End of Summer Bash with Tamera Alexander!

Tonight I'm heading over to my grandparents' house, so I'm going to post this interview a little early. =) It is my great pleasure to welcome author Tamera Alexander to "Seasons of Humility!"

Amber: What is your favorite part about late summer?

Tamera: My favorite part about late summer is my screened-in porch. In fact, I'm sitting out here now as I type. My screened-in porch is my late-summer-and-well-into-fall writing haven. With the ceiling fans going, partially frozen Diet Dr. Pepper beside me, laptop open, and Jack (our silky terrier) curled beside me on the couch, it's a perfect setting in which to create.

Amber: Sounds great! If you were planning an “End of Summer” party for your family and friends, how would you envision it? Would you want a beach party, a picnic in the park, a neighborhood barbecue, or something else entirely?

Tamera: I love the beach (we recently returned from Panama City) but since the closest beach is about seven hours away, I'd opt for a backyard barbecue complete with hamburgers for the true carnivores, but I'd also throw on some marinated chicken breasts and veggie kabobs for the lighter diners. Potato Salad would be a must (Tillie Alexander's recipe, of course...my husband's grandmother, God bless her soul), and my mother's recipe for Ranch Style Beans and Hash Brown Casserole (Mom was a fabulous cook too). Add lots of fresh fruit with a side of pineapple-upside-down cake yogurt for dipping, along with a yummy warm Buttermilk Pie, chilled Fresh Coconut Cake, and Ghirardelli Brownies with chopped pecans and smothered in fudge frosting, and we're about there! Blend all that together with family and friends hanging out on the deck (and screened-in porch!), laughing and visiting, fold in a later evening walk down by the lake, and that's my idea of a "End of Summer" party served to perfection!

Amber: Wow! Love all the details. ;) As autumn appears on the horizon, what do you anticipate about this next season the most? Do you have any fall traditions or memories you would like to share?

Tamera: Fall is my favorite time of year so I'm always eager for its arrival, and it never stays long enough for me. Two things I always have close at hand during the fall is a blend of autumn spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves), and I keep a simmering pot warming that fills the house with that wonderful homey scent. I also love to bake Pumpkin Bread and always keep the ingredients for that on hand. Evening walks always feel better come Fall too. Lower humidity (which is always appreciated here in Nashville). And since temperatures are cooler, we don't have to wait so late for those evening strolls.

Amber: Fall is a wonderful time of year, isn't it? Of the books you have written, do you have a favorite? If so, which one is it and why is it your favorite?

Tamera: My "favorite" always seems to be the one I've just finished. Perhaps that's because there were times as I was writing it when I was certain I'd never reach THE END. My latest release, Within My Heart, holds a special place inside me because of my journey during this past year as I wrote it. We lost my mother to cancer last August (2009) and this year has been one of transition. My sweet father has come to live with us, which has been wonderful. Plus we moved homes this past spring to better accommodate the "three of us." Well, the four of us, counting Jack.

I believe the timing of my writing WMH was orchestrated by God, and I know without a doubt that He shaped and re-shaped the fabric of this story so that I would learn some crucial lessons of faith that I needed to learn at this time in my life. Lessons I needed in order to walk the road He set before me and my family. And I’m so grateful that He did.

Amber: What’s next in your writing career? We would love to hear about any upcoming releases!

Tamera: I’m already working on my next series. Historical, of course, except these next six books will take place in my native South, which I love! These books, post-civil war era, are set in Nashville and are rich with historical detail and with characters who truly step off the page, because many of them are based on people who actually lived during that time period. The first book is scheduled for release in fall 2011. We're still working on the title and cover, but you can visit my website for more details.

Amber: I can't wait to read more of your work--it sounds like this new series will be great! Thank you so much for joining us today, Tamera!

Readers, you can find Tamera at lots of different places! Be sure and visit Tamera at one or more of these spots:

Tamera’s website: www.tameraalexander.com

Tamera’s blog: www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com

Tamera’s group blog: www.writespassage.blogspot.com

Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander

Connect on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tameraalexander

Contact Tamera: tameraalexander@ymail.com

I'll hopefully be posting a review of Within My Heart next month (after I get it in the mail and read it, that is). I can't wait!

Now, I've been asking all these wonderful authors the same questions this week, so it's your turn! Feel free to answer any or all of the questions, particularly what you're anticipating the most about fall. =) And please also check out my note at the top of the sidebar section. Thank you!