- erynnmangum@gmail.com

An Interview with Tamara Leigh and a GIVEAWAY!!

I am REALLY loving all of your comments on these posts! I’m now trying to figure out how I could plan an outdoor movie marathon while watching the leaves change colors with all of us together. And we might have throw some s’mores in there too.

Or s’macons. šŸ˜‰

Several years ago, I worked as an intern for my church and one of the best parts of the job was that I got to go have coffee dates with all these amazing high school girls. One of my favorite places to meet was the Borders coffee shop – I’d always show up early, find the little nookish area that was Christian Fiction, grab a novel and sit and read until the girl showed up and made me stop.

The novels I always, without fail, navigated to? Tamara Leigh’s. The novels I started buying for myself and my sister? Tamara Leigh’s. And the novel that I received in the mail for an endorsement and did the HUGEST happy dance over? Tamara Leigh’s!!

Tamara Leigh has SUCH an amazing testimony! One that I really want y’all to go read! She’s a great inspiration to me because not only are her books hilarious and very well-written, but she’s also another stay-at-home-writing-mom. I love that!

Erynn: So, I think we can all agree that this is probably the most important question I’ve been asking. What’s your favorite drink to order at Starbucks?

Tamara: I especially enjoy the fall and winter drinksā€”pumpkin spice latte, gingerbread latte, and salted hot chocolateā€”but I always come back to Caramel Macchiato. I like it hot, but in the summer nothing beats an iced one.

You are my new favorite person. We have the same favorite drinks! Tell us a little bit about how you got started writing.

A couple years after graduating with a masterā€™s degree in speech and language pathology, my husband and I decided it was time to have children. Long story short, wanting to find a way to stay at home and raise our children, I took a chance on my love of writing and medieval romances. After completing Warrior Bride, I signed with an agent, made the changes she suggested, and suddenly had several publishers offering on the book. That was the easiest and most exciting publishing road Iā€™ve ever traveled. But though writing as a career can be difficult, the journey has been worth it.

That’s so amazing! What a dream come true! So, summer or winterā€”which one do you prefer?

You had to make that one hard, didnā€™t you? I donā€™t like any extreme weather and, in Tennessee, summer is definitely extreme when you factor in the humidityā€”especially when itā€™s the year of the cicada. As for winter, itā€™s definitely mild here compared to when I lived in the Lake Tahoe area, but I really donā€™t like the cold. Soā€¦itā€™s a draw.

Ick. I don’t like humidity at all. Love snow, though! Any new books out or in the process of coming out?

This past July, the final book in my Southern Discomfort series, Restless in Carolina, was released (Iā€™m still going through withdrawal from the Pickwick family). Currently, Iā€™m revisiting the medieval romance genre that gave me my start in the publishing world in 1994. When I was transitioning from the secular to the inspirational market in 2005, I was told medievals donā€™t do well with readers of Christian fiction, but I think I might give it another go.

I love that you’re writing what you feel called to write – regardless of what is currently “being published”. I think that’s the best way to write. Write what’s on your heart, the story that God has given you. If He wants it published, He’ll find a way. So, what is your least favorite part of writing?

My least favorite part of writing has little to do with the actual creation of stories, but what, increasingly, goes hand in hand with it: promotion. I know itā€™s necessary, but itā€™s so hard to let go of a scene or the development of a character or a wonderful romantic twist and re-enter the non-fiction world.

Tell us a little about the genre you write in. Why did you pick that route?

All seven of my inspirational novels have been in the contemporary romance genre. When I was unable to bring my medieval romances into the Christian market, my agent asked for something ā€œdifferent.ā€ How much more different can one get from twelfth century England than twenty-first century United States? As I enjoyed lighthearted romances, it seemed the natural choice.

I love your novels! They’re so fun and relaxing to read! What is your favorite part of writing?

There is nothing like a scene in motion, discovering a characterā€™s depth, and bringing together two people who were meant for each other even though they certainly didnā€™t believe it in the beginning.

I love that part – matchmaking people in stories is a personal favorite. šŸ˜‰ Speaking of favorites, care to share your most favorite character youā€™ve ever written?

Theyā€™re all dear to me. If I had to choose, medieval wise, Iā€™d pick Lady Lizanne of Warrior Bride, my first novel published with Bantam. Inspirational-wise, Iā€™d go with Adda of Stealing Adda, my first novel for the inspirational market. Why? Iā€™m not sure, though it might have something to do with each being the start of something good. šŸ™‚

Adda was awesome!! Got any advice for prospective authors?

Write, write, write, read in your chosen genre and on the craft and business of writing, and connect with local and online writing organizations such as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America).

Last question and it’s a big one. You have an entire day with nothing plannedā€”what would you do if money was no object?

Every day Iā€™m surrounded by my wonderful guysā€”hubby and sonsā€”so Iā€™d probably want to spend a day with my mother and sisters who live out west. Since youā€™re only giving me one day, Iā€™d fly them nonstop to Tennessee. And what a day weā€™d make of it! Obviously, I see them way too little.

Well, I hope you get to see them soon!! Thank you so much, Tamara!!

Tamara has SO generously offered her latest novel, Restless in Carolina, for a giveaway!! YAY!! I just know you’ll absolutely love this hilarious series!

Y’all know the rules by now – one comment per person per post, please leave your name or some way of identification in the comment (Starbucks drink orders do not count, regardless of how distinctive they are), etc., etc. Don’t forget – every comment during Fall Fiction Frenzy not only enters you in a chance to win the book, but also a chance to win an Old Navy gift card! I’ll draw all of the winners on November 4th!

Today’s comment question: Music can be energizing, cathartic, deafening and make you want to put your head in the freezer (John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, I’m looking at you). If you had to pick a song that would be YOU set to music, what would it be?

See you soon!
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52 thoughts on “An Interview with Tamara Leigh and a GIVEAWAY!!”

  1. Hi Erynn!!! HA! that's a hard question!!!!! Um…. I quess one song that I've been listening to is "Hold Me" by Jamie Grace! <3 love it!!! šŸ˜€

  5. This is a hard question!
    I'd have to say "Good Morning" by Mandisa. I wake up happy, but since I live alone, I have to be peppy by myself. This song gets me going. šŸ™‚

  6. Darn! I've been totally swamped at work (and life) lately, and I'm just now getting to check your blog. I'm glad I can still catch some of these though. šŸ™‚ The song question is really hard. I'm going to have to think about that one for a while. Off the top of my head, I'd say Boondocks by Little Big Town, because it describes my upbringing.

  7. Just Haven't Met you Yet by Michael Buble, It's such a positive outlook on being single and waiting for the right person.. plus it has a good tune.

  8. My theme song for this year would have to be "Strong Enough" by Matthew West, it has helped me get through this past year which hasn't been the greatest year.

  9. Brandon Heath: I'm Not Who I Was
    Great song. šŸ™‚ Great author too! She writes great books…. šŸ™‚
    jlsouer (at) gmail (dot) com

  10. Last Christmas by Wham is one of my favorites I can listen to it and it just makes me happy even though its not christmas yet!!! šŸ™‚

  11. I'd love a chance at this book :D.

    I need to look up Tamara Leigh's books. I love comedy – especially rom com.

    What song?

    Um…

    A good friend of mine says hers is the Francesca Battistelli song 'This is the Stuff' – I'm not quite that bad…

    My current theme song is "That's What Faith Can Do" by Kutless. I had to look it up on my blog to see how long ago I posted about it.

    And you know what?

    A year later, I was sitting at ACFW, had an agent request a proposal and one of the main editors at a MAJOR publishing company tell me she was interested in my book.

    A year to the day.

    That's what faith – and giving hands and feet to that faith by working hard – can do! šŸ˜€

    Thanks for this Erynn!

    carolmoncado at gmail dot com

  12. Oh my goodness…based on memories and childhood I would say "Who can turn the world on with her smile." šŸ™‚

  15. What a good question! I would have to say "Average Girl" by BarlowGirl pretty much describes me in a nutshell. In high school, it was kind of my own personal anthem too.

    And, let me just say how am I absolutely in love with this Fall Frenzy…and it's only day three. I have been looking forward to this every night, so thanks, Erynn! šŸ™‚

  16. Oh my goodness, THANK YOU for interviewing Tamara Leigh. LOVE her writing. Your interview makes me want to stay up all night and switch between her novels and yours. Too bad I've got work and school tomorrow…. šŸ˜‰

    As for the "me" song, I'd choose "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version) because it is a song full of whimsy, yet it's still peaceful and calm.

  17. In answer to the song that's "me"…I hadn't ever thought about it before today…but I'd have to say "You make Everything Beautiful" – because I'm a definite work in progress, and "in my weakness, He can shine".
    I can't wait to go get a Tamara Leigh book, I've seen her books, and thought they looked good…and now having them highly recommended makes me want to read them even more!!

  18. While I am a country girl at heart, I have to say that the song that most defines "me" is "Every Minute" by Sara Groves. That song defines the most perfect moment I can imagine – "I wish all the people I loved the most would gather in one place and know each other and love each other well and we would all go camping and lay beneath the stars with nothing to do and stories to tell" – that is Heaven to me. I guess that being my ideal time defines me somehow! Otherwise "These are the Days" by Sugarland because I love the perspective and depth in the lycis.

  20. This is a hard one but the following songs could be used to describe me:
    Get It Right-Glee
    Somebody-Lemonade Mouth
    Just Have Your Way-Britt Nicole
    My life is kind of a mix of the above at the moment šŸ™‚

  24. That is a tough one! It would have to be something fun and upbeat. I hate to have dull moments. I really love "Free to Be Me" by Francesca Battistelli. It has a great message to it while also being a great song to jam out to!

  25. Such a fun question! If I were in serious mode, I would choose the song from my wedding (11 years ago tomorrow!!) "How Could I Ask for More" by Cindy Morgan. As for a fun song, I'd choose the song I sang during my whole pregnancy with my first baby: "Looking for You" by Amy Grant. I sing the line to him "from the moment I saw you I knew . . . I was looking for you!"

  26. Right now, "Settlin'" by Sugarland. It helps me remember to just go for things.

    I love reading about all these different authors. It's seriously adding to my 'to-read' list. šŸ™‚

  29. I love, love, love the song "Someday Soon" by Francesca Battistelli…I played it for my husband when we were dating as a way to show him how much I care about him. We played it during our wedding and almost three years later I still feel like it perfectly echoes my thoughts about him!

    Kelly

  31. I would say my song is "Born to Fly" by Sara Evans, I loved it when it came out when I was in high school and I still love it today! šŸ™‚

  32. Hmm… Mine would be Something by Georgie Harrison. He totally wrote it about me…. Just like 30 years too early. My secret wish is for my hubby to sing it to me on a fancy dancy shmancy date. šŸ™‚
    ~Sarah

  33. I LOVE Norah Jones…and cant pick a song of hers that relates to me at the moment…but im sure there is one (I named my 1st daughter after her!)
    I love Tamara Leigh!

    Amanda dot werling at gmail dot com

  34. Oh that's real tough. The first song that comes to mind is "Set the World on Fire" (…or maybe it's "I Wanna Set the World on Fire"…idk:) by Britt Nicole. Great song, and I can relate.

    -Madison Akins

  35. Hmmm – good question. I would have to say something in the Carolina Beach music category cause I am a South Carolina beach girl at heart!!! So maybe "I love Beach Music", "Summertime's Calling Me" , or "Carolina Girls"

  36. Right now, whenever I hear the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller, it just reminds me of the journey I'm on and where I want to be, waiting on the Lord all along. The song that reminds me most of my son is "In My Arms" by Plumb. The lyrics to that song are my promise to him.

  39. Oh my goodness, thank you so much for interviewing Tamera Leigh. Man, this is a hard question. I'd have to say "C.S. Lewis Song" by Brooke Fraser.

  40. ummm…hard question to answer…I LOVE music, but one song I've been listening to a lot is one of my faves by Jeremy Camp…"So in Love"…LOVE IT!!!

  41. I realize someone has already said this, but it seriously is what came to my mind when I first read the question before I read what everyone else said. But I would have to choose "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble. OR "A Wink and a Smile" by Harry Connick, Jr. Buble's is more me while Harry Connick, Jr.'s is one of my favorite songs of all times and whenever I hear it in Sleepless in Seattle or on my iPod I tell whoever is with me that Harry is going to sing that song at my wedding. šŸ˜€

  42. I would have to say "My Beloved" by Kari Jobe. I know I have messed up, but the song is a great reminder of Christ's cleansing love for me! {and everyone else too!}

  43. That's such a good question, but also a really hard one! I might have to say Singing in the Rain or Unwritten by Natasha Bedinglfield. This is such a hard question… šŸ™‚ Maybe You Are More by Tenth Avenue North? Soo many choices šŸ™‚

  45. I love Francesca Battistelli's song "This is the Stuff." At the time the song came out a lot of stuff was going on in my life and it served as a really big reminder to me that God has a plan for my life.

  47. Definitely "This is the Stuff" by Francesca Battistelli!! I tend to be a worrier and let the little stuff get to me, so this song helps me remember to take a step back and let God be in control.

    nmoon73 at gmail dot com

  48. "Forgiven" by Sanctus Real describes me pretty well right now. The lines "When I don't fit in and I don't feel like I belong anywhere, when I don't measure up to much in this life, I'm a treasure in the arms of Christ" give me chills šŸ™‚

  49. This is really hard (and unique!) but I would have to probably go with Trail in Life by Dean Brody (yes, I am TOTALLY a fan of country music!) just because.. well, I dont really know, because I've experienced a lot of change in the past year and a half, leaving high school, then working at a daycare and leaving that after a year, moving to university, stuff like that.

  51. I would pick Hey Soul Sister by Train because it just sounds so happy and upbeat. I hope that I could embody these traits and make a positive impact on those around me šŸ™‚

  52. I can't think of one specifically but I would have to say any Christmas song. I LOVE listening to Christmas music and will turn it on any time of the year. People think I'm crazy but I find it inspiring and relaxing.

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