In Deb's post last week, she shared the story behind her accepting the Carol Award for my novel A Million Little Choices at this year's ACFW Conference. But have you seen the video of her reading that acceptance speech? If you didn't read Deb's post, here's a quick recap of events:* Earlier this summer, I'm notified I'm a finalist for a Carol Award and ask Deb if she'll accept the award for … [Read more...]
Are you listening?
I typically listen to several audio books at once, and right now I'm listening to five. All of them very different... Christians know what Jesus Christ has done — but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is "gentle and lowly in heart." This audiobook reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central … [Read more...]
Mom/Grandmother/Aunt advice needed
December 13 approaches, which means we're coming up on Leo's first birthday! I can hardly believe it. Leo's younger sister Ari (pronounced "R-ee," the name is Hebrew and means Lion of God) is due at the end of January. Almost Irish Twins! Kellie, our fabulous daughter-in-law, is hoping Ari has her coloring and skin (Kellie's a brunette and tans beautifully while the rest of us Alexanders, … [Read more...]
A story behind a story . . . in his perfect timing
When I was a teenager, after youth group on Sunday nights a bunch of us used to drive to downtown Atlanta and, equipped with flashlights, we’d sneak into an old, abandoned, boarded-up antebellum home. We’d wander around, peering into rooms, creeping up staircases (hoping they held) all while brushing aside cobwebs and breathing in plumes of dust. It felt like walking through time—and I loved … [Read more...]
The book I’ve wanted to write for over 15 years
A Million Little Choices, my first dual timeline story, releases TODAY and, friends, it's been a long time coming! I first had the idea for this story back in 2006, and I pitched it to the publisher I was writing with at the time. But they passed on the idea (very wisely in hindsight) and encouraged me instead to stay the course in writing historicals. To build my readership. Establish … [Read more...]