The See Jane Write book club See Jane Read is back and this month we’re reading the novel The Morning After by C.J. Wade. C.J. is also the See Jane Write Member of the Month for July 2019 — and not simply because we’re reading her book this month.
C.J. is a powerhouse of a woman — a Jane of all trades and a master of many. She’s an author, blogger, teacher, dancer, and massage therapist! She’s also one of the kindest and most compassionate people you will ever meet.
If you’re in the Birmingham area, you can see for yourself when you meet her at our book discussion, set for Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. CT at the Panera Bread located at 521 Fieldstown Road in Gardendale. You can RSVP here.
If you’re not in Birmingham, don’t fret. We’ll be having an online discussion of the book throughout the month here.
Read on to learn more about C.J. and more about The Morning After.
For people who aren’t familiar with your work, tell us what your novel The Morning After is all about.
“Midnight” comes in different forms and everyone handles those midnights differently. The Morning After is an inspirational fiction story that centers on Elyse Adams, an urban development planner in Birmingham, Alabama, who experiences a life event that turns her world upside down. In addition to that, the relationships around her are not as they appear, so the reader walks through some interesting situations. Elyse also discovers Malcolm, a mysterious stranger she meets after work. There’s always a morning after. The question is can we live with it?
What can people expect from your blog, The Write Wade, and who is it for? Who is your ideal reader?
My blog is for the busy. It is motivation and inspiration for everyday life. My ideal reader desires a practical application of Christian principles. She may be a first-year college student gearing up for a test or he may be a nurse on his lunch break. Regardless of gender and profession, she or he can connect with someone who doesn’t judge their imperfections because I have plenty to share. My prayer is always to encourage and empower that reader. My writing mantra is “I listen at the speed of life and I write it as I hear it.”
In addition to writing, you’re a dancer, teacher, and massage therapist. Tell us more about this work and how you find time to write. Also, do you feel your other roles help you as a writer at all?
I live by the words of Walt Whitman regarding my professions — “Behold I do not give lectures or a little charity. When I give, I give myself.” Before everything, I was a writer in the backseat of my grandparents’ car. Writing was an escape — freedom on a page. I learned piano at age 4 which developed into a love for the arts and teaching. As a teenager, I realized performing artists sacrificed themselves for their craft, so I created a long-term goal of being a licensed massage therapist to assist them. Teaching was borne out of being a volunteer tutor after I clocked out of my corporate job. That’s the quick version of how I started driving in these career lanes. They do not appear to be complementary, but to me, they go together perfectly. My social science education background enhances my ability to connect with my audience and my clients. Being a dancer allows me to effectively analyze kinesiology for my clients’ sake and makes me a body-conscious artist. In each role, I see people as they are and I listen intently. I notice nonverbal cues and always seek to understand. I wholeheartedly believe that each profession allows me to inspire others, so I use tools to help me write on-the-go so I can fulfill that mission. I rarely schedule a time to write; I just do it. It may be pages, paragraphs, or one sentence. I don’t measure the quantity; I just allow the flow. Evernote, Google Docs, and Google Calendar are my best friends.
I understand there’s a sequel to The Morning After dropping soon! When can we expect this book and what will be the focus of the story?
I’m so excited about it! Truthfully, I considered moving my original release of mid-August 2019, but for now, that’s what I’m still aiming for. Let’s keep rooting for it, OK? The name of the sequel is called Intentions and as the title states, it dives deeper into the heartstrings behind the decisions we make. I’ll give you a hint – there’s a funeral.
How has See Jane Write helped you as a writer and what do you like most about being a member?
See Jane Write gave me the infrastructure to build my writing confidence. It provided the community of feminine warriors that I was looking for. We encourage each other and provide accountability. I view See Jane Write as a safe place to squirm, dream, and land. I appreciate that all writing levels and questions are welcomed and none are judged.
Who should be the next See Jane Write Member of the Month? Send your nominations to javacia@seejanewritebham.com and don’t be afraid to nominate yourself! Not a member? Apply to join here.