Stephanie Landsem: Illuminating History Through Fiction

Everyone's Story welcomes debut author Stephanie Landsem. Ever wonder what it would be like to slip back into the past and live one day out of thousands of years when people did not enjoy the benefits of contemporary life with our medicine, space travels, communication, and, fortunately in many countries, enjoy the right to worship? When I met Stephanie Landsem I knew I had to feature a guest who can guide us down a street from the Biblical-historic era. Visit with Stephanie this week and see how she got her start in writing. She's offering a great Giveaway of her debut novel, THE WELL (see below). Both Stephanie and I are looking forward to your comments and visiting with you.

Book Giveaway:
Stephanie is offering to one randomly chosen commenter a printed edition of THE WELL. The winner will be announced here on Friday, September 6th, between 4-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks! 

The Power Of Story by Stephanie Landsem

Since The Well was released in June, I’ve had the chance to talk to many readers and there are two questions I get the most: How did you start writing and why historical fiction? My website says “Illuminating history through fiction” but that’s just the end of the story. The beginning was another matter.

From my earliest days, I loved history and daydreamed of far-off times and places. And I loved fiction: historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries . . . anything I could get my hands on. Still, I was a pragmatist—practical, sensible—writing stories as a career was nothing more than a flight of fancy.

So I went to college ready for hours in the lab as a biology major. Instead, something happened halfway through my freshman year . . . I took my first college level history course. Pragmatism flew out the window and I spent the next four years studying ancient Greece, imperial Russia, and medieval Europe. Unfortunately—and just as I’d suspected— there weren’t paying jobs for people who could write a thesis on the differences between Spartans and Athenians.

As twenty years passed, I exchanged research papers for marketing, and marketing for the joys of motherhood. Four children, volunteering, carpooling, and answering the inevitable what’s-for-dinner had filled my days for so long that when my youngest daughter entered school, I wasn’t sure what to do.

“What would you do if you could do anything?” my oldest daughter asked me one day.

Anything? I had to think about that. My answer came harder than I expected, perhaps because it had been buried for so long—percolating in the back of my mind as I’d changed diapers and read bedtime stories. “I guess I’d write historical fiction.”

“Then why aren’t you doing it?” she asked, with all the confidence of a twelve year old who still thought her mother could do anything.

Why, indeed? Because I didn’t know where to start. Because I’d never taken a writing course in my life. Because I might not be any good.

But my daughter was right. It was time to try. And if I fell flat on my face it wouldn’t be because I didn’t’ give it everything I had. I had a story, one that had come to me one morning as I’d heard the gospel account of the Samaritan woman at the well. And so I sat down to write.

The first day, I felt like an imposter. Who did I think I was . . . Anita Diamant? Francine Rivers? I was no Biblical scholar and certainly no wordsmith. Heck, I didn’t even know what a synopsis was. But I did want to help people experience the kind of life Jesus lived—to imagine meeting the Incarnation face to face. And so I started typing.

It wasn’t easy. But with hours of research, an online thesaurus, and plenty of prayer, I finally saw a book take shape. I was so proud when I wrote ‘the end’. I couldn’t wait for someone to read it. I gave the book to my eldest girl, by that time 14, and paced the floor, waiting for her verdict. It came, quick and brutal.

“Mom, it’s boring.”

Argh! I knew it. I shoved the manuscript in the bottom drawer of my desk and vowed never to write again. But after I had my cry, my daughter suggested gently. “More action, less history.” And I tried again. And again. And again.

Every revision improved and refined the story and taught me something new about writing. By the time I entered The Well into the Genesis contest in 2011, I felt that I might even have a chance.

The Well went on to final in the Genesis and the contest helped me get an agent and a publishing contract for not one, but three Biblical fiction titles. Today, I’m a full-time writer of historical fiction with one book published, another on my editor’s desk, and a third in progress. (That eldest daughter is in college majoring in English, of course.)

My goal each day is simple: to transport my readers into the pages of the Bible; to bring the people, places, and cultures of the past alive through the power of story; and yes, to illuminate history through fiction.

Questions for Stephanie:
How do you slip out of the present and into the world of far ago yesterday to write your stories?

The more research I do in the time period the easier it is to completely immerse myself in the story and characters. The story just seems to flow when I can clearly picture the details of the time period. Sometimes, I'll hit a roadblock—some historical detail I don't know: A character is locked in a room, but did doors have locks? How did they work? What did the keys look like? I found out that I can't let those roadblocks slow me down. I use an @ sign to mark the place where I need to do some more research, and then dive back into the story.

What lessons have your Biblical time era characters taught you that you were surprised is still applicable to today's lifestyle?

The more I write about historical characters and enter into their lives, the more I realize that their motivations and struggles are fueled by the same needs that we have today — needs to belong, to be loved, and to find meaning in their lives and ultimately a need to find and know God.

Have you had to make any unexpected sacrifices in becoming a full-time professional author?

Well, I knew this year would be hard. I have one book out, one in production, and another to finish writing. So yes, I've had to give up any free time that I used to have. I try to still be available for my family, but even that is hard sometimes. Fortunately, I'm blessed with an understanding husband and kids. When I tell them I need to write, they are more than happy to head out the door and get dinner at their favorite restaurant!

Stephanie's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Meet Biblical-historical author Stephanie Landsem on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet This)

Everyone has a story: biology major Stephanie Landsem turns author. (Tweet This)

Daughter to mother: Why aren’t you writing a book? And, mom, Stephanie Landsem did what? (Tweet This)

Win Stephanie Landem’s #BookGiveaway of THE WELL. (Tweet This)

Author Bio:
Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

Connect with Stephanie at:

stephanielandsem.com
https://www.facebook.com/stephanielandsem
https://twitter.com/#!/stephlandsem
http://pinterest.com/slandsem/

A Note From Elaine:

In following professionals' advice, I've started an Author's Page on Facebook. I'd love for you to Like it at : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock

Thanks ♥