Monday, November 05, 2012

TO WHISPER HER NAME - Tamera Alexander - One Free Book


From her debut novel on, I have loved Tamera's books. Welcome, Tamera. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Growing up in Atlanta and visiting antebellum mansions, I developed an early appreciation for the post-bellum era of our nation’s history. Through the years, that appreciation matured into a deeper love and respect for the people and events of that time. While the stories in the Belle Meade Plantation series are largely fiction, certain threads of each story (the people, events, and settings) are straight from the pages of history.

When I stepped foot on Belle Meade and learned about the people, the history… I knew I wanted to write books with Belle Meade as a setting.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Oh gracious, only six?! You didn’t say whether living or deceased so I’m going to give the question “scope.” Isn’t that what writers are supposed to do anyway?

I’d love to have conversation time with Frank Peretti, Calvin Miller, Catherine Marshall, to name three. I’ve been so incredibly blessed by their words. Then I’d have to say three of my closest writing buddies…Robin Lee Hatcher, Sunni Jeffers and Deborah Raney, who are all currently (as I write this) sitting on my screened-in deck (they’re here for a mini writing retreat this week). Love these women (and their writing) dearly.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Francine Rivers. Love her work. Really admire her faith. Lynn Austin. What a fabulous lady. Julie Klassen. I was actually just with her (and Lynn Austin) two weeks ago speaking at a Book Festival, such fun!!). Sandra Dallas (author of True Sisters, which I’m reading and really enjoying. Love Sandra’s writing and voice. Julie Quinn is another author whose work I really enjoy, plus she seems like a fun personality. And last but not least (I’d let her sit at the head of the table), would be Judith Miller. A wonderful writer and an absolute treasure of a woman.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
Accepting and embracing the truth that every book gets exponentially harder. You’d think the opposite would be true but it’s not. You always want to give your best, and you want to make “your best” better than it was before. Writing well takes a team, and I feel incredibly blessed to have a fabulous writing team that encourages me, challenges me, keeps me accountable. And above all, prays me home on these writing journeys.

Tell us about the featured book.
To Whisper Her Name is the first in the three-book Belle Meade Plantation series, and it released October 23. After writing numerous novels set in the Colorado Territory, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to write Southern historicals. I'm a daughter of the South, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, so the stories in the Belle Meade Plantation series––the people, history, events, and settings––are extra special to me. The three novels in the Belle Meade Plantation series will be stand-alones, meaning that while the stories are loosely woven together, each is a complete story in itself and the books can be read independent of each other.

And a hint for readers… You might just catch a glimpse of someone from the Belmont books in the Belle Meade books (or visa versa), as well as glimpse a character from a past novel of mine in To Whisper Her Name.

Please give us the first page of the book.
I’ll do better than that. I’ll give you the first three chapters!
http://media.zondervan.com/media/samples/pdf/9780310291060_samptxt.pdf

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I enjoy keeping in touch with my readers and connecting with them. We can do that through my website, Twitter, Facebook, and blog. I also host monthly giveaways on my website as my way of saying thanks!

Connect with Tamera here:
www.tameraalexander.com
www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/tameraalexander
www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander
http://pinterest.com/tameraauthor
Watch video vignettes filmed on location at Belle Meade:
http://www.tameraalexander.com/bellemeadeplantationnovels.html

Thank you, Tamera, for sharing this story with us. I just love your cover.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
To Whisper Her Name (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel) - paperback
To Whisper Her Name (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

42 comments:

writingsofrosie said...

I was born a southerner too! :-)

Rosie from OH

pol said...

So glad to open the blog today and see Tamera Alexander one of the authors I love to read, I live near Savannah Ga and there are many large homes of the by-gone era around this area. I am anxious to read this story.

Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a Ga fan

rubynreba said...

To Whisper Her Name looks like a very good book! Please enter me.
Beth from Iowa

Anonymous said...

I cannot wait to read Tamera's new book!!
Amy C
VA

monica said...

I've yet to read a book of Tamera's. I've heard she's a great author.

Monica, Ontario

Patty said...

Like you Lena I have been a fan of Tamera's since her first book I think! In fact I have recently loaned copies of three of her books to a neighbor. Would love to add her newest to my collection.

Patty in SC

Connie R. said...

Love to read and meet new favorite authors! I live in Maine.

Anonymous said...

It would be awesome to win another great Christian read....in central Minnesota! ( Good time of the year to cuddle with a book!)

bonnie said...

Would love to read your book!

bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

i would love to read Tamera's novel. Thanks for a great interview and awesome giveaway, Lena and Tamera.

marianne from northern Alberta

mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

www.reviewingnovelsonline.blogspot.ca

Hannah said...

Please enter me :) I would love to win!
Hannah from CA

Sparks of Ember said...

I've been thinking this sounds like a neat book. Apparently my great=grandmother was a southern belle from Anderson, SC. It'd be fun to read about her era.

Lyndie Blevins said...

Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx 75116

Deenie said...

I would love to read this series! Thanks for the opportunity!

Anonymous said...

I love stories set in the south!
Dorie
Upstate NY in Cicero

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to read this book!!

Leauphaun from BC

Breanna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ASC Book Reviews said...

Oh Yes please!!!

Tamara's life story had touched me so deeply I would LOVE to win and read this book!

Amada Chavez, NM

Jasmine A. said...

Many of my ancestors came from the south and quite a few relatives have moved back there....
Jasmine from Northwest Montana

Cathy said...

Can't wait to read these books in this series! Would love to win 'To Whisper Her Name'

Thanks!

Cathy from BC Canada

RED~Scribe said...

So great that there's another chance to win this book!

Eldra from BC

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sounds like a wonderful book, thank you for hosting this giveaway.

Wendy from FL

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Ronnell Kay Gibson said...

Ronnell from Wisconsin. Love the questions like "what authors would you like to hang with." Many of my favorites too.

Katie said...

Looks great! I'm from the south as well so I'm looking forward to this one! I'm from NC.

Katie G.

sharon m. said...

Your books are fantastic. You are one of my favorite authors. You weave a great tale with the history around it to make it real.
wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
sharon m.
san diego, ca

Mary Preston said...

I can see that I am just going to have to read all of the books from the Belle Meade Plantation series. Just wonderful!!

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

spangldlady said...

Love to win this one. Tamara's work is awe-inspiring. Blessings! Darlene
spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Ladette said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ladette said...

What a beautiful cover!! Love that dress!


Would love to win!!

ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com

in GA

Patsy said...

Would love to read this book. Love the cover!

From South Mississippi

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

sharon m. said...

San Diego, CA
Love all your books; Haven't read this one and sure want to.
sharon

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story

karenk
from pa
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Kandra said...

Count me in!
kandra from TN
kandrajane at bellsouth dot net

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

A J Hawke said...

Tamera,
I agree that there is just something about those gracious old homes that cries out that there has to be a story here.
Looking forward to reading TO WHISPER HER NAME.
A J Hawke from Texas

Diana Gardner said...

Would love to win this book! Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Portsmouth, VA

Tamera Alexander said...

Thanks, friends, for making me feel so welcome and at home here! And for the wonderful comments. I appreciate you reading and taking these journeys with me. The connections we share is one of the greatest blessings of writing.

Hope you enjoy To Whisper Her Name! If you live in or around the Nashville area, I'd love to see you this Saturday (Nov 10) at Belle Meade Plantation (1-3PM) for the launch booksigning for To Whisper Her Name. Details here:
http://www.facebook.com/events/265887883487665/


Thanks, Lena, for hosting me! You're the best!

Merry said...

I love Tamera's books and would love a chance to win To Whisper Her Name.
Merry in TX

Jes said...

Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway! Love the book cover!

Jes
jswaks at gmail dot com

Sharon Moore said...

Hope it is not too late to enter. I love your books Tamara! "Rekindled" was the first book I read and I think it is still my favorite. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your newest book.
Sharon from Eagan MN

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