Thank you for willing to be interviewed! My pleasure, Em – you have a great blog!
1. I thought it was interesting that you choose to write the Ballantyne Legacy in Pennsylvania (as opposed to Kentucky), was there a specific reason for this location?
My editor came up with Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh specifically. I think there is always concern that an author might get too tied to a setting and need a fresh location. Little did I know how historically rich that state would prove to be! I love it almost as much as Kentucky and had a wonderful time researching the novel there last summer. It doesn’t hurt that my hero, Daniel Boone, was from Pennsylvania.
2. When you were writing Love’s Reckoning, did you know everything that would happen or were you as surprised as the readers?
I’m really a seat of the pants writer who just sits down and writes without any map or preconceived ideas. I just had the basic premise for this story – a blacksmith apprentice who has to honor tradition and choose between 2 sisters – but all the rest came to me chapter by chapter. In fact, the male villain in the story (there was only supposed to be a female vixen, lol) came onstage in chapter 2 and nearly took over the story. I was just as surprised by readers by all the twists and turns. Poor Eden really suffered at times though that wasn’t my original intent.
3. Elspeth somehow managed to come off as more than a little creepy, what was your inspiration for her?
Eight years of social work in the mental health field. I knew quite a few Elspeths. Clinically- speaking, Elspeths is a very disturbed individual but you’ve read the book so I don’t have to tell you that. In book 2 I try to give a little more insight into her character and why she acted as she did. But in book 1, Love’s Reckoning, she’s just pretty creepy like you said.
4. I have had the pleasure to read about Lael, Morrow, Roxanna, and now Eden, and each of them has a unique personality. Is there any one heroine who is more like you than the others? Is there any heroine that you wish you were more like?
Lael Click is most like me except she’s a bit more fearless. She’s the character I grew up wanting to be so I finally took her out of my head and heart and put her into a book. Eden Lee is the one I wish I was most like. She has that gentle and quiet spirit which may make her seem meek at first but is in fact her greatest strength.
5. Silas was a great hero which a rich history, did you have to do a lot of research to develop his back story?
My favorite heroes have always been Scotsmen. There’s just something about their rich history and the country itself. I’m headed to Scotland in December to visit the very castle I write about in Love’s Reckoning and am thrilled. Over the years I’ve collected quite a few books on Scotland and its history and customs and traditions. Silas is sort of a composite of all that. I hope he springs to life in an authentic way.
6. It will be a year before book 2 comes out, but it already sounds exciting. Is there anything you can share with us about that novel?
I’m getting ready to turn book 2 in this week! It’s 408 pages long and involves the second generation of Ballantynes, specifically Ellie and her siblings, Ansel, Peyton, and Andra. I’m afraid Elspeth reappears which always shakes things up. This book makes the leap from the 18th-century to 1822. There are quite a few twists and turns. But no spoilers!
Ms. Frantz has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of Love’s Reckoning! And so, in keeping with my Monday Musings post, what makes a Laura Frantz novel good? Is it the characters? the research? the background? the storyline? the romance?something else?
I’ll give you my answer: originality. The Kentucky setting was what drew me in to the first Laura Frantz novel and I love the fact that I can never predict what will happen in the end. Keeps me on my toes!
Contest Rules: In order to win the copy, you must leave a comment and the winner will be randomly selected. If you are interested in participating in the contest, your comment must include your email address. If you are notified as the winner, please respond within 48 hours. Winner will be announced on 9/28!
remaininhislove 
Great interview! I so enjoy Laura Frantz’s books. Haven’t read this one yet, but would love to win a copy! 🙂
Oh my. It is hard to pin down what makes Laura’s books so good. Each novel makes the history come alive. It feels so authentic, and it’s like I am right there beside the characters in that time period. I love it.
What a wonderful interview, ladies! I enjoyed it very much. I always enjoy hearing what Laura has to say. : )
Laura is an amazing author, and her latest novel is amazing! I highly recommend it to all!
** not an entry.
I think Laura Frantz’s characters are the reason her stories ring true and are so good! You will always feel strongly toward a character in her books, never wishy-washy.
Thanks so much for having the giveaway!
I love everything about Laura’s books! She writes so well and the characters just come alive!! I’m super excited to read this book! Thanks for doing another giveaway, Laura! 🙂
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
Em, thanks so much for hosting me here:) Love your question! Rarely does an author get a peek into what makes a reader pick up a book so this is really interesting hearing everyone’s responses. Waving at Marissa, Tiffany, Michelle, Brittany, and Kara:) You’ve made my Friday very blessed!!
Thank you for the interview and for hanging out today!
Great interview! Great book! I am already wishing I had book two to read. I really liked Silas! He was my favorite character. Hard working, principled, talented, and committed! What more could a heroine wish for in her hero! I read all of your books and with your track record, Laura, I will probably read your future books! God riches blessings upon you!
Martie, So glad Silas won you over:) He sure did this author! Love your summation of his character – “hard working, principled, talented, and committed.” So true. So thankful to have you as a reading friend – I’ll keep writing if you’ll keep reading! Have a wondeful weekend!
Great interview! I’ve loved all of Laura’s books and am looking forward to reading this one as well. My favorite heroine has been Morrow Little. I think it’s the romance between her and Red Shirt that tied it for me. 🙂
psagens at gmail dot com
Sandy, So glad you’ve met Morrow and her man:) That book has a specical place in my heart though all my books are like my babies. I so appreciate your time here this busy Friday! Thanks so much for entering the drawing. I wish I had a book for everyone!
Please forgive the typo – where are my reading glasses!?
hi ladies…another wonderful interview, laura 🙂
thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel, em.
Karen, I was so hoping you would come by:) Thanks so much for stopping!
Great interview! I’m so looking forward to Laura’s book… the cover is beautiful, and it looks wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win it. =)
lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
Elyssa, So glad you’re here:) And ready to read! I think the cover is my favorite so far with Morrow and Roxanna a close second. Bless you and happy Saturday!
Nice interview! I am so excited about this book. I just found The Frontiersman Daughter at a used book store last week and cannot wait to read it. I’ve heard so many good things about Laura’s writing.
campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Hi Amy, LOVE those used bookstores! We have a big one in our little area of the woods, too, and it’s fun finding treasures in there, even out of print books. Thanks for wanting to read:)