Just in time for Christmas! Author Tama Fortner has a fun devotional available for Christmas this year, but writing nonfiction doesn’t mean that’s all she reads. Actually, most of her favorite books are novels! So what does a devotional writer read?

Find out below…

Thank you so much for being here today! What was your favorite picture book as a child? What did you love about it?

My favorite picture book as a child is one that I don’t even remember the title of! I do remember that it was about cats and kittens. My grandmother often babysat me, and I would ask her to read that book to me every day. I’m not sure if it was the book itself that I loved so much—or the feeling of love as I snuggled in my grandmother’s lap. Sadly, the book was lost somewhere along the way. But ever since then, I have equated books with love.

What was your favorite chapter book? What did you love about it?

I’m not sure it qualifies as a chapter book, but I adored the Nancy Drew books. The Secret of the Old Clock was the first, and it sparked in me a love of mysteries. I think the thing I loved most about it was the way Nancy was portrayed: brave, smart, and adventurous. It inspired me—a shy, introverted, bookish nerd—to be more like her. At least on paper.

Where’s the most unusual place you’ve read a book?

I feel a bit like Dr. Seuss answering this question. I’ve read books on a plane and on a train. I’ve read them in a chair—I’ve read them everywhere! But I suppose one of the most unusual places was up in the branches of a tree. There was an old elm tree in my childhood backyard. Two of the branches grew close together to form a perfect, natural hammock. Leaves curtained me off from the rest of the world, and I would escape there for hours with my books.

If you could visit any fictional place, where would you go? Why?

Oh, so many places to choose from! Jane Austen’s Bath, Laura’s Walnut Grove, or perhaps Harry’s Hogwarts? But I think I would most love to visit Narnia. The wonder, the adventure, the chance to meet Aslan face-to-face . . . and who wouldn’t want to chat with a talking beaver?

If you could turn any book into a movie (yours or someone else’s), which would you pick? Who would you cast as the main characters?

There’s a little known book called The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Some of her other books get a little too dark for my taste, but this one has the most intriguing story and features such beautiful, lyrical writing. I’d love to see it as a movie.

As for whom I would cast as the main characters, I’d choose completely unknown actors who don’t have any past movie “baggage” accompanying them. For Puck Connelly, I’d look for a young woman who’s strong, not flashy beautiful, but interesting with an air of determination. For Sean Kendrick, I’d choose a young man with an old soul, a bit weathered by life and the winds.

Who’s your favorite author? Why?

Oh, that’s like choosing a favorite kind of chocolate! It depends on my mood. If I’m ready for some deep thinking, I turn to C.S. Lewis. For suspense, I love Irene Hannon. For sweet romance, it’s Becky Wade and Denise Hunter. When I’m in an historical mood, Kristy Cambron is a perfect fit. And I’ve just discovered the laugh-out-loud sass of Pepper Basham.

You’ll notice that these are mostly fiction. I read so much nonfiction for my work, fiction is my happy indulgence.

Share five books from your TBR (to be read) pile.

My TBR pile is ridiculously huge. But these are the five that are up next . . . at least, in theory: 

Sold on a Monday by Kristian McMorris
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes
The London House by Katherine Reay

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve been writing inspirational books for children and adults for more than twenty-five years now. God has blessed me beyond anything my little eight-year-old-wants-to-grow-up-to-be-a-writer-like-Jo-March self could have dreamed. I’ve learned that words have tremendous power. And my prayer is always that my words lead readers to Him.

Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional
Author Tama Fortner invites fellow moms to slow down, take time for themselves and savor the true meaning of Christmas.

Tama’s thirty-one short yet beautifully written devotions offer moms an opportunity to indulge in a few minutes of calm each day as she takes them back to that long-ago first Christmas. With warmth and wit, she also shares tips for leaving perfectionism behind and becoming the “keeping-it-real mom” instead.

TAMA FORTNER is an ECPA award-winning author with more than fifty titles to her credit, including her latest Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays and a soon-to-be-released picture book with co-author Michelle Nietert God, I Feel Sad.

Find Tama online at www.TamaFortner.com. There, you’ll find links to all her social media spaces—and be sure to sign up for her newsletter. It’s filled with book and movie recommendations, freebies, and all her latest book news!