Celebrating my Book Deal!

I have so much to be thankful for and could hardly wait to share the great news with you! 

I've been offered a book deal for my novel,
The Shadow Catcher's Daughter!

Although I did make an announcement on facebook, I wanted to wait a bit to post any of the details until after I talked to my new literary agent, Chip MacGregor. My historical romance novel will be published by Barbour's Heartsong Presents and is set to release in January 2012. Although that's still over a year away, the timing is perfect due to the relevance to the book's theme which I'll share more about in the future. I've been blessed to partner on this project with Darlene Franklin and Susan Page Davis. Each of us have written a book for this three book collection, tentatively titled "Love in Four Corners".

It's taken many years of perseverance and prayer, writing and learning craft of writing as well as about the publishing industry. So, when I received the email that I was promised a contract it was surreal. I'd always wondered how I'd respond to such news. Would I jump for joy, dance around my living room, fall on my knees? I probably did all of that, but what I did the most was cry. I'm one of those stoic New Englanders and tears don't flow easily for me, although I'm very sentimental at heart. The tears just wouldn't stop flowing from the late afternoon until I went to sleep that night. I guess it was all the pent up hopes and dreams, finally releasing. I was also still freshly grieving the passing of my Step-dad (who gave much research advice as I wrote the book) so emotion was right there waiting for the floodgates to burst. So cleansing and wonderful. . .happy tears.

I'm so blessed and honored to finally have this opportunity and am thrilled to be able to share it with you all who have encouraged and prayed for me along the way!

So You Want to Write a Novel

Sarah Hale's Letter to Abraham Lincoln Requesting a Thanksgiving Holiday

Sarah Josepha Hale, a poet and novelist, served as editor of Godey's Ladies' Magazine (later called the Lady's Book) from 1828 until 1877, during which time she made it the most influential periodical for women. Sarah Hale is hailed the Mother of the American Thanksgiving due to her long campaign to get Thanksgiving accepted as a national holiday in the United States. As a result of a letter she penned to President Abraham Lincoln when she was 74 years of age, he issued a proclamation that urged Americans to observe the fourth Tuesday in November as a day of thanksgiving.

Homeschool Book Fair

I have stacks and stacks of homeschool and children's books that need a new home. . .or homeschool, I should say. The kids are all grown up now and I want to bless other homeschool families with my surplus. Please feel free to ask for whatever books you need.

If you'd like to reciprocate with a donation of whatever you can afford, it would be appreciated (but not required). Or send me a jar of jelly, a gift card to Amazon.com, or come wash my kitchen floor. Anything will do.

Recipient is responsible for the shipping and must get that to me in advance. Email me at carlagade@gmail.com with your selection. If you live nearby and would like to rummage through my boxes just give me a shout. Thank you!