CHILDREN'S AUTHOR INTERVIEW
As a former homeschool mom and now empty nester, Thomas knows the value of reading together with your kids.
"Honestly, reading books to my (now adult) children are the fondest of memories for me," Thomas said. "And I know every single moment was time well spent."
Thomas is the author of the middle grade book, The Candle Maker.
Let's dive into our interview with Laura to learn more about her and her writing.
1) Which children's book has most impacted you? Why?
For my eleventh birthday, one of my aunts bought me a large illustrated children’s edition of the classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I was already an absolute bookworm, but there was something enchanting and compelling about this book, and I reread it over and over again. I found myself entering into the story as if I were one of the four sisters (I am, in fact, one of four sisters!) and was drawn to each of the characters for different reasons. I experienced a roller-coaster of emotions as events unfolded and I championed Jo March as she forged ahead with her dream to be an author. I like to think of Jo as being one of the catalysts that sparked my own writing dream…When I am asked today about my all-time favorite book, it’s still Little Women. And sitting on my bookshelves amongst numerous other beautiful editions is my original dog-eared, well-loved copy from my eleventh birthday.
2) What do you love about writing for kids?
Books were my comfort and delight as a child, and my writing journey (long story short) is that I buried my author dream for a full twenty-five years. When my husband finally unearthed said dream, I desperately wanted to write for kids. Be a picture book author. Bring that same comfort and delight I experienced as a child.
I started out with published children’s stories in magazines and that morphed into writing Christian teen fiction—my first published book. Since then, I have had nine books published in several genres (including The Candle Maker featured in this interview), but I still hold the dream of having a picture book traditionally published one day…
3) What is it about fiction that most sparks your interest?
I’m an avid fiction reader—I always have been. There’s something about the melding of story and characters and setting that intrigues and compels me to fully immerse myself in a good novel. It’s comforting and restful and creative…the very act of reading fiction requires us to use our imaginations! That applies to children’s books, too—once they are old enough, fiction allows them to conjure characters in their minds from words on a page, and they get to follow alongside, learning and growing and storing away nuggets they will remember for years to come. My website tagline is that I write “heartwarming encouragement for your soul”—and it’s my desire to provide hope-filled stories for all my readers in every genre.
4) What do you hope readers take away from The Candle Maker?
The Candle Maker is a short novel but I believe it packs a punch with its mystery, history, and theme of facing fears. Set in Victorian England, middle-grade readers follow Benjamin as he discovers the truth about the fabled old candle maker in his village, and what he learns along the way about rumors, bullying, kindness—and an English bulldog! I also provide free worksheets on my website for some extra fun takeaways (it’s the old homeschool mom in me!) and hope readers will be encouraged to always dig for the truth in their own lives.
5) In addition to being a children's author, you also write Christian teen fiction and Christian romance. Of the 10 books you've written, which project has been your favorite? Why?
Ugh! That’s a great question but also like asking me to pick my favorite child! I like to think there’s a little piece of me woven into each of my books; my dreams, loves, fascinations, fears, and faith.
Each project has stretched me and I continue to learn so much as I write every single one. Tears to Dancing, from my teen fiction trilogy, will always be special as it was my first book accepted by a publisher, and marked the beginning of a writing journey that would eventually take me on a path toward having romantic suspense novels published.
I’m currently writing my fifth romantic suspense—and because I need to give it a great deal of attention, perhaps I feel obliged to call my work-in-progress a “favorite” at any given time!
6) What is one children's book you recommend all parents should read with their child? Why?
This story of friendship doesn’t shy away from tough topics, but they are presented in such a beautiful way that a child will hopefully feel comfortable to discuss any worries or concerns with a parent.
Be sure to keep an eye out for more author interviews! Swing by my blog on April 9th to meet the next author in this series.
Also, mark your calendar to catch the third post in the Reaching the Lost family prayer guide series on frontiers people next week on March 19th!
LAURA THOMAS is a published Christian author and writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her romantic suspense novels, teen fiction, marriage, and children’s books. Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they live in Kelowna, British Columbia, as audacious empty-nesters.
Laura's middle grade book:
