One Woman's Writing Retreat: Alison Lake

Author of Colonial Rosary: The Spanish and Indian Missions of California
Release date September 2004 in hardback and paperback.

The missions captured my imagination as modest but original examples of Spanish architecture in California. While beautiful, the missions have a sadness about them as well. I wanted to learn more about their history and decline. During my visits, I was disappointed by the books I found in mission stores, so I decided to write the book I needed to read when I first visited the missions.

While researching the book, did any of your findings surprise you? What was the most startling discovery you made?

I was astounded by the diversity and large population of Indians who lived in California before European settlement. Few people outside of California realize the huge role played by Indian tribes in the missions. Indians outnumbered colonists by the thousands. Their labor was the primary force behind the colony's success in cattle farming and wine production.

What did you learn about women's roles in the era? How do they compare with women's roles today?

Spain settled California during a time when women obviously didn't enjoy the same rights they do today. Yet the missions were medieval in their treatment of women. Unmarried Indian girls and women slept on boards in a locked dormitory at night, and were punished or publicly humiliated when they rebelled against Christian rules. Indian women of the missions had no freedom whatsoever until they married. Life was better for women who came from Mexico to start families with mission soldiers and farmers.

How do you balance raising two small children with the writing and promotion of a book?

I love to write and I am a little bit nuts. I make time for writing and research. Always having several projects going keeps my brain focused and provides some routine for me. While I wouldn't change a thing right now, finding quiet time to work is definitely a challenge.

When I started writing professionally, I discovered something. I am hugely ambitious. As a result, I feel crazed sometimes as I try to accomplish my goals while taking care of daily life--my kids, the house, etc. I can be very demanding of myself. Occasionally I notice myself in the middle of complete chaos, and have to laugh.

Who would be interested in reading Colonial Rosary: The Spanish and Indian Missions of California and why? How does it relate to our society today?

Those interested in the Hispanic roots of American history and the drastic impact of settlement on American Indians will enjoy this book. The missions began California's destiny as both a frontier state and a destination for immigrants. The mission system is a case study for understanding how the movement of people across land changes a place forever.

In 2002 you began amassing a large number of freelance publications, and now a nonfiction book. You have a Midas touch for selling your work. How did you learn to do this? Will you share your secret with us?

I enjoy the marketing aspect of professional writing. Ordering business cards, writing addresses out on envelopes, and polishing my work are all a nice break from typing at the computer.

Most of all, I find the challenge of submitting work and tweaking ideas for a positive response very fun. Even negative or constructive feedback teaches me something.

Everything I know about networking I learned from my father. He is the best networker I know. He taught me to get out there and sell myself. I can be shy at times, but when I need to speak with someone in order to accomplish a goal, I am not afraid to make contact.

Being online also makes the submission process so much easier and faster. I think because I submit so often, I don't slow down with rejections. My desire to write professionally drives me to submit until I get somewhere. I suppose I thrive on the thrill of publication.

I may write another book for my current publisher, and I am working on more book ideas right now. Once I have a couple of books under my belt I would definitely like to be represented.

Any advice for writing a query letter? Tell us about your service of query letter consultations.

First, research the formats. There are some good books out there, especially Marcia Yudkin's book Freelance Writing for Magazines and Newspapers. I think the most important approach is to be clear and direct with clean writing. State your purpose, what you plan to include in the article, and be specific about the type of sources and sidebars you will include. Be professional. Also, be sure to get a hold of a publication's editorial calendar and writers' guidelines so you have a head start. In my consultations, I help writers tighten up their writing and focus and adjust their tone for their target publication.

Absolutely. Without submitting to multiple places at once, I'd be sitting by the mailbox for weeks and wasting time. I have submitted article ideas to a couple dozen places at once. Even magazines that say submissions must be exclusive don't get back with you for months at a time, so that process doesn't make much sense.

I used to write down all my submissions and then faithfully follow up with every single one (I am talking about articles and short pieces), but I don't do that any more. It ended up being pretty fruitless. If I already know the editor I check in to jog his/her memory, but otherwise I assume I will hear something if they are interested.

I enjoy a balance of writing books and articles. Each requires different skills and focus, and I like the variety. My long-term goal is to make a decent second income for the household, and I'd like to get to the point someday where the work comes to me and I don't have to chase it. I'd like to write one book a year and as many articles as I can. Someday I'd love to write fiction.

Alison Lake writes for magazines and newspapers. Her second book, Living Off Balance, is due out in fall 2005.