Day Two with LeAnne Hardy

Today we join Beth Goddard as she
continues her interview with author
LeAnne Hardy. LeAnne has had several
children's books published, as well as the
historical novel, Glastonbury Tor.

How did you come to write Glastonbury Tor?

Glastonbury, Somerset is the legendary Avalon of the Arthurian tales. Knowing my love for all things associated with ‘the Matter of Britain’ as the related story cycles are called, my husband suggested we visit while we were in England. But it was the dramatic ending of the monastery under Henry VIII, rather than the Arthurian material, that caught my attention as we made our way through the museum. There had to be a story to go with that!

‘Tor’ is an ancient Celtic word for hill. The tor at Glastonbury, pictured on the cover, is the dominant physical feature of the whole Vale of Avalon. The more I researched the setting, the more exciting legends and mythic associations I found. Believe me, I left a lot out!



What is the message you hope to get across in the story?

I needed a character who was strongly motivated to stay at the monastery until the bitter end, even though any young person at the time would be able to see there was little future in it. Colin’s bitterness against his demanding and abusive father seemed like a good motive. Gradually, the whole theme of forgiveness came into focus—not only Colin’s need to forgive, but also his need to be forgiven. Plenty of other characters in the book are called upon to forgive as well, and it is Colin’s experience receiving forgiveness that sets him free to give it. But the overwhelming message I want to get across is the power and glory of our great God who forgives and makes it possible for us to forgive—that King greater than Arthur that I fell in love with as a teen. After being a Christian center for fifteen hundred years, Glastonbury, today, is overrun with New Age theology. Horoscopes are routinely included with your B&B. The last time I was there we had to step around the crystals on the Tor. I would love to claim it back for Jesus Christ.


Of your books, which is your favorite?

That’s like asking which of my children I like best. They are all different, and I feel passionately about all of them.

What are your future writing plans?

A couple churches in the U.S. are using Beads and Braids to raise consciousness of HIV among their members. I have several other stories ready to go, but the people most affected by HIV are not book buyers, so it’s hard to get commercial publishers interested, especially in the more faith-based stories. I am looking into the possibility of getting a grant to subsidize illustrations and publication of other books with a small local publisher. Then there is my new novel, Keeping Secrets, that I want to finish.

Will there be a sequel to Glastonbury Tor?

Many people have asked. One person wrote to remind me of all the dramatic potential of church history under Henry’s children, Edward VI and Mary Tudor, known as Bloody Mary for her persecution of Protestants. I am researching and making notes for a trilogy.


What tips do you have to share with the aspiring writers out there on writing in general?

Write, write, write. Study, study, study. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. (Did I mention the need to be obsessive-compulsive?) And find yourself a good critique group that will help you to hone your craft.

Any marketing tips?

Any public speaking you do will sell books. Take advantage of opportunities like Beth Goddard’s web-interviews. I have my own website now through the Author’s Guild and a blog. I don’t know how much they have generated in sales, but I’m hoping the discussion questions and pictures of modern Glastonbury on the website will interest book clubs and that the blog will garner prayer for the children of Africa.

Thank you, LeAnne and Beth, for that wonderful
interview! We appreciate the time you've taken to share
about LeAnne's writing and publishing journey with
Favorite PASTimes.

Readers, please leave a comment for
your chance to win a copy of Glastonbury Tor.
And don't forget to come back on Thursday for a review
of the same title.