover! It’s so gorgeous! I also should have paid a lot more attention in my history classes! I didn’t know where the Acadians in Louisiana came from but this novel will definitely provide you with a good spotlight of on that history. Shall I mention that I was born in Louisiana?
Perrianne Askew
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
This book is definitely on my to be read list. I might need to bump it to the top of the list. :)
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