Hey friends!
I’m in ATL with Dad right now so this will be brief—and mainly a sharing of pictures from this weekend’s Southern Mansion Reader Weekend! #SMRW2018
First, an update on Dad. He continues to decline. Sadly. But I’m soaking up every moment with him. We went out yesterday morning and got him a shave and a haircut (how many of you just silently said “two bits!”? <w>). He loved it! It was the old-timey shave with the hot towels and it really relaxed him. Then we got him a chocolate milkshake on the way back. Another of his favorite things. I love this man so much, and am so grateful he’s my dad.
As some of you may know, this past weekend was the Southern Mansion Reader Weekend (SMRW). Ninety-one readers came from 15 states and Canada, and we had an absolute blast! Not even the rainy weather could keep us down!
At Carnton in Franklin, TN, the setting of Christmas at Carnton (available now) and With This Pledge (January 8, 2019) [Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
At Belmont Mansion in Nashville
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
What is SMRW?
It’s a weekend of touring historical mansions, eating delicious Southern food at the mansions, and talking history and writing and life and sharing with each other. It was fabulous! And I’m so grateful to the 91 readers who not only sacrificed financially to attend this event, but who also entrusted their time to me. Time is a valuable commodity and something I never take for granted.
Karen Schurrer, my former editor at Bethany House, attended and it was fun sharing some of our history together.
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
At Belmont Mansion on Friday evening. Notice the gal on the far left, standing. That’s Deena Rizkalla who played the violin for us that evening. I read a portion from A Note Yet Unsung and then she played. I felt like I was listening to Rebekah from the novel.
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
Welcoming folks to Belle Meade on Saturday morning (Dec 1)
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
A section of the group at breakfast at Belle Meade Plantation in the Carriage House
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
A group at the old Harding Cabin at Belle Meade Plantation
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
You’ve heard of “Dance with the one who brung ya?” Well, we took pics at Belle Meade (at the old Harding Cabin) of all the “groups” of reader friends who came together. I tell ya, being with these gals and guys was such fun!
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
At Carnton in the McGavock Cemetery reading from With This Pledge (releases January 8, 2019)
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
High-fiving Patti, a Belmont Mansion docent, who is flat wonderful!
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
And lastly, a glimpse of Belmont Mansion that night. A very memorable evening—and weekend!
[Photo credit: Scott Schrecker Photography]
Have you ever attended a reader event sponsored by an author? If yes, please share!
Finally, I’m currently on my way back to Nashville—via Chattanooga to pick up this little cutie this afternoon…
Her name is Bailey, and she’s Murphy’s half sister. (Same mom, different dad.) So… here we go with puppyhood all over again. Let the fun begin! ; }
Would you like to be notified about the next Southern Mansion Reader Weekend? Click here and I’ll include you in my occasional eUpdates to reader friends—the group who will be the first to know!
Continued blessings,
Tamera
Which is part of . . .
It began December 1st, but it’s not too late to take part!
Listen along—and win—as some of your favorite authors share special Christmas memories and holiday inspiration! You’ll have a chance to win 12 books AND a $150 Amazon card!
WIN A BOOK (US addresses only)
1. Listen to the individual author’s FB Live video on her FB page (live or recorded). *SCHEDULE WITH LINKS BELOW*
2. Leave a comment below video as per author’s instruction.
3. One commenter will be randomly chosen to win her book on Dec 13!
WIN A $150 AMAZON CARD
1. Watch all 12 videos (live or recorded) in order. *SCHEDULE WITH LINKS BELOW*
2. Write down the one-word clue each author gives you. All 12 words will combine to make a sentence.
3. Enter that winning sentence by Dec. 13 **at the link that I’ll provide ONCE WE GO LIVE ON SAT., DECEMBER 1ST**
FACEBOOK LIVE VIDEO SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec 1 Cara Putman — 2:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/cara.putman
Sunday, Dec 2 Deborah Raney — 4:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/deborah.raney
Monday, Dec 3 Robin Lee Hatcher — 2:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher/
Tuesday, Dec 4 Colleen Coble— 2:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/colleencoblebooks/
Wednesday, Dec 5 Tamera Alexander — 8:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander
Thursday, Dec 6 Becky Wade —9:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade/
Friday, Dec 7 Rachel Hauck — 2:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/
Saturday, Dec 8 Denise Hunter — 1:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter/
Sunday, Dec 9 Katherine Reay — 6:00 pm EST
https://www.facebook.com/katherinereaybooks/
Monday, Dec 10 Beth Vogt — 12:00 pm EST
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethKVogt/
Tuesday, Dec 11 Hannah Alexander — 2:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/author.HannahAlexander/
Wednesday, Dec 12 Julie Lessman— 2:00 PM EST
https://www.facebook.com/JulieLessmanAuthor/
Tamera Alexander
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Mocha with Linda says
Looks like such a wonderful weekend. Hoping to make the next one!
Hugs to you as you continue on this journey with your dad. <3
Becky Wade says
Tammy, I loved the photos of your readers weekend! What a fabulous event.
Anne Mateer says
So happy your readers weekend was wonderful! I would have loved to be there, but instead I was praying for a great time to be had by all. Such a great concept!
Kari R says
I had the privilege to travel with 39 other women to Scotland to tour with Liz Curtis Higgs and see the places she put in her Lowlands of Scotland series. Fabulous 2 weeks I will remember forever. Bonus was traveling with a bestie and my mom on the trip.
Your Southern Mansion tour sounds so fun – I’ll have to read up on that for the future!
Betty Strohecker says
Glad everyone had such a great time. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Hope to make it next time.
Best to you and your dad.
Elisa says
Wow, what an awesome event to start off the Advent & Christmas season!
I read and enjoyed “Christmas at Carnton” from the library and own the Belmont Mansion trilogy.