Nashville, Y’all
The first week of April, my mom, daughter, and I trekked to Nashville for spring break. I don’t know what I expected, but a HUGE city was not it. I knew it was big, I knew it was where country music started, but I did NOT know it was essentially Atlanta but with country music. I was thinking of a quaint smaller city with cowboy boots and twang.
Regardless, we had a great time and we toured Vanderbilt as a potential college for my daughter. We saw a lot of live music, which was exceptional (and we are not country music fans). I love the memories we make on these trips.
Have you been to Nashville? What did you think of it?
Countdown: 2 weeks
There are two weeks until A Journey for Sallie launches and I am dancing in my chair with excitement. I absolutely LOVED writing the story of Sallie Tenney and her family.
A widow forced to marry so she can travel west to Oregon with her family, Sallie is not too happy with her circumstances. And even less happy with her groom. But when he vanishes without a trace, what will Sallie do?
Launching April 29 - be sure you preorder today!
Going along with Sallie, I was fortunate enough to visit the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville and came across some wonderful exhibits about people who went west on the Oregon Trail.
The wagon is a Conestoga wagon - which was NOT used in the Oregon Trail, but was used as settlers moved throughout the country. The middle photo is an example of a settler’s house - very humble indeed. Finally is a photo of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. These are huge mountains - I cannot imagine how pioneers went over the Rockies in wagons without paved roads and guardrails.
Meet the Author - Tracy L. Smoak
A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. In her mid-life adventures, she’s had four books published in the last two years and doesn’t plan to slow down. She loves nature photography and captured the full moon last night and a snail this morning. Her website about finding hope is www.tracysmoak.com.
What is your favorite part about writing a book?
Discovering new ideas and perspectives is an exciting part of writing. I step back from being an "actor" in life and become an attentive observer.
If you could have lunch with any one of your characters, who would it be and why?
I would go to lunch with Letitia because she defies convention to follow her heart. She isn't intimidated by the specter of failure. That woman pursues adventure with gusto! And her choice of outfits is bound to entertain. Here's a YouTube playlist I made of one-minute introductions to the main characters:
What books/authors do you like to read?
I love reading political thrillers, suspense, history, and upbeat novels. Max Lucado is the best for comforting anecdotes to help us cope with everyday stress.
What's next for you?
My third full-color devotional about wisdom is in production. Meanwhile, I love taking photography safaris to find new scenery.
Is there anything else super important we need to include?
I am grateful to Jesus for sustaining me in dark, dark times and for the fellowship of believers who secure me when I struggle. My passion is to share this hope with others facing adversity.
Betty is sure that Ida Lou does not belong in their church when the woman shows up to the Good Friday service with her small dog in tow. But before she knows what’s happening, Betty is pushed into helping the woman as she deals with the sudden hospitalization of her husband. Having lost her own husband just one year ago, Betty is chosen as the perfect person to help walk through this valley with the newcomer—along with the other women of the WUFHs (Women United For Him).
Sarah McAdams knows her husband loves her. He just loses his temper sometimes. It comes with the stress of being a highly recognized police officer. But when Sarah makes the decision that this is not the life she wants for her young son, will she be able to get out alive? Where can she go? And who will help her?
God works in mysterious ways—and through ordinary people. The town of Prosper is about to experience some drama—and it all starts with a dog who comes to church.
Find Tracy online:
www.tracysmoak.com
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