Bio: Award winning author and Mt Zion Ridge Publisher Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. Forks in the Road, Lost in the Storm, and Red Sky Over America, Alice’s Notions, and Resurrection of Hope are among her published works. She also designs book covers, and hosts Themed Facebook parties and book launches. In her spare time, she loves to watch classic movies, drink quality teas, and ride on roller coasters, but not while drinking tea.
Tamera been married for a very long time to the love of her
life, Rick, and has two married adult children and four adorable and smart
grandchildren. She was a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is now the
leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other
children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant
and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum
including Building Foundations. She is a recipient of the 2007 National
Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in
children’s ministry.
You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have
four other authors. Who would they be and why? I have gleaned a lot for my
writing from Steven James and James L. Rubart, so I would choose them. I would
also enjoy writing with Susan May Warren because I know I would learn a lot. Michelle
Levigne has been my business partner for four years now. She’s a lot of fun and
very knowledgeable, so I’d definitely include her.
Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about
that. My speaking ministry is Revival Fire for Kids. I teach children’s
pastors how to have an effective children’s ministry and how to lead children
into the presence of God. I also write Building Pentecostal Foundations Children’s
Church Curriculum, do children’s revivals, and have an Ignite Kidmin Podcast.
At one period in my writing life, I wrote children’s
curriculum for two years for several age levels and included all the take-home papers
as well. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how
did you handle it? When I was 15 years old, I took dance lessons. I was
doing a tap dance for the performance review and the strap on my costume broke.
I kept going on with the dance while holding my costume up with one of my
hands.
People are always telling me that they’d like to write a
book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who
came up to you and said that? Spend a lot of time writing and learning the
craft, but don’t expect to publish the first thing you write. Also, read a lot
of books in the genre you write.
Tell us about the featured book. The Seasoning of
Elizabella: A Jamestown Bride Story
Miles fled to Jamestown with his family to escape the shame
from their father's actions. Tragedy has tested his faith, including the loss
of his wife and newborn son. His grief makes him more determined than ever to
keep his one remaining brother from following in their father's footsteps.
Will God heal their pain? How can their love grow when
Elizabella desires nothing more than to return to London, and Miles desires
nothing more than to remain in Jamestown?
Please give us the first page of the book.
London, England
November 1619
Elizabella Clark gave her sister the fiercest look she could
conjure. “Why didn’t you inform me about this earlier?”
“Because I knew you would try to stop me.” Honesty didn’t
even offer a glance as she escorted the burly cart driver to where her trunk sat
in front of the large loom in the center of the room.
“You speak truly.” Elizabella shivered, but ’twas nothing to
do with the cold. The main room used as their seamstress shop contained a fire
blazing so exceedingly well, she sometimes longed to open a window, no matter
how frigid the outside air.
She glanced at the nearest wall where unused bolts of satin,
silk, and embroidered linen cloth she’d ordered from a costly weaver lined the
shelves. When she first opened the shop, Honesty and she had spent more time
weaving than sewing to make ends meet. Tightly woven cloth sheets and blankets
went for a fine price, and she’d learned to make short work of them. Now, they
had more sewing jobs than they could handle, and the loom often sat idle.
Her stomach knotted into a tight ball. Without Honesty by
her side, how could she hope to fill all the orders in a timely fashion?
Two rocking chairs sat empty in front of the hearth, a sewing
basket beside each chair. They’d been hired to sew at least a half dozen gowns
for the royal ball, and only one was finished. They should have been laboring
over the dresses instead of wasting time on this folly. If only her sister
would listen to reason.
“I can’t stay.” Honesty’s voice cracked. “After my
heartbreak with Sir Robert, it would be too painful. Come with me.”
“Nay, I could never leave our home.” Elizabella turned so
her sister wouldn’t see her watery eyes. “Wounds heal. You’ll see. You’re so
young, barely old enough to wed at fifteen. Once word is out that you no longer
have a suitor, gentlemen and tradesmen will flock around here like pigeons at
the marketplace. Time enough to acquire a husband more suited to your station.”
“My station. I tire of hearing I’m not worthy of the mighty
Weathersby family.” A tear rolled down Honesty’s cheek, and she swiped at it.
The carter leaned under the weight of the trunk, seemingly
unsure of what to do.
“Fiddlesticks. They’re not good enough for you.” Elizabella
desired nothing more than to give the eldest son of Lord Weathersby a scolding
he’d never forget.
Asking for Honesty’s hand in marriage, then retracting the
offer when his father disapproved of the union, was reprehensible. If he hadn’t
been a nobleman, she would have had him arrested for breach of contract.
“Every one of them lives in leisure while doing nothing to
help those they consider their inferiors. You’re well rid of Sir Robert.”
“He isn’t that sort. He just… His parents are concerned about
our upcoming nuptials. He desires to honor them.”
“He should have upheld your honor.” A lump rose in
Elizabella’s throat. He wouldn’t defend her sister any more than her father
protected her. “He lacks the courage to be a good husband.”
Honesty dried her eyes with her pink embroidered
handkerchief made of scraps from one of the gowns she’d sewn. “All the more
reason to start a new life in a new land.” She turned to the carter and handed
him a coin. “I’ll need it delivered to the London Merchant at Saint Katherine’s
Wharf.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Thank you, Tamera, for sharing the release of your book
on my blog. I love your story.
Readers,
here’s a link to the book.
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