Have you ever wondered why book preorders matter so much to your favorite authors? Let me share one of the sweetest perks of preordering my new Christian historical fiction novel, The Saint and the Spy!

A Special Package from Baker Book House

One of the perks of preordering is receiving a physical copy of my book from my favorite retailer, Baker Book House. I mean, just look at this sweet package!

Imagine it arriving via snail mail at your door in the dark, wintry days of January. There’s something so lovely about opening a package and holding a new story in your hands. Especially when you may have forgotten you preordered it!

Why Book Preorders Matter

Preorders are the lifeblood of an author who wants to continue publishing.

They signal interest in an upcoming book, help reach new and existing readers, and can influence how a book performs across online retail platforms and their algorithms.

And, as I understand it, strong preorder sales can also contribute to a novel’s potential placement on bestseller lists.

There’s much behind the scenes that I don’t fully understand, but I do know this: your preorder makes a difference.

 Preorder your copy of The Saint and the Spy & share this post with a friend who loves Christian historical fiction, historical romance, & stories of faith, courage, & love.

Thank you for helping these stories reach readers.

The post A little January joy: preorders appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Audio sale ~ please sail away to Scotland with me!

INDIGO

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Research is something I enjoy almost as much as writing—& for a historical fiction author, it’s key to authentic storytelling.

I once read an engaging novel set in Jamestown Colony & was humming happily along when suddenly a dance scene commenced…& the characters began waltzing.

WHAT?

I share that story knowing full well that my own novels are not 100% anachronism or idiosyncrasy-free. No historical novelist gets every single detail right. But authors owe it to our readers—& to our own reputations—as well our respect for history, to research deeply enough to understand the century we’re writing about: its customs, foods, clothing, news, language, social conventions, transportation, technology, & the everyday details that make a historical world feel real.

For me, the research begins months before I write a word of the novel. I start collecting books & give myself time to soak up the era, the setting, & the people I’ll be spending nearly two years with. I want to know their world so well that it becomes second nature.

I wish I could master Scrivener, but I’m still hopelessly old-fashioned when it comes to research. I prefer handwriting everything on legal pads & in pretty notebooks. There’s something about putting pen to paper that sparks creativity— it slows me down & I also remember what I’ve handwritten far better than what I’ve read on a screen.

Last winter, I twisted my husband’s arm to turn our youngest son’s room into a little library. We’ve only managed two walls of bookshelves so far, but here’s a peek at my favorite vintage collection.

I adore vintage books & would line the entire house with them if I could. There’s something wonderfully inspiring about being surrounded by the books, ideas, and stories that came before us.

Perhaps that’s one reason I love writing historical fiction so much.

I’m writing for readers today—but I’m also quietly hoping someone will still be reading these stories a hundred years from now.

The post Research & rabbit trails… appeared first on Laura Frantz.

I’m so honored to find The Belle of Chatham among the finalists for the renowned Christy Award!

My first Christy final was for Love’s Reckoning back in 2013. I remember sitting beside my agent at that glittering gala in St. Louis. Though I didn’t win, simply being a finalist felt like such a gift.

Fast-forward a few years, and I’m deeply grateful for my wins—& now, another final.

I used to think I’d stop writing if I won just once. But I’ve come to see it differently. As long as God gifts me stories to tell, I want to keep trying to shine even the tiniest fictional light into a world of darkness.

For His glory. In the end, that’s all that truly matters.

Thank you to the Christy Award for your dedication recognizing and encouraging edifying fiction—& thank you, dear readers, for making these stories possible. 💛

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Reading the pages a final time before print! 393 in all. What to expect in modern literary lingo…

🌸 he falls first
🌸 cottagecore heroine
🌸 missing persons
🌸 forced proximity, slow burn
🌸 opposites attract
🌸 Georgian noir
🌸 happily ever after

Prayers appreciated. So hope you enjoy every word!

The post The pages appeared first on Laura Frantz.

An 1801 portrait by Rembrandt Peale

It’s truly Christmas in July for me as I’m close to turning in my first holiday novella to my publisher, Revell. I have a love for this story like no other {though I think I say that about every novel when I’m in the thick of it}. But I do adore this joyful, poignant, festive tale & the history behind it as well as the historical setting. The painting above is a large reason why. He’s not the hero in this story though he grows up to be one in real life. I won’t spoil it by sharing too many details ahead of time but suffice it to say, I cannot wait to put this book in your hands September 2027. Below is an image I created while writing the first draft of the 200+ page novella…

Only 13 months & 10 days till release!

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It’s a joy to hear from readers about my novels. This landed in my inbox recently & made me look at writing differently. A kindred spirit here. So thankful she found my books in the sea of them out there. Thank you, thank you.

The post Inspired by readers appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Here is the fresh face of my January 2027 novel from Revell! Our heroine’s expression, the wallpaper, the pink blooms & Christopher Wren-type waterfront at the bottom = happiness to this author!

Hope you delight in this story as much as I did writing it!

The post The reveal! appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Cover #20 is almost here! I’ve said many times that cover art is my favorite part of the publishing process & the framed art above showcases my favorites by my publisher, Revell. As David Pearson said, “The cover of a book is the beginning of a conversation between the author  & the reader.” When you spend a year and a half on a novel like I do, it’s so critical to get the face of it right. When it’s wrong, it can sink a solid story. I’m thankful to have had some of the best designers in the industry & a publisher committed to excellent cover art. I’m on pins & needles in the best way, hoping the next cover POPS off the shelf & into your hands, either physically or virtually. Personally, there’s nothing like a bonafide book to admire all those design details.

Back to share the cover reveal soon!

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I wish someone had told my seven year old self when I started writing stories that someday my words would travel around the world & I’d be a “paper missionary” as Janette Oke said of Christian writers not long ago. Now, grown up me is absolutely amazed & delighted when foreign language editions of my novels come into being. Aren’t these covers incredible?

Thank you to my Dutch & German publishers! Thank you to the ultimate Author of the writing gift!

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