Who has a scarf I can borrow?
(People often ask me how you get to be a best-selling author. Since I’ve never been a best-selling author, I have no idea. But being the inquisitive person I am – and one who is also looking for a way to fill blog space since writing a blog twice a week gets really tough sometimes for me – I decided to find out by asking an author who has become a best-seller. So, today I’m launching a new occasional feature on my blog. It’s called “Interviews with Authors.” Yes, I know that’s a terribly creative and titillating title, but I’m up for the challenge with these no-questions-barred conversations. Let’s get started!)
I’m happy to welcome New York Times best-selling novelist Julie Cantrell to my blog today. Julie’s written a poignant and lyrical coming-of-age story – Into the Free – which follows spunky young Millie Reynolds as she battles family dysfunction to grow up in depression-era Mississippi. Along the way, Millie experiences the magic of Gypsies and first love, along with the pain of betrayal and tragedy, on her personal journey into adulthood. So it’s got all kinds of stuff in it, you might say.
Jan: Julie, I love this book, especially when you write about the enchanting Romany people in Millie’s life. I’m curious – have you ever been a Gypsy?
Julie: Thanks so much, Jan. I’m honored you read this story and thrilled to hear you enjoyed it. I’m also excited to be chatting with you today, and I can tell this is bound to be one of my most exciting interviews yet.
Jan: Whatever.
Julie: I guess I’m like everyone who has ever dreamed of running off with the “Gypsies.” Unfortunately, I can’t claim Romany roots, but I’m very fortunate to have met many Roma who have graciously answered my countless questions about the rich history of the Travelers. I have great respect for this subculture and hope the book encourages greater cross-cultural understanding.
Jan: So you don’t play a tambourine or run through your house waving long scarves?
Julie: Me? Yes. I do, but none of the Roma I’ve met would do that. I was excited to learn more about this culture as I wrote the book, and like all minorities — they extend well beyond the stereotypes.
Jan: Have you ever ridden in a rodeo?
Julie: Nope. I’m just a rule breaker. Someone told me to “write what you know,” so I did the opposite. I read to learn. I write to process the world around me. I figure I might as well write about things I want to learn more about, right? Thankfully, I have been able to interview some incredible folks who do have extensive experience with all the things I knew nothing about. I also made sure I read an awful lot of material I’d probably never have read otherwise.
Jan: Okay, no gypsy and no rodeo experience. What about sitting in a tree? Millie loves to sit in this old tree she calls Sweetie. Have you ever sat in a tree?
Julie: Ahhh…you got me. Yes, I’m a tree lover. Always have been, always will be. And like Millie, I did spend many a childhood day in my favorite tree…only mine was a cedar, while Millie’s was a sweet gum. The sweet gum was actually inspired by the tree my children climb. So see, I do write what I know, sort of.
Jan: Now here’s the big question: of those three things – waving scarves, riding bareback, sitting in a tree – which is the most important preparation for writing a New York Times bestselling novel?
Julie: Oh dear. Let’s say…hmm…wave a scarf while pretending to ride bareback from the limb of your favorite tree. Bestseller guaranteed. It worked for me, at least.
Jan: And there you have it – the secret to Julie’s success. So go out and find yourself a scarf and a tree limb! Or if you’d just rather read Into the Free, I guess you can do that, too. I did. But now I want a scarf…and a horse…and a moonlit night…
