Question 1

Where do you live?

Accepted Answer

My husband and I live near Nashville, Tennessee, within minutes of the historic plantations that have inspired my novels.

Question 2

When did you start writing?

Accepted Answer

I began my writing journey after reading Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly following an unexpected, and very difficult, death in my family. My first novel, Rekindled, was published by Bethany House in 2006.

Question 3

When did you first decide to write a novel?

Accepted Answer

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. That sent me searching for more inspirational fiction.

A few 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. I then determined to set about seriously studying the craft of writing. After a complete rewrite, that first manuscript became Thomas Nelson's first historical in their Women of Faith fiction line—The Inheritance—one of my most popular stories.

Question 4

When did you sign your first contract?

Accepted Answer

In October 2004, Bethany House offered me my first contract, a three-book deal to write historical fiction. Fountain Creek Chronicles, originally published by Bethany House Publishers, is a three-book historical series set in the Colorado Territory 1860s–1870s. Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered, which I now publish under my own press (Fountain Creek Press) are still some of my most beloved novels by readers.

Question 5

How long have you been writing?

Accepted Answer

It's hard to believe this much time has gone by, but my first book came out in 2006, so I've been writing for over 20 years. Writing novels, much less seeing them published and being read, is not something I ever thought I'd do. But I'm very grateful for this opportunity and plan to write for as long as God gives me stories.

Question 6

What did you do before you became a writer?

Accepted Answer

I worked in business in banking and overseeing monetary transfers of corporate banking accounts in Atlanta. Later, I provided support in hardware and software for managing traffic in Radio and TV stations like WTBS across the US, and also wrote customer service manuals (which really did help my writing skills!), and I coordinated corporate conferences. Though I enjoyed my business background, I'm loving what I'm doing now and discovered years ago that my background in business comes in very handy when marketing a published novel—even more so today than when I first started.

Question 7

Did you study writing in high school or college?

Accepted Answer

While I've always enjoyed writing and dabbled in it when I was younger, I never formally studied the craft of writing until later in life. I'm grateful for the education, both academic and spiritual, that I received at Greater Atlanta Christian School, and later at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. My education strengthened my belief system and core values, building on the foundation that my parents, Doug and June Gattis, had already laid in my life. I won the lottery when it came to parents! Dad and Mom are both home with Jesus now, and I so look forward to the day I'll see them again.

Question 8

What is an average workday like for you?

Accepted Answer

I get up around 5:00AM, grab coffee first thing along with my Bible, and I feast on God's Word while sipping and savoring. Next, I get ready, do breakfast, walk the dogs, then come back and get to writing. However, life is always throwing curve balls and each day is different, and writing—especially the first draft of a novel—is just flat hard. For me, anyway. There are those wonderful moments when the words flow effortlessly, but they're rare. Sometimes I'm up until the wee hours struggling to make my word count for the day. But no matter what kind of writing day I'm having, I consider myself blessed to be able to do this. And to share these stories with readers like you.

Question 9

What motivates you?

Accepted Answer

Deadlines. Reader letters. Needing to pay bills. Deadlines. Reader letters. My editor asking if the book will be delivered on time. Chocolate works too. As does coffee. Donuts work best. But really…deadlines.

Question 10

What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?

Accepted Answer

Having written! When the book is done, all revisions made, and I'm holding that first "hot off the press" copy in my hands. Oh, that's a wonderful feeling. Nothing else like it. The next best thing is typing "THE END" on a first draft. That's a tiny taste of heaven. And I love the rewrite process so I welcome that with open arms compared to the blinking cursor on an empty screen. Thanks, friend, for reading and taking these journeys with me.

Question 11

What do you do when you need to get away from it all?

Accepted Answer

I love going for walks, baking, and playing with the grands! I love reading, of course—can never get enough of that—and enjoy visiting historical landmarks, museums, antebellum homes, and cemeteries. Walking through cemeteries and browsing antique shops are definite favorites. The idea for Remembered came to me as my husband and I strolled the three-hundred-year pathways in Cemetery Montmartre in Paris, France. You never know where stories will come from!

Question 12

Do you travel much for writing?

Accepted Answer

I have traveled a lot in the past and loved every trip. We've traveled to the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, London, the Cotswolds, Colombia, and more—and I always research the history of the place and people, of course, then weave that history into my novels.

Question 13

Are there things you still want to accomplish?

Accepted Answer

It's not so much an accomplishment as a "want to." Does that still count? If yes, then I'd love to tour the castles of Europe. A dream, I know… But a fun one!

Question 14

What order should I read your books?

Accepted Answer

Each series can be read independently—even within the series itself. Every novel is a complete, standalone story with its own beginning, middle, and end. That said, if you plan to read an entire series, reading in publication order is recommended so you can enjoy the fuller character arcs and ongoing threads. Visit the Reading Order page for a complete guide with recommendations for new readers.

Question 15

Are your novels based on real history?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are. Many of my novels are set against a true historical background (meaning true to the era and customs of the time) but some, like the Southern mansion novels, are steeped in real history with real mansions, real people who lived, etc...

My novels are set at real historic sites—Carnton Plantation, Belle Meade Plantation, Belmont Mansion, and with my novel In These Hills, you can add Lynchburg, Tennessee's Jack Daniel Distillery and Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House to that list. I love incorporating real historical events and people into my stories—and keeping real history alive.

Question 16

What do you hope to leave with readers after they read your books?

Accepted Answer

Each time I write a book, I take steps closer to Christ. And as readers read my books, I hope that they take steps closer to Him too. Real hope and the pathway to God is found only in Him. The world searches for hope in so many other empty, dead-end places. Life will often be hard. Disappointments will come. We won't always be happy, nor should that be our goal in this life. In fact, believers in Christ are promised struggles and persecution. We're told not to be surprised at "fiery trials." But Jesus tells us in John 16 to take heart! That he's already overcome the world. Authentic hope—hope that will last for an eternity—is found only in Jesus Christ.

Question 17

What is your goal or mission as a Christian writer?

Accepted Answer

For me, the greatest thrill of these writing journeys is when Christ reveals Himself in some new way, and I take a step closer to Him. And my deepest desire is that readers of my books will do that as well—take steps closer to Him as they read. After all, it's all about Him.

Question 18

Will there be a sequel to The Inheritance?

Accepted Answer

The Inheritance released in March 2009 and, thanks to my readers, it immediately became a CBA and ECPA bestseller. I've been asked if I'm going to write a sequel to The Inheritance. I'd love to do that someday—there are definitely more stories to tell there—but for now my plate is full with upcoming projects.

Question 19

Where can I buy your books?

Accepted Answer

My books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, Bookshop.org, Audible, Apple Books, and wherever books are sold. Specific retailer links appear on each book's page.

Question 20

What's the biggest challenge a writer faces?

Accepted Answer

I can only speak for myself, but it's discipline. Discipline to write a set word count every day. Discipline to keep at it when "the muse" isn't particularly generous. Along with the discipline of writing even when you don't feel like it, comes the discipline of exercising each day, after those long hours of sitting. Then the discipline to "turn off the story" when you're with family and friends—sometimes easier said than done, especially when I'm on deadline.

Question 21

How long does it take you to write a book?

Accepted Answer

It usually takes me a year, but sometimes longer. A Million Little Choices—my first first-person POV and dual timeline novel—took sixteen months. In These Hills also took much longer than planned. I'm not a pithy or fast writer, as much as I often wish I were. Weaving all this real history with the fictional threads of a 120K–150K book takes time. But I do enjoy a richly-layered story and it's my goal to deliver that every time. Thanks for reading and taking these journeys with me. And for your patience! : )

Question 22

What is your most memorable moment as a published author?

Accepted Answer

There are many! But here's one of them.

My husband and I were having some landscaping done, and one afternoon the landscaper asked me what I did for a living since I was "always home." I told him I was a writer, and he shared that his wife loved to read and was currently on bed rest, due in three weeks with their fourth child. I gave him a set of Fountain Creek Chronicles for his wife. Well, I got an email the next night saying that his wife was loving Rekindled and was telling him every single scene when he got home from work. The next day he arrived and said, "Before we start, I just want to thank you for writing that book." He got a little quiet. "My wife finished it last night. She loved it. She came up to me and told me, after finishing it, that it made her love me more, and that she was more committed to our marriage now than she had been."

There are moments in your life when you wonder if you're doing what God made you to do. I have no doubt that I'm doing what God designed me to do—for now. And I'm grateful.

Question 23

What types of books do you read for pleasure?

Accepted Answer

I read a wide variety of genres, both within the CBA and also in the general market. I read a ton of history books too. No surprise there!

Question 24

I want to write a book. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

My first advice is to write, write, write! Then study the craft! I'd also encourage would-be writers to check out American Christian Fiction Writers. Their affordable annual membership offers online classes and critique groups, and their annual conference is among the best in the industry. Check out my 5 Tips for Writing for more on writing as well as recommended reading for writers.

Question 25

Is there an organization you recommend to help hone my skills as a writer?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I highly recommend American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)—an organization dedicated to preparing novelists for success in the publishing industry by helping writers strive for excellence in their craft and develop stories that inspire readers. I've attended ACFW's annual conference many times and have occasionally been invited to teach. It is truly superb and feels like coming home (even if you've never attended before)!

Question 26

Will you read my manuscript?

Accepted Answer

While I'm unable to read prospective manuscripts, I strongly encourage fellow writers to study the books listed below and to join a professional writer's group such as American Christian Fiction Writers, and to attend writer's conferences. Many libraries have writing groups where members critique each other's work (that's where I first started learning to write and to have my work critiqued and to critique others). ACFW also has critique groups members can join which are so helpful! For some great tips on writing, visit Literary Agent Steve Laube's writer resources at www.stevelaube.com. Suggested Reading for Writers: The Moral Premise by Stan Williams Stein on Writing by Sol Stein How to Grow a Novel by Sol Stein Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott Good Writing by Neal Allen Writing Lessons from the Front by Angela Hunt Writing Historical Fiction by Angela Hunt

Question 27

Do you offer speaking engagements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I speak at churches, libraries, conferences, reader retreats, and special events. Topics include faith, writing, Southern history, Christian fiction, and more. Visit the CONTACT page to inquire about booking. Also, check out the EVENTS tab for upcoming opportunities to meet—I hope our paths cross soon!

Question 28

Do you do book club video chats?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you're part of a book club and are reading one of my novels, and would like for me to join your book club meeting for a 20-30 minute Zoom chat, visit the CONTACT page to schedule. On your message, choose Book Club Video Chat in the Subject field.

Question 29

How can I sign up for your newsletter? And how often do you send updates?

Accepted Answer

You can sign up here! I usually send updates about half a dozen times a year—not to worry, I won't inundate you! And if you ever want to unsubscribe, I completely understand—life gets busy—that link is always at the bottom of every email.

Question 30

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Use the Contact page on this website. I read every message and respond personally when I can.

Tamera Alexander

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