In this captivating interview on the Historical Bookworm Show, hosts KyLee and Darcy delve into the remarkable career of Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning and bestselling author known for her historical novels that vividly bring past eras to life.
An Author’s Dream
Lauraine Snelling began her writing journey with
Tragedy on the Toutle her first young adult novel, published in 1982. Since then, she has authored over 140 books, with more than five million copies in print. Living her lifelong dream, she has crafted novels deeply rooted in historical narratives, including her beloved
Red River series, which spans an astonishing 22 books.
Characters That Resonate
During the interview, Darcy asked Lauraine which of her historical novels she would step into for a day. Lauraine shared her deep connection with the Red River series, describing how vividly she envisions scenarios and adventures within her stories. More than historical details, her books resonate with emotional depth, captivating readers with realistic characters who embody personal and historical truths.
One particularly memorable moment was when Lauraine imagined hosting a dinner party for her characters Ingeborg, Amalia, and Hawkin. Each character, infused with elements of her life experiences and family, holds a special place in her heart, highlighting the personal connection she shares with her creations.
The Power of Writing and Community
Lauraine attributes her success to God's good will working in her life. She also discussed widowhood—a subject she has come to know deeply after personal loss—expressing gratitude for her community of readers, who engage with her on Facebook. Through her own journey with grief, Lauraine has found ways to support others, offering wisdom and empathy both in her life and her novels.
Next Steps and Future Reads
Currently working on the second book in her latest series, Lauraine and her co-writer,
Kiersti Giron, are already creatively mapping out the third and fourth installments. Her ability to adapt and find inspiration through life’s changes serves as a testament to her enduring passion for storytelling.
Stay tuned for Lauraine Snelling’s next heartwarming tale—you’re sure to be transported to another time, surrounded by characters who feel as if they’ve stepped right off the page.
About the Author
Award-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All total, she has over one hundred and forty books published with more than 4.5 million copies in print.
As a sought-after speaker,
Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers often clamor for more books, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and fragrant flowers didn’t call quite so loudly.
