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 a quick synopsis of your book?
Eleanor Winstead, daughter of a respected US Senator, has lost nearly everything but her pride. Thomas Nicolay, a Czech undergardener at the Belmont Mansion - or so Eleanor believes - is a man determined to accomplish what he came to America to do. But if he does, Eleanor could lose not just her future, but 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 Kindle, Nook, iBook, and CBD.com.

Check out author Sibella Giorello's Next Big Thing

Check out author Kristin Billerbeck's Next Big Thing

And Rachel Hauck's...

And Dandi MacKall's...

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!

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, and you can also see what trouble Kelsey and I got into in Paris on my FP Page as well.