PATTERN FOR ROMANCE - Carla Olson Gade - One Free Book

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. 

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Does yodeling Eddy Arnold’s Cattle Call into the great beyond in the Blue 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

What is your favorite food?
Lobster! Or lobstah as we say it in Maine. Ayuh.

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.

Tell us about the featured book.
Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston 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.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Boston, Massachusetts
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

Blogs: http://writingtodistraction.blogspot.com and http://colonialquills.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Carla-Olson-Gade/316054038409932

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!

It’s my pleasure and great blessing, just as we’re blessed to be able to participate in the release of your debut novel.

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

Christian Book Store

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