Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Francie Farmer is the pen name that my husband, David, and I use. We are David and Laura Kaiser. We have written four children’s books as of this date and are currently working on more. Our books deal with real life on a farm — something that David was raised with, and I learned to love after we were married.
Our daughter was raised with horses and cows and chickens and pigs and barn cats and farm dogs. It is a wonderful life, and our family feels privileged that we could raise our family on the farm. We love to share our experiences with children so they can see the magical place that is a farm.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book is entitled, DAVID OF THE BEES GATHERS HONEY. We are currently working on the artwork for this book. My husband kept bees for many years — since he was 13 years old — and he wanted others to see that bees are clever, amazing critters that we don’t need to fear!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I was educated as an English teacher, if you count that as an unusual writing habit! My husband is the “big picture” guy, so he develops ideas and I typically correct the grammar 😉
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Many years ago I heard an interview that the author, Harper Lee, gave, and she was asked, “Were you trying to make a statement about the relations between black and white people?” She answered, “No! I was telling a love story.”
Her answer inspired me to read the book with fresh eyes, and it’s true. There are actually many love stories found in the book — as well as the fun and youthful logic of a story told by a six year old (that actually still make me laugh out loud!)
What are you working on now?
We are working on our first chapter book, a compilation of stories that are more complicated than a children’s picture book could handle. For example, we are working on a chapter about the day we found that a mink had killed a dozen hens one winter morning, and the experience of our daughter buying her first pony at the sale barn when she was about 7.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
LinkedIn.com has been great because there are multiple parents as well as teachers who are looking for fun but realistic information for kids about what life is like on a farm.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to put your thoughts down in writing! You will probably cut out lots of text and add more — many times — before you are happy with the finished manuscript 😉
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up! And do what you love, then you’ll always have joy 🙂
What are you reading now?
BLIND YOUR PONIES by Stanley Gordon West.
What’s next for you as a writer?
We want to finish the chapter book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Harper Lee)
A PIRATE LOOKS AT 50 (Jimmy Buffett)
THE LONE STAR RANGER (Zane Grey)
Author Websites and Profiles
Francie Farmer Amazon Profile