Laura Frantz's Interview
1. Thank you so much for being here. Could you tell us a little about how you got started blogging?
Actually, I began blogging because I’d heard it was one of the things an author should do. Not a very sound motivation, huh? And I knew it was another venue to improve my writing. For two years or so it seemed the only one who visited my blog was my mother, only she couldn’t figure out how to leave comments, so I felt I was writing for myself. Imagine my delight when someone finally showed up!
2. What is your purpose in blogging?
Currently I blog to connect with readers and other writers. I miss my blog buddies when I’m offline. Truly! And I learn so much from other blogs. It’s kind of an ongoing education into the hearts and minds of fellow bloggers. I also think blogging can be a ministry. I try to edify and encourage others through posting 3-4 times a week about personal, spiritual, and writing issues.
3. What are your favorite parts of blogging?
Receiving reader comments. Having readers tell you that something you’ve posted was just right for them that particular day. Also, I love when readers on my blog become friends and chat back and forth in encouraging ways. It’s so neat watching people interact and tell how fellow bloggers comments bless them.
4. Do you have a story about how you have gained encouragement while blogging?
I am always surprised when someone bookmarks my blog as a favorite or makes it their homepage. Occasionally I’ll stumble across a blogger who mentions my blog. Recently another blogger mentioned that my blog readers are a wonderful bunch and that they seem to have a knack for connecting. Of course I agreed!
5. Can you share with us any special features you have on your blog and why you decided to offer them?
Since I’m an author, I try to make Christian fiction a vital part of my blog and host frequent giveaways. Also, I try to be transparent and write about my daily life, not just my writing life. People long to connect with each other as people, not just writers. They need to see that you’re a real person first, a seeker/believer, and not just someone who writes books.
6. Is there anything you’ve learned along the way about your relationship with God while blogging?
That any gifts we’re given we’re not given for ourselves. We need to share what God is doing in our lives because His grace and the amazing ways he works should be foremost in our lives and used to encourage others. We can’t live in isolation, though I sometimes want to maintain that “author mystique.” Blogging takes me out of my comfort zone but I feel I’m being obedient to keep doing it so long as readers keep reading and the Spirit leads.
7. Can you share any Scriptures that have encouraged you in your writing?
Oh, there are so many wonderful ones! I keep a small spiral of index cards by my desk. Here are just a few favorites~
Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. ~2 Corinthians 3:5
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. ~Psalm 13:6
Therefore…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. ~1 Corinthians 15:58
The fear of the Lord is instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. Proverbs 15:33
I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to His service. ~1 Timothy 1:12
8. Can you recommend ways that we as bloggers can minister to our readers?
I think the most important thing is that we dedicate our blogs to the Lord’s use and pray for wisdom and guidance before we post anything. Some bloggers take prayer requests from readers and commit to praying for them. Some have an “open mic” day where they let their readers ask them questions about what is foremost on their minds and hearts. Really, the sky is the limit where the Lord is concerned.
9. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just that it’s a privilege to have you ask me to be a part of your wonderful blog, Julia. May we continue to have the heart-attitude that sees blogging as a ministry and to love others through the written word. Thanks so much!
24 comments:
Laura, I've been teaching lit in Christian high schools for . . . forever (I'm old!) and have definitely found that not only the authors' worldviews, but also much of their personalities comes through in their books and stories.
I feel that definitely to be true of you! You're a sweet savor to the Lord!
Your website gives encouragement and helpful info . . . (And some of those pics on your site--like Richard Armitage from North and South--make visiting fun, too! LOL)
Oh, and Julie, I meant to mention that I love the theme verse and header of your blog! It's a great visual reminder of our wonderful future with Christ!
I abosolutely LOVED this interview, Julie and Laura!! I whole heartedly agree with Laura's way to minister to the readers. Definitely sound advice!
Thanks for sharing the interview, ladies!
Molly
Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
Renee,
Oh to be a sweet savor - what a lovely thing to say! Thanks so much for that. I feel the same about you and your blog (even your tweets)! LOVE the fact that you're a lit teacher! I used to teach hs English:)
You have a real ministry on your blog, Renee, promoting CBA fiction and connecting with authors. I'll never forget being a part of your blog celebration not long ago and interacting with your readers and other authors, some of whom I didn't know before your invite. So you are a big blessing!
I chuckled at the Johnny T/N&S mention. Am almost through with the novel. Then I'll go back to the movie:) Wish Elizabeth Gaskell had written a sequel. Can you imagine!?
Bless you for stopping here and commenting. Am so thankful you and Julia are friends and blog buddies.
Hi Molly,
So happy to meet you here! I love your enthusiasm and the fact that you took time out of what I know must be a busy day to read and comment. I'm still so new to this blogging ministry. Am always praying for a heart of wisdom. I know what is written and posted can come across in many different ways to readers. I will also say that visiting other blogs, like Julia's and Renee's, helps keep me fresh and current and gives me great ideas:)
Oh Julia,
Bless you so much for hosting me here along with these other wonderful bloggers. I was struck by the fact that each of us has such a unique slant/perspective on blogging and what we feel God is calling us to do in our corner of the world.
Also, Renee said it so well ~ that our worldview and personalities come through our words and stories:) Love that!
Lovely interview Ladies, and Laura I love those verses you put up. There is just something about your blog that I absolutely adore and can't resist visiting (even when edits call :) Like coming home online! You have a wonderful ministry and I love that I know you!!
Laura, I think you're thinking of the other Renee. (We found out that we're both Renee Ann. Maybe you mean Steeler Girl?) But I don't mind being mistaken for her because she does have a great ministry! My blog is only three months old, but I hope to grow it into something that blesses!
Oh Renee Ann, Please forgive me!! I AM thinking of Renee Steeler Girl so am very glad to know you are another:) So glad to meet you here. I'm going to visit your blog here in a minute to get better acqainted! Thanks for your wonderful comments. Off to visit your blog now...
Bless you!!
Casey,
I was so hoping you'd come by:) Seeing your name pop up in my inbox always makes me smile. And I just love that you feel at home on my blog. That's such a huge compliment! And one that makes me strive to keep it fresh, Godly, and interesting in future. Your blogs are amazing to me in that each is done so well with such a reader first focus!
Praying those edits go well. Mine are...er, going:) But not done!
Hahaha yes last night on Julie Lessman's FB party Renee Ann and I "met" officially LOL! I'm not a teacher but I did originally go to college as an education major before I switched to history so you weren't *too* far off the mark Laura. :-P
Anyways I'm sure I can speak for the otehr Renee when I say I really enjoy both Laura's and your site Julia! Keep it up :-)
XOXO~ Renee C.
Yes, Renee! Definitely!
Just gotta say that Laura is a huge inspiration and encouragement to me! One of those sweet ladies that I met through blogging! (Where would we be without such great blogging buddies?) =)
(And on a side not, Julia would you mind sending me an e-mail at catbry 1 (at) yahoo (dot) com? I have a quick question for you.)
Cathy, So good to see you here! I haven't forgotten you though I haven't been able to blog visit lately like I like due to work schedules, etc. So glad you know Julia:) Praying we can all stay connected through our blogs!
Its 9 and we just got home here. Laura seems so appropriate that you posted here today, I was thinking about you as we went on a field trip with Elizabeth's homeschool group...to the local historical museum. Looking at all the colonial houses (as much as you can look with a 2 & 5 y.o.) LOL.
@Renee, Thank you so much. I'll be sharing a bit more about why I chose that verse on The Writer's Alley Tuesday. I'm so glad to have found you and your blog.
@Molly, Thanks for stopping by! I know you've blessed so many in the blogging world and have a busy blogging schedule so I appreciate you stopping here to encourage :)
@Laura, I confused it the first time, too, but I think you're going to really appreciate her blog. I'm glad I found it. You have a neat blog, Renee Ann.
@ Laura, I was SO blessed to have you here. I still read over these interviews and get a blessing everytime. I'm embarassed that I wrote bloggnig, LOL. You know I've had a bit of a cold this week and I seriously think its affected my thinking b/c I keep writing silly things like this. :) Anyway, it was extra special to have you visit on a special day for me, my dad's birthday :).
@ Casey, I, too smile every time I "see" you online. You are so sweet and I'm so glad we're now having more opportunities to interact online.
@Renee (SteelerGirl): Your website has been such a blessing to me, too. Thanks for your wonderful support.
@Cathy, I so agree with you on Laura. And yours is a site that keeps blessing me every time I visit, too.
Great interview! Your blog is beautiful, Laura, and I so love your encouraging and exemplary attitude! :) I'm so thankful for your friendship!
Besides the fact that your blog is really inspirational, I also learned about North & South there, which was a huge gift!!! ;)
Oh, and my mom brought the note and bookmarks you sent me at the end of summer up with her and my dad this weekend! They are so lovely!!! :D Thank you so much...for everything!
~Amber
stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net
Great interview again Julia. I've seen Laura's name around but I haven't met her online yet. (Hi Laura!)
I'm heading over to check out her blog.
Joy
Renee, Thanks so much for coming over, Steeler Girl:) I SO appreciate you!!
Amber, So glad you got the bookmarks! Bless your mom for remembering:) Thanks so much for being here for me and Julia and everyone. You always add so much when you come in!! Praying your schoolwork, blogging, and WIP are blessing your socks off!
Julia,
Oh wish I could have joined you and the littles for a colonial day:) That sounds heavenly and I bet your NY weather was fallish and lovely there. I knew you were out and about when I didn't see you till now. Bless you again for hosting this. It's such a privilege to be here!!
Joy, You have such a memorable name! I am going to visit you if you have a blog. I don't want to make that assumption though as some don't and I understand that! Thanks so much for caring enough to stop by. You've blessed me with your presence. Praying God's best for you all!
@ Amber, I hope your weekend with family is such a blessing! Thanks for stopping by to encourage everyone.
@ Joy, you are in for a treat. Since I know you love Julie's books, I daresay I think you will love Laura's, too. I've only read Courting Morrow Little, but I look forward to reading The Frontiersman's Daughter.
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