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 blogs every first and third Tuesday at Inspired by Life . . . and Fiction, a group blog she shares with a wonderful community of authors. If you'd like to join the conversation on this post, Tamera would love to see you there!