Stephanie Landsem
Author Interview - Stephanie Landsem
Author of The Fault Between Us
In this gripping new work of historical fiction from the award-winning author of Code Name Edelweiss, three sisters fight for their lives and for each other amid the danger of a cataclysmic earthquake that rips Yellowstone National Park asunder.
1959. Claire, Bridget, and Frannie Reilly were once as close as sisters could be. Though their mother left when they were young, their loving father raised them with everything they could want. But when Claire marries a handsome cowboy and settles out west, a thousand miles away, the sisters' strong bond begins to unravel.
Claire struggles to adjust to a life utterly unlike her upbringing, and surprising revelations about her husband's past make her wonder if she's made a terrible mistake. With a new baby and a shoestring budget, the last thing she needs is her family's interference.
Sensing something isn't right, Bridget takes a temporary nursing assignment in Yellowstone, promising her father she'll bring Claire home--with or without her husband. When Frannie, the rebellious youngest sister, is sent along in hopes it will corral her behavior, the Reilly sisters reunite on the eve of a seismic event that rips Yellowstone apart, tests their survival, and exposes the ever-widening rift in their relationship.
Based on real events of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake and inspired by true stories, The Fault Between Us is a suspenseful exploration of the bonds of sisterhood, the depths of family drama, and how hidden wounds can only heal when they're brought into the light.
Author Interview - Stephanie Landsem
Author I draw inspiration from:
Amy Harmon (What the Wind Knows), Susan Meissner (Only the Beautiful),
Author Interview - Stephanie Landsem | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
On the deck of our new home in the woods of Wisconsin, with the acorns dropping all around and the squirrels chattering on every branch.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
I’d love to spend some time with the hero and heroine of my novel, In A Far-Off Land. When I turned in the book, I really missed Mina, a would-be actress in 1930s Hollywood and her agent and love interest, Max. I’d love to talk to them about how things turned out for them, and what they learned about love, forgiveness, and mercy since I wrote “The End” to their story. Whenever anyone asks me who my favorite characters from my novels are, these two are the ones I loved the most!
Author Interview - Stephanie Landsem | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I had never really thought I’d be a writer! Then, when the youngest of my four children went into kindergarten, my oldest daughter asked me what I was going to do with my extra time. I really didn’t know. She said, “What would you do if you could do anything?” It was a good question, and I answered it before I really thought too much. “I’d write historical fiction.” She asked why didn’t I do that, then? I was hesitant. I had majored in history in college, but had never written fiction. I told her it sounded hard, and that I probably wouldn’t be any good at it. She said, “You’d never let us get away with that kind of excuse!” She was right. I gave it a try and . . . it was hard and I wasn’t any good at it. And I didn’t have a story or a character that inspired me. Then, one day I was listening to a sermon about the Biblical woman at the well, and I suddenly wanted to know more about her. Who was she? Why did Jesus stop to talk to her? And what happened to her after her encounter with Jesus? I suddenly had a story and a character! I couldn’t wait to get home and write her story. That was the moment when I knew — and that story turned into my first novel, The Well.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
Hardback is a hard no for me. Too bulky and heavy and the dust jacket is always getting torn. Paperback is easy to carry and shove in a purse or backpack, another plus is you can give it away to friends when you’re done reading! I enjoy ebooks — the price is usually good and since I read on my phone, I always have my book with me. I’m starting to listen more to audiobooks and really enjoy them when I’m walking the dog or doing housework.
The last book I read:
Katherine Center, The Love Haters. I’ve been a Katherine Center fan for a few years, now. She always comes through with a funny, heartwarming story with strong characters, clean romance, and some surprising insights on human nature, love, and life. She’s my go-to when I need a good book that will put me in a good mood.
Author Interview - Stephanie Landsem | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I’m a plotter. And for that, I use plenty of college-ruled legal pads. But when it comes to putting down the words to the story, typing is the only way to go. I can type fast, and my fingers need to be flying when the scene is clear in my head and the dialogue is snapping back and forth between characters.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
I’d love to start up a friendship with Tova, from the novel Remarkably Bright Creatures. She’s a little curmudgeonly, and quite a bit older than me, but I could imagine having some great conversations once I cracked her tough exterior. She’s seen a lot of sadness in her life and has wisdom to share. And she’s friends with an octopus named Marcellus!
Author Interview - Stephanie Landsem | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
I’ve always loved to cook and bake. If I wasn’t an author, I’d want to be the first American to crash and win the Great British Baking Show. Watch out, Paul Hollywood!
Favorite decade in fashion history:
I love the clothing and decor from the 1950s. While I was researching The Fault Between Us, I was lucky enough to find a treasure trove of photos of my mom when she and my dad were first married in 1956. They lived in Yellowstone (just like Claire and Red from the book) and didn’t have a lot of money, but she looked stunning in the shirtwaists, pedal pushers, and cute tops of the era. I wish she would have kept some of her (now) vintage clothing!
Place I’d most like to travel:
That’s a tough one. I’ve been fortunate to travel a great deal in my life. I’ve been to five continents and dozens of countries. One of my favorite trips was one I took with my family to Poland. It is a magnificent country and on the top of my list to return to someday when I have more time and more freedom to explore. Another trip at the top of my list is to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This pilgrimage walk is 500 miles, but I think I’d take the shorter version!
My signature drink:
Nothing beats a refreshing gin and tonic for me. I do have a special recipe: One shot gin, a half shot of St. Germaine Elderflower liquor, a squeeze of lime, and Fever Tree light tonic water. I like to add a garnish of basil leaves if I have some.
Favorite artist:
I am a huge fan of the painter Caravaggio. He had an crazy life and was quite a character. His use of light and darkness in his paintings and the expressions on the faces he paints never ceases to amaze me! I’ve seen his works in cities all over the world — Rome, Madrid, London, and Amsterdam are just a few places I’ve found his paintings, and there are many more I’d like to see in person.
Number one on my bucket list:
I took years of piano lessons when I was a child, but stopped when I reached my teenage years. My husband and I just became empty-nesters, so I’m planning to start playing the piano again this winter and looking forward to it. Now that we have Youtube, I don’t even have to find a piano teacher!
Anything else you'd like to add:
My newsletter is where I share my book writing news, and where readers can get a sneak peek at the first few chapters of The Fault Between Us. They can sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/99ce38d5dafb/thefaultbetweenus
Find more from the author:
https://www.facebook.com/stephanielandsem/
About Stephanie Landsem:
Stephanie Landsem
Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction for women, about women. She's traveled the world in real life and traveled through time in her research and imagination. As she's learned about women of the past, she's come to realize that these long-ago women were very much like us. They loved, dreamed, and made mistakes. They struggled, failed, and triumphed. She writes to honor their lives and to bring today's women hope and encouragement. Stephanie is the author of the Carol-award-winning novel, Code Name Edelweiss. Her newest release, The Fault Between Us, is set in 1959 Yellowstone on the eve of a cataclysmic earthquake. Stephanie makes her home in Wisconsin with her husband, three cats and a dog. Along with reading, writing, and research, she dreams about her next travel adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.
