Tamera Alexander is the USA Today bestselling author of
Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek
Chronicles historical series. Her second historical series, Timber Ridge Reflections
(From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart) continue her
signature style of deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and
poignant prose which has earned her devoted readers worldwide—and multiple
industry awards.
Her critically-acclaimed
Southern Mansion novels—the Belmont Mansion series, the Belle Meade Plantation
series, and The Carnton Novels—are continuing that beloved tradition.
Her books have been honored
with four Christy Awards for Excellence in Christian Fiction (she's an
eleven-time finalist) and have twice earned the distinction of the RITA Award
for Best Inspirational Romance (Tamera is a six-time finalist).
Her novels have won two
Carol Awards, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill Award, the
HOLT Medallion, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the National Reader's Choice
Award, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction, among others. Tamera's
books have been translated into Dutch, German, Polish, Romanian, Slovakian, and
Portuguese.
Tamera lives with her
husband in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve
as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels.
Website
For more about Tamera's
books, visit www.TameraAlexander.com
https://www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander
https://www.amazon.com/Tamera-Alexander/e/B001H6NKXK
Author Q & A
Tell me about yourself.
What got you started writing?
I first considered writing
a novel in 1999. But I need to go back a bit farther to really get to the “seed” of where all this started for me. In 1995, my
mother-in-law, Claudette Harris Alexander, shared a book with me, one she
thought I would really enjoy. I was busy and let time go by without reading it.
She asked me again if I’d read it. Several times. I said no, but that I
would. The best-laid plans, as they say.
Very unexpectedly,
Claudette died that same year from a brain aneurysm. Weeks passed, and as I was
cleaning bookshelves downstairs, I happened across that little volume and
immediately sat down and read it. Claudette was right!
I felt an immediate
connection with the thread of hope woven through that gentle love story—Love
Comes Softly, by Janette Oke, originally published by Bethany House
Publishers in 1979. That sent me searching for more inspirational fiction
published not only by Bethany House but elsewhere in the Christian Booksellers
Association market (CBA). I devoured it and developed a strong interest in historical fiction.
A handful of years later my husband and I were
driving back to Colorado from Texas late one night. I finished a novel, turned
to him, and said (only joking at the time), “I think I could write one of those.” Without blinking, he
said, “Well, do it.” Competitive at heart, I
nodded and said, “Okay!”
My first novel made it to
the review board at Bethany House Publishers in 2000, after which I received a
very nice rejection letter. Writing that first story was a learning experience
for me that I took to heart. I then determined to set about seriously studying
the craft of writing. And all these years later, I’ve just published my 17th
novel.
How did you come up with
your book idea? What inspired you?
Ideas for my novels
typically stem from a question I’m wrestling with, a spiritual struggle
perhaps—and real history. Real history is always involved. All of that is true
for Colors of Truth.
The theme of truth runs
throughout this story. And also lies. Lies told to us. Lies we tell ourselves.
Lies we tell others. We live in a time when integrity and truth seem hard to
come by. God met me on the pages of Colors of Truth and drew me closer
to him through the characters’
struggles. I hope readers
experience the same.
What was the most difficult
part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?
I wrote this book during
the last year of my father’s life here on earth. Dad had a ten-year journey
with dementia and passed in August 2019. So much of what we experienced
together, of what dad (and also my Heavenly Father) taught me during those last
days, weeks, and months made it onto the pages of Colors of Truth.
The never-failing love of
both my earthly father and Heavenly Father got me through.
Who is your favorite
character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?
I love them all yet feel a
special closeness to Wade and Catriona because I wrote the story in their POV.
But I have to say that Tempy’s character first captured my heart when I wrote Christmas
at Carnton (a Carnton novella) and With This Pledge (Carnton
book 1). Tempy’s character is based on the real African American woman who
served as the cook at Carnton for the McGavock family for the majority of her
life.
I also love Nora’s character.
I’ve always wanted to write a story with sisters, and that Catriona and Nora
are Irish made writing it especially enjoyable. I’m currently writing the third
and final Carnton novel which will release Summer 2021, and the heroine? Nora,
all grown up!
Do your characters (or
message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda?
Oh gracious yes. I’m often
surprised when something happens in the story I’m writing. My husband always
shakes his head (when I tell him this) and counters, "But you’re the author.
You know what’s coming!" But as I tell him, these characters are
"living, breathing people" who just happen to live inside me. They
have minds of their own.
As far as the message of
the novel, I rarely know that until I’m well into writing the book. Sometimes
not until the first draft is completely written. Then in the rewrite, I go back and
strengthen the story and character motivations in that regard.
How has writing this book
impacted you personally?
God met me at so many turns
in this story. But the ultimate truth that he engraved on my heart as I wrote Colors
of Truth is to tell the truth. No matter the cost. Always. That means
telling the truth to myself, to others, and to him. Because he IS truth.
How many books do you
currently have published? What genres?
Seventeen. All historical
fiction/romance. Seven written against the backdrop of Colorado history, ten
written about real Southern history. The ten Southern novels are set against
the authentic history of three antebellum mansions in Nashville—Carnton, Belle
Meade, and Belmont—and the people who lived and worked there.
What is your favorite thing
about writing? Your least favorite?
Favorite thing? Readers.
Hands down.
Second favorite thing?
Having written.
Least favorite thing?
Writing the first draft. I’m a writer who lives for rewrites!
What authors in your genre
inspire you most?
There are so many authors I
read who inspire me, who I learn from, that I hesitate to name a handful and
leave others out. But I’m grateful for each one! I will say that I’m especially
excited about a favorite novel Redeeming Love (by Francine Rivers)
coming to the big screen in 2021. Wish we could do a massive "girls night
out" and all go see that together!
What would you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she
has enough talent?
Every "no" along
the way is really part of God’s final "Yes!" when his perfect timing
is reached. Never. Give. Up. Keep honing your skills and seeking his will.
In a town battered and bruised by war, one woman
embarks upon an impossible search--and one man must face the past in the very
place that almost destroyed him.
Tennessee, 1866. According to the last letter Irish
immigrant Catriona O'Toole received from her twin brother, Ryan, he was being
dispatched to Franklin, Tennessee, whereas a conscripted Confederate
soldier--he likely endured the bloody Battle of Franklin that claimed the lives
of thousands. Catriona leaves behind the lush green of their Irish homeland in
search of him, with nothing to her name except the sum of cash Ryan, sent to
their family. Now the sole provider for her seven-year-old spitfire sister,
Nora, Catriona hopes to reunite the siblings--the only surviving members of
their devastated family.
Wade Cunningham is a former Federal soldier who now
works for the newly formed United States Secret Service and is trying to
uncover counterfeiting rings in the postwar South. In order to infiltrate their
sophisticated enterprise, he must pose as a former Confederate in Franklin--a
town where counterfeit greenbacks run rampant. When Wade meets Catriona, he is
immediately intrigued by her and the little redheaded scamp in her care--but
what he doesn't anticipate is that the cash in Catriona's possession is some of
the most convincing counterfeit money he's ever seen. Soon the object of Wade's
affection is also the suspect in a major crime--one he's expected to prosecute.
With rich historical detail and multifaceted prose,
USA TODAY bestselling author Tamera Alexander tells a riveting tale of truth,
betrayal, and unlikely romance that unveils the many shades of God's perfect
redemption.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Truth-Carnton-Tamera-Alexander-ebook/dp/B08HM93TLD
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/colors-of-truth-tamera-alexander/1134978519?ean=2940162933908
The Carnton novels are standalone novels, meaning
they are part of a series but can be enjoyed individually.
Christmas at Carnton, a novella
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072J2KRZR
With This Pledge, Book 1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BB4MSG2
