A native New Englander from the US, Carla Olson Gade, grew up in an historic Massachusetts town and now lives in rural Maine with her husband and two young adult sons. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing historical Christian romance. She is the author of The Shadow Catcher's Daughter and the novella “Carving a Future” in Colonial Courtships. Carla is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Throughout the years, Carla has been a conference planner and taught many ministry groups, workshops, and courses, presenting on Biblical topics, genealogy, writing, and adult literacy.
Colonial Courtships ~ Unexpected adventure catches the Ingersoll brothers by surprise-and brings unexpected love into their lives. Nathaniel has his sights set on becoming a master figurehead carver, until he risks everything for a woman. Jonathan's merchant trade and his new love are in jeopardy from a brother's animosity. Micah expects to settle down to peace after a life of fighting on the frontier but finds a young woman hiding from an abductor. Alden is press-ganged into tending an ailing naval captain, then catches sight of the captain's fetching niece. Will the unexpected end in four courtships?
The novella collection begins with Carving a Future, set in 1753. Ship figurehead carver Nathaniel Ingersoll has apprenticed for many years under his Uncle Phineas and hopes to become a master ship carver in his own right. Indentured servant Constance Starling arrives on the Connecticut coast too ill for anyone to accept. Has Nathaniel jeopardized the future he has worked hard to achieve for the welfare of a weakly servant?
Welcome back to Ink Dots, Carla. It's a thrill to feature you and your books again. For those who don't know you, tell us who the most important people in your life right now. My husband, Brad, and two sons, Justin (25) and Brandon (24). We are a close-knit family, and this includes our son’s girlfriends. Also, my mother is very important to me as my best friend and my first editor for my novels.
What inspired you to write Carving a Future? I wanted to write about Colonial America for Abingdon Fiction’s Quilts of Love series. That is one of my favorite historical eras. My quilt story is about a woman quilter who works for a mantua-maker (dress maker). The costuming and quilt research was fascinating.
How do you choose your characters’ names? I often research my family genealogical records for interesting names that suit the period that I am writing about. Another resource I use is vital records (birth and marriage) for the location and time period. Many of these have been transcribed and are available online.
Where would you go if you could visit anywhere in the word? I’d love to visit Sweden and Norway with my husband and two young adult sons. My paternal relatives are from Sweden and my husband’s are from Norway. I think it would be a fantastic trip that we all could enjoy together.
What’s next for Carla Olson Gade? I’m currently working on two book contracts. The first, Pattern for Romance, is a novel set in Colonial America in Boston, Massachusetts prior to the American Revolution. This is book #9 of Abingdon Fiction’s Quilts of Love series. It will release in August of 2013. The next one is a novella entitled Season of Love in a Barbour Fiction anthology called Mistletoe Memories. That will be out in September 2013.
Until then, where can we find you on the internet? I blog and am on facebook and twitter. I also have boards at Pinterest and feature each of my books with bonus pictures and information. The easiest way to find me is to start at my website http://carlagade.com and connect with me from there.
Thanks for joining us today, Carla. I'm already intrigued by Constance Starling, the indentured servant, and her hero Nathaniel Ingersoll. But then, I've already read the first chapter!
Thanks for joining us today, Carla. I'm already intrigued by Constance Starling, the indentured servant, and her hero Nathaniel Ingersoll. But then, I've already read the first chapter!
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If you'd like to know more about Carla's characters and their adventure together, you too can read the first pages of Carving a Future right here. Take a trip with me to the Connecticut River in 1753. For the chance to win your own copy, please leave a comment below. Tell us if you've ever taken a journey by ship. I did a quick voyage from the mainland of Fiji to a nearby island on my honeymoon, and I know for certain I don't have sea legs. How about you? I'll announce the winner in the comment here in Friday. Good luck! 
