Welcome, Carla. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
An author’s job is to get inside the head of their characters so I wouldn’t say there is much of me at all. They teach me so much when their personalities emerge through their point of view. That being said, I do find myself drawing from my some of my own experiences to authenticate experiences or emotion, but it is expressed through the filter of the character’s personality. For instance, I had to write a scene of a parent’s death weeks after my step-dad had passed away. I felt it in a raw way, but those emotions made it to the page through the unique perception of my heroine.
An author’s job is to get inside the head of their characters so I wouldn’t say there is much of me at all. They teach me so much when their personalities emerge through their point of view. That being said, I do find myself drawing from my some of my own experiences to authenticate experiences or emotion, but it is expressed through the filter of the character’s personality. For instance, I had to write a scene of a parent’s death weeks after my step-dad had passed away. I felt it in a raw way, but those emotions made it to the page through the unique perception of my heroine.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Does yodeling Eddy Arnold’s Cattle Call into the great beyond in theBlue Ridge Mountains count? My mom and I couldn’t resist
when we were on vacation several years ago and had stopped at a scenic
overlook. To our enormous embarrassment a hiker came climbing up the mountain
below along the Appalachian Trail and greeted
us with nary a yodel in reply.
Does yodeling Eddy Arnold’s Cattle Call into the great beyond in the
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I’ve been imagining stories all of my life and remember the magical feeling when I first learned to write my name. In school I was commended for my writing skill and that affirmed me greatly. As an adult I began to consider the possibilities of writing for the edification and entertainment of others. It wasn’t until I wrote stories for my children and began to read Christian fiction in the early 90’s that I ever hoped to write a novel of my own, but I didn’t attempt that task until many years later. Really, I think I had a pen in the womb.
I’ve been imagining stories all of my life and remember the magical feeling when I first learned to write my name. In school I was commended for my writing skill and that affirmed me greatly. As an adult I began to consider the possibilities of writing for the edification and entertainment of others. It wasn’t until I wrote stories for my children and began to read Christian fiction in the early 90’s that I ever hoped to write a novel of my own, but I didn’t attempt that task until many years later. Really, I think I had a pen in the womb.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read historical fiction and non-fiction almost exclusively. For fiction I enjoy early American from the colonial period through the late 19th century as well as British regencies and Victorian settings. I also love to read non-fiction true histories of events and people.
I read historical fiction and non-fiction almost exclusively. For fiction I enjoy early American from the colonial period through the late 19th century as well as British regencies and Victorian settings. I also love to read non-fiction true histories of events and people.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I find refreshment in God’s Word, which is life to me. I also find that the little things which offer brief respites help: sipping a cup of tea, listening to praise music, taking a walk in the fresh air, watching TV and movie classics that lighten my mood, holding my new grandson and breathing in that new baby scent.
I find refreshment in God’s Word, which is life to me. I also find that the little things which offer brief respites help: sipping a cup of tea, listening to praise music, taking a walk in the fresh air, watching TV and movie classics that lighten my mood, holding my new grandson and breathing in that new baby scent.
Oh, those grandbabies
are awesome. We’re expecting our second great grand before the end of the year.
Can’t wait. How do you choose your characters’ names?
Since I write historicals, I first consider names that fit the setting of the novel. I research vital records, military rolls, and cemetery lists from the time frame and location of my story. My characters names are often significant to their personalities so baby name websites prove helpful. Pattern for Romance has a colonial setting with the theme of honesty so my protagonist’s name bears the fitting name of Honour.
Since I write historicals, I first consider names that fit the setting of the novel. I research vital records, military rolls, and cemetery lists from the time frame and location of my story. My characters names are often significant to their personalities so baby name websites prove helpful. Pattern for Romance has a colonial setting with the theme of honesty so my protagonist’s name bears the fitting name of Honour.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Becoming a published author without a doubt. It means so much to me to have realized a long-time goal. It felt like a dream for so long and now it is a reality. I’m so humbled and grateful and still tickled silly over it!
Becoming a published author without a doubt. It means so much to me to have realized a long-time goal. It felt like a dream for so long and now it is a reality. I’m so humbled and grateful and still tickled silly over it!
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
A wild horse so I could run free through the great outdoors. Or a cat. Spoiled, like mine.
A wild horse so I could run free through the great outdoors. Or a cat. Spoiled, like mine.
What is your favorite
food?
Lobster! Or lobstah as we say it inMaine .
Ayuh.
Lobster! Or lobstah as we say it in
I love lobster, but I’m
sure I don’t get it as often as you do. What is the problem with writing that
was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I really felt overwhelmed by all of the “rules” of writing when I was learning to develop my craft. As a student I struggled with some learning differences and was always poor at grammar. Great for a writer, huh? Creative writing was my strong point, however, and I was determined to learn how to polish my prose. I decided to study at my own pace with the goal of learning something new daily.
I really felt overwhelmed by all of the “rules” of writing when I was learning to develop my craft. As a student I struggled with some learning differences and was always poor at grammar. Great for a writer, huh? Creative writing was my strong point, however, and I was determined to learn how to polish my prose. I decided to study at my own pace with the goal of learning something new daily.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of theBoston mantua-maker for
whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an
elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design
emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to
dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own.
When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton, comes to her aid. Joshua risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence but even that might not be enough.
Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the
When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton, comes to her aid. Joshua risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence but even that might not be enough.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
July 31, 1769
The crack of musket fire resounded through the clouded sky. Hailstones, the size of goose eggs, pelted the cobbled thoroughfare as people ran for shelter. Thunder clapped and an onslaught of shouts and shrieks echoed nature’s vehement warning. Honour Metcalf sank to her knees in a puddle of quilted petticoats and toile—her mitted hands encased her head, vying for protection against the artillery of hail and confusion.
“Miss
Metcalf, Miss Metcalf . . .”
A muffled
voice reached her ears and she dared peek at the one towering over her. Blue
eyes—those eyes—flashed concern, then vanished as a dark cloak enveloped her.
Strong arms scooped her up, pressing her against the firm chest of her rescuer.
Honour
could scarcely make out the blur of damaged brick and clapboard as Joshua Sutton’s
long strides carried her away in haste. Glazed windows popped and shards of
glass
flew as hail continued to wreak havoc on shops and offices. Fallen
birds littered the street amidst the frozen ammunition. Lightning flashed and
Honour squeezed her eyes shut, willing away the shrill neighs of horses and the
cracking of the icy brimstone beneath carriage wheels.
The pair
made their way through a heavy wooden door and into a dimly lit foyer. Mr.
Sutton rested Honour upon along bench and stooped beside her. With trembling
hands, she pushed back her taffeta calash. The boned collapsible bonnet provided
some measure of protection from the torrent, but what would protect her from
him?
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Website: http://carlagade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlagade
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/carlaolsongade
Thank you,Lena , for your gracious hospitality
and for everything you do to help promote Christian fiction!
Thank you,
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Pattern for Romance - Christianbook
Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series - Amazon
Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
29 comments:
love the title of this book. would love to win a copy. Angela from Ky
Thank you for sharing this interview, as I always enjoy learning more about great authors. I loved the sneak peek and look forward to reading more!
Britney Adams, TX
Thanks for sharing. Would love a chance to win. Carol from AL
It's such a pleasure to be here! Lena you asked some wonderful questions. I appreciate your hospitality and the chance to share with readers. About those lobsters in Maine...yes, we are blessed to have them fairly often. They are sold EVERYWHERE! I have a Yankee appetite for traditional New England food and lobster fits the bill.
Thanks for the interview ladies. Sewing for the most part is a lost art in this day and age. I wish it was something I had learned more of as a youngster...
Patty in SC
This sounds like it would be pretty good, thank you for the chance to win it.
Wendy N. from FL
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you for the interview, I enjoyed it. Tonja in Virginia
Thank you very enjoyable interview would love to win.
Lourdes Long Island New York
I really enjoy books about quilts. Love to win it. sharon, CA
I would love to read this book.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
What is it about quilt books that makes them like a warm hug?! :)
Surely this author will become a favorite of mine. Wishing Carla Olson Gade the very best of blessings with her new work. Please enter my name. Thank you. Judy C. in Louisiana.
Enjoyed your interview, Carla, & would love to read/win your book - thanks!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
P.S. I live in north central Ky..
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
PATTERN FOR ROMANCE sounds like such a fabulous story. I look forward to a great read.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Congratulations on your first published book! I would love to read this! I live in Arizona
I really enjoy books about quilts. Love to win! sharon, CA
Oh, my! We got busy here today. Thank you all for stopping by. Its great seeing where you all are from. I hope you'll get a chance to come to Maine sometime...such a great place to live and vacation!
I would love to win this book.
Wendy M
buffalo, mn
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
Oh my, Carla! I love your quirky moment. Made me chuckle :) Your book sounds delightful. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
homesteading{at}chartet{dot}net
Anne in rural NC
That quirky moment has gone down in history with our family! Whenever my mom and I recall it we break out in song again and laugh until we cry!
24This sounds really interesting. I've read a couple in this series and really enjoyed them. I'm in MN.
I love the yodeling story. My mom could yodel and I always thought it was so cool!
Merry in MN
I haven't read any books by Carla. It was fun to read this interesting interview and I'm looking forward to reading her books. Tennessee
I agree! Grandchildren are great and I love that new baby scent also! This book looks like one I would really enjoy!
Beth from IA
I love the Quilting series books and would love to be entered in to win a copy of Pattern for Romance. Thank you for the opportunity.
I live in Indiana.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
Sounds great! Please enter me. I'm from NC.
We have some of the books from the Quilts of Love series in the church library.
I would love to win this one to add to our shelves.
Thank You!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
Post a Comment