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| Carla Gade |
As writers, we’re always looking for ways to do what we do
better—in writing, marketing, and even keeping balance in our lives. Author Carla Gade shares four
things we can do in our journey that will help us keep on track, and I think
each one is equally important. Well . . . actually, the last is most
important.
~ Dawn
Guideposts for the Writing Journey
In my novel, Love’s
Compass, by all appearances, my hero and heroine come from vastly different
worlds. Eliana is a young white woman in the mid-1870’s living under her
father’s protection in western Colorado as his photography assistant. Yiska is
a half Navajo trail guide, with aspirations of journalism, trying to earn a
respectable living in a white man’s world. As the story progresses and they
come to know each other, they realize that they are up against similar odds.
Independently, in their efforts to make their mark on the
world, they resort to certain tactics: anonymity, disguise, and false pretense.
These tools work for a while as they plow forward in the roles they are trying
to achieve. It seems almost necessary for their safety and success, given the
circumstances of the historical times and place. You see, if they are not
accepted as they are, they must prove themselves otherwise. Once proven,
perhaps the masks can come off.
Sound familiar?
A few women writers of yesteryear come to mind. Jane Austen,
Mary Ann Evans, the Bronte sisters eventually could put their pseudonyms aside.
But for the most part our society allows us to go bold faced into uncharted
terrain. Yet we still hide. Though we are compelled to pursue our passion, we
still can get caught up with things that can be cumbersome to our writing
journey. Here are some guideposts that can help us along the way.
Transparency: For many
years before I was published, I would never allow anyone to read my writing. It
took a great deal of courage to finally allow others to read what I wrote, and
even more to critique and edit my work. Learning to be transparent was a big
step for me. I was letting people see me after all and I hoped they would like
me. It didn’t mean that there wasn’t room to sharpen my skills, but the
affirmation I received that I had a gift wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t
been willing to share it.
Authenticity: Being
authentic is important as well. We all have unique abilities ways of expressing
them. Our “voice’ is like no other. We may be drawn to the writing style of a
favorite author or a popular literary theme. Guard the genuineness of your own
distinct way of writing. Stay true to yourself.
One more for the road. The one that helped my hero and heroine
bond.
Relatability: As you
tell the stories that are on your heart, be relatable. Your own journey of life
sifts into to every article, story, every character your write. Although it’s a
different journey than your reader’s journey, choose some guideposts for them,
moments or emotions that they can relate to and connect with. It’s the heart of
what you write and your sincerity that will show them who you really are as an
author.
Above all, be sure to let the Lord be your compass, in your writing journey.
What
guideposts help you stay on course as a writer?
Colorado
Territory, 1875 –
Daring
Eliana Van Horn aims to make her mark by joining her father as his photography
assistant—disguised as a young man--on a survey expedition to the remote Four
Corners. Living in the shadows of his native heritage, trail guide Yiska Wilcox
is thrown off course when the shadow
catcher's daughter opens up the uncharted territory of his heart. As they
travel through dangerous terrain in the mountains and deserts of Colorado and
New Mexico, Eliana and Yiska must learn to overcome the barriers of culture, faith,
and ideals to discover common ground. Though they are worlds apart, will they
stake a chance on love?
New Englander Carla
Gade writes from her Victorian home in central Maine. With ten books in
print she enjoys bringing her tales to life with historically authentic
settings and characters. An avid reader, amateur genealogist, photographer, and
house plan hobbyist, Carla’s great love (next to her family) is historical
research. Though you might find her tromping around an abandoned homestead, an
old fort, or interviewing a docent at an historical museum, it’s easier to
connect with her online.
