Tamera Alexander's Blog, page 25

The Next "Big" Thing....

Just for fun, a bunch of authors are answering questions about our latest WIPs (works-in-progress), and here are my quick quips. Be sure to click the links at the bottom to keep hopping on to see what's next!

What is the working title of your book?It's still in the works. And it's driving me nuts!
Where did the idea come from for the book?From the history of Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN, the setting of A Lasting Impression, the first book in the Belmont Mansion novels series. Love this mansion (that still stands and is open for tours) and Nashville history.

What genre does your book fall under?
Southern Historical Romance. My first seven books are set against Colorado history. The next ten? Southern history. Lovin' it.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Let's see… Richard Armitage (most recently in The Hobbit, but sans his hobbit-like qualities, thank you very much) and Erika Christensen (from Parenthood, would love to see her in a historical role, but she'll have to darken her hair a touch. You'll make a lovely brunette, Erika. Trust me!).
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Eleanor Winstead has already lost her inheritance, now she stands to lose everything else. Thomas Nicolay, a Czech undergardener at the Belmont Mansion––or so Eleanor believes––is a man bent on achieving his dream at any price. But if he does, it could cost Eleanor her life.
Are your books self-published or represented by an agency?My books are published by Bethany House Publishers, Zondervan Publishers (Harper Collins), and Thomas Nelson. I'm represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.
How long does it take you to write the first draft of a manuscript?
About 7 - 9 months. But then comes the fun part––rewrites! That's where the story, and the characters––their goals and motivations––really take on a life of their own. It takes me about a year to write a story from start to finish. 
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
As far as genre and setting, the most popular novel in this genre would be Gone With the Wind. Except my novel takes place just after the Civil War, wasn't written by Margaret Mitchell, and isn't the best known Southern historical novel and movie of all time. Just keepin' it real...
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
A love of Nashville history, for sure. Of the Belmont Mansion. Of nature. And romance.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?My novel will reveal where McDonald's french fries originally came from. Seriously. Just you wait!  ; )

Do you have any ebooks currently on special during this season of newly gifted eReaders?
Yes, I do! My latest, To Whisper Her Name, is currently on sale for $3.79-$3.99 on
Check out author Sibella Giorello's Next Big Thing!

Check out author Kristin Billerbeck's Next Big Thing!

Load your eReader SALE...and a "?"

Did you get an eReader for Christmas this year? Are you ready to load it with bestselling books priced at $3.99 or less? Then check out the 70+ ebooks (including Bibles) that are on sale for $3.99 through Jan 7th)! Among them is To Whisper Her Name! 
I've purchased six books so far. Which ones are you buying? 

And tell me... I'm in the market to buy a new eReader (I currently have a 2nd generation Kindle), and am leaning toward the Paperwhite. Any of you have a Paperwhite? Pros? Cons?

Merry Christmas!

Blessings to everyone this Christmas and may you all have wonderful days with family and friends. And may 2013 be the best year yet as we walk with Christ and with one another. So glad we're on this journey together!
With Kurt and Joe on Christmas Eve
With Kurt and Kelsey, my sweet kids
Jack enjoying the warm keeping room
And Jack as "a present"
Love from Nashville,Tammy

MASSIVE GIVEAWAY!

Have you signed up for the MASSIVE GIVEAWAY LifeWay is holding ? Hop over and see sweet Rachel McRae's blog (Rachel lis LifeWay's buyer) for details ! 




The scoop from Rachel:
Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends tonight (12/19/12) at 11:59 p.m. central time.  You must be 18 years old to enter and you may only enter once.  The winner will be selected at random.  For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Rachel McRae  at One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234.


And please be sociable -- Use the links below to SHARE on FaceBook and to tweet this blog post. 

After the storm

Do you snap pictures when you go for walks? I do. I love snapping pictures with my phone. I rarely use a "real" camera anymore. My phone captures pretty decent images and since I'm a novice at photography anyway, that suits me just fine.
Here are some pictures I took while on walks with Jack over the past few days...






Finally, here's one from last evening. I took it after a storm...

It thundered and lightninged like nobody's business yesterday afternoon, but then the skies began to clear off. And as I was walking, talking to my dad on the phone while Jack was stopping every two seconds to mark every blade of grass (!!), I stopped and took this picture. It so exemplifies my own mixture of feelings since last Friday morning.
I have no personal connection to the people of Newtown, Connecticut. Yet I feel a very close and personal connection to them. Like you do, I'm sure. Their tragic loss has touched us all, and our nation will never be the same. At least I pray we won't be. I pray we'll be a nation more focused on the Creator. 
The One who, as Jeremiah 51:16 states, "when he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses." 
Our great God can bring good from the most horrible situations. And he knows what it's like to lose a child, so he can comfort these families––as he comforts us––with peace that passes human understanding. Like the calm after a storm. Thank you, Lord!
And now, a quick question…
A couple of weeks ago on Writes of Passage I asked what everyone's "shutter love" was. Many of you answered doors and pathway pics. I love those too. But tell me, what's the LAST PICTURE YOU TOOK WITH YOUR PHONE (or camera)? And no cheating.  Just look on there and tell me. Here's mine. : )
Jack, "plumb dry" from his walk
Much love friends, and when you see a teacher…hug them!

Getting (or giving) an eReader this year?

If you're getting (or giving) an eReader for Christmas this year, check out all the ebooks that are going to be on sale for $3.99 starting TUESDAY, December 18th (running through Jan 7th)! Among them (I'm thrilled to be included) is To Whisper Her Name! Happy shopping, friends!
I've already got at least six books earmarked to buy. Which ones are you buying? 

NOV giveaway winners posted, DEC giveaway announced!

November winners of The Inheritance are posted on my website... 

And the December giveaway for From a Distance is up! 

Have a great weekend!

A Lasting Impression $2.99 Kindle ebook

Hey friends, a quick note on this gorgeous Wednesday in Nashville to let you know that A Lasting Impression ebook for Kindle is currently on sale for $2.99. This is a sale in conjunction with Amazon, therefore it's only for the Kindle. Sorry Nookers and iBookers.

Have you read A Lasting Impression yet? If not, here's a quick taste.

Also, many of you have asked if the girl on the cover is my daughter, Kelsey. Alas, it's not. But it sure does look a lot like her. What do you think?

My sweet (and sometimes snarky) daughter Kelsey
I would have loved for her to have been on this first Belmont Mansion book (since she was a Belmont University student) but it didn't work out. I've already discussed with my publisher about having her on a future cover though. So look out! 
Now out the door to walk off some of the delicious food that Kelsey and I enjoyed in The Netherlands last week. Including the oliebollen. Don't know what oliebollen is? Here you go! Wish I could have shared it with you. Then again...  : - ) It's so good!
Have you ever tried oliebollen? Or been to The Netherlands? Or have you read A Lasting Impression yet? I'd love to hear from you. 
And as a surprise "thank you" for visiting my blog, leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of To Whisper Her Name, my latest release, and the first of three Belle Meade Plantation novels. I'll draw one winner for a signed copy of To Whisper Her Name on this Friday (Dec 7th) at 7PM (Central) and post the winner here on Saturday. Blessings, friends!

Paris and The Netherlands

We're back from Paris and The Netherlands, and Kelsey and I had a marvelous time! Meeting readers was a real blessing, and getting to know my Dutch publishing house better was too. 

Here are some glimpses from last Wednesday when we were in Franeker, the beautiful and charming town where my publisher is located. A special thank you to my daughter, Kelsey, who took so many of the pictures throughout the week. We have 1100+ pictures between us! She has a great eye for beauty and can really capture "the feel" of a place. Love and appreciate you, babe!









I love doors, and so does Kelsey. She took these door pics. Aren't they pretty! Get ready, I'm posting more on my FB Page this week.
With Dingeman van Wijnen and Albert De Vos from www.UITGEVERIJVANWIJNEN.NL (my Dutch publisher), the two gentlemen responsible for my books being in Dutch. My books are on the shelf behind us in their office. And if you think the books are long in English, oh gracious… The Dutch edition of A Lasting Impression could be registered as a weapon (per Kelsey). ; )

I love "path pictures" too. Do you?



With Gea Iedema from the publisher. We've been FB friends for a long time. So great to finally meet in person. Appreciate you, Gea!



We visited the world's oldest planetarium, and let me tell you… It was amazing!More info on the Eisinga Planetarium
Snapped these two pics on the way home. Lovely end to an especially lovely day.



We had such a lovely visit. I'm so grateful to my Dutch publisher for inviting me to come. I posted more pics on Writes of Passage today, an d you can also see what trouble Kelsey and I got into in Paris on my FP Page as well. 

5 chances to win To Whisper Her Name

Win Books Weekly is hosting a giveaway for five copies of To Whisper Her Name.