Last Wednesday and Thursday, I met my HarperCollins Christian Publishing team out at Carnton in Franklin, TN, and we shot several videos for The Carnton Novels. Which are, so far: Christmas at Carnton, a novella, and With This Pledge, to be followed next year with the second full length novel (that I’m finishing as we speak) and then the third and final full length novel in the series.
To say I’m grateful for HCCP’s investment in doing this is a major understatement. I’m thrilled! Not only so I can share these videos about The Carnton Novels with readers, but so that people who’ve never heard my name might come across these videos, learn about the history of Carnton, and make a pilgrimage to this home and to the hallowed fields nearby where Civil War history still lives and breathes.
Working with BEN GREENHOE again was such a pleasure. Ben shot the Belle Meade videos (see those here) with me on location at Belle Meade here in Nashville in 2012. He’s so talented and really loves what he does. Which shows in his work—and in working with him! Thank you, Ben!
JOANNA STEPHENS, Curator, Battle of Franklin Trust, is such a joy to work with. She removed the “Book of the Dead” (circa 1866) from its locked case on the second floor of the mansion, and let us photograph it. This book—and the origination of the McGavock Cemetery which is the resting place for over 1,500 soldiers (one of the largest private Civil War cemeteries in the country)—plays a large part in book 2 of The Carnton Novels, the book I’m finishing now.
This is a page from the “Book of the Dead” which is a book that lists all of the names of the soldiers who are buried in the McGavock Cemetery at Carnton in Franklin, TN. This is the original book from 1866, and turning these pages literally feels like turning back the pages of time. This book is featured prominently in book 2 of The Carnton Novels (the book I’m writing now).
The gardens at Carnton also play a role in the book I’m currently writing, so I snapped this pic while we were out on the second floor gallery on the back on the house. It rained Wednesday morning of the shoot, so everything was lovely and green. But thankfully, it stopped raining so we could film outside too!
We filmed in the cemetery too, a beautiful and yet somber place, as you can imagine. I don’t live far from Carnton, so I often head over there to walk for a while. Especially if I need some motivation or help “getting into the zone.”
Walking the grounds, those hallowed battlefields, and the blood-stained floors of Carnton always draw me back to my purpose in writing these stories—to glorify the Lord Jesus, to honor the real people who lived this real history, and to help keep that real history alive. #neverforget
Do you want to know ASAP when the Carnton videos are ready? Sign up for my eUpdates and I’ll send you a link as soon as they’re posted!
And as if last week didn’t have enough blessing… Our sweet Deb Raney and her husband Ken stayed with us on Saturday night. After dinner on Saturday, we ran over to Carnton to walk the dogs. And us! I love you, Deb, and am so thankful for the time together, the laughter and fun!
And wait! There’s more! Sweet friend and author DOROTHY LOVE and her husband Ron visited Nashville recently, so we met out at Carnton too. Do you see a pattern here? If ever you come to see me, guess where we’re going! : )
And for those of you who like “pet pics…”
My office is on the second floor of our home, and one of the best things about that space is the covered porch that’s right off of it. Not only do I love being able to sit outside and write, weather permitting, but Murphy and Bailey love sitting out there too. And the change of scenery helps keep them occupied when I’m writing for l-o-n-g hours on end. Of course, they also keep the door “hot,” going in and out and in and out. But hey, I’ll take that over constant barking. ; )
LASTLY…
For all you drinkers out there who love to stay hydrated! I’m giving away two pouches of EVERLY WATER this month on my website. Never heard of Everly Water? Then let me share… It’s a delicious and “healthily sweet” way to spruce up your water and encourage your water intake.
Learn more about Everly Water here.
SO TELL ME . . .
What’s your current favorite water? What do you do to boost your water intake? Any secrets you’re willing to share—other than “just drink it!” : )
Blessings on your Tuesday, friends,
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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Can’t wait to see the new video! I’m in the middle of With This Pledge right now and have gained a new appreciation for the people of Carnton who worked to valiantly to save and care for the soldiers. Loving the book! Thanks, Tamara, for bringing these people to life for us readers. God bless you!
Thank YOU, Kathy, for reading and walking this journey of real history with me. And thanks for your kind words.
Love these pictures and looking forward to the videos! Thanks for sharing.
My water of choice is Dasani – plain water. I drink it all the time, unless I’m drinking tea. I also love Chick fil a lemonade, but don’t get it that often.
Hope your father is doing well.
Thanks, Betty. I love Dasani, too, and will often add a little Everly to spruce it up! And oh…CFA. I don’t do their lemonade but I love their grilled chicken.
Thanks for asking about Dad. He’s doing all right. Still on that slow downward spiral with dementia, and has fairly good days and some really hard ones, but he’s still with us. And knows us. That’s a huge blessing.
It was so wonderful to spend time with you and Joe! Love the pics from the video shoot and can’t wait to see the finished product! Love that they do these for your readers!
Ditto! Was so nice to be together. Hope the conference at Blue Ridge is going well! 😉
What an interesting photo shoot! Thanks for sharing the pictures of it. I have to drink lots of water for a medical condition. What helps me meet my quota is to make little tally marks on a slip of paper each day. I keep it on the kitchen counter right next to the gallon jug of water.
How disciplined you are, Grace. Great for you, lady! Praying for you right this minute, for the Lord to strengthen and encourage you and meet your every need in His powerful name. Thanks for sharing and much love…
Mostly I drink just plain water, but occasionally I will use something like Crystal Light or Country Time zero sugar and add it for flavor. I’m much better at drinking water during the summer months than during the long, cold winter months.
Amen to drinking more water in the summer months, Carla. I’m right there with you! Blessings to you and thanks for sharing!
I once did a video shoot as part of a special exhibit at my library–it’s definitely not as easy as it looks!
Looking forward to reading the rest of the “Carnton” novels!
You’re so right, Elisa. I’m praying Ben will work his magic and help me look (and sound) better than I actually did! ; )
Tamera, Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos! Beautiful one of you and Deb Raney.
Your boots are too cute!
I drink plain bottle water. I’ve been drinking a gallon of water a day.
A gallon a day! I bet you have lovely skin, Caryl. ; ) And thanks about the boots. I grabbed those from Nordstrom Rack recently. So comfy. Thanks for sharing!
Love seeing you gals together, Tammy and Deb! So fun!
SO good to hear from you, Elizabeth! Remembering our German book tour together (with our lovely Lynn) most fondly… ; )
I love everything about your Carnton series. Especially looking forward to the next sequels. I would really enjoy seeing the mansion some day.
My favorite water is Hint (all natural, just a “hint”of flavor), no sugar or calories . I don’t like regular water very much.
Thank you for being a great writer that engages with your readers.