Writers know all about reality. We only have to be online for two seconds before we read an article or see a tweet espousing the roadblocks that lay before us.
We know how insanely difficult it is to get an agent. Once we get an agent, we discover how many steps we have to pass through in order to get a book contract. Once we have the contract, we find out crazy things. Like the average book only sells a thousand copies and most authors don’t earn out their advance and forget about making a living. We’re not called starving artists for nothing.
It is super rare to see a debut novel anywhere on a best seller list, let alone the New York Times and USA Today. So when Julie Cantrell’s debut novel, Into the Free, made it on both, I was highly intrigued.
The against-all-odds hope many of us tuck away in our back pocket, became a reality to Julie. I wanted to know what that was like.
So she agreed to be a guest today and answer some of my questions. I hope you enjoy!
When I saw your starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, your book jumped to the top of my to-be-read list. When and how did you first hear about this stellar review? Do you think it has played a role in the success of your book?
I was leaving work and my phone started ringing like crazy. I was getting a lot of calls, texts, and emails all of a sudden, so I assumed something was wrong. I was afraid to answer while I was driving, just in case the news was as bad as I feared. I drove to my husband’s office a few miles away and asked him to be with me while I checked my messages. (I always fear the worst.)
I went to email first and saw a string of messages from random folks asking to be my agent/publicist/website guru, etc. It was strange. I thought I’d been added to some spam list or something. Then, I got to the emails from people congratulating me on the PW review. I still hadn’t seen it and really had no idea what anyone was talking about. I finally found an email from my editor, Nicci Jordan Hubert. She forwarded the review to me and said simply, “JULIE!!!”
I was so green, I didn’t understand the magnitude of such a review. I’d heard of starred reviews from PW, and I noticed the review had a small star in front of it, so I forwarded it to my publisher and agent with a short note…”Have you seen this? Does this mean it’s a starred review?” Within minutes, my agent, publicist, and publisher were all calling me to offer congratulations. That’s when I realized what a big deal it might be. It was one of those life-changing moments, and it’s certainly one I’ll never forget.
And…yes, it has certainly played a huge role in the success of Into the Free. I’ll probably never know who wrote the review, as the power of PW is the anonymity, but I will always be grateful to that reviewer for giving me such a positive start as a debut novelist.
Your book was on the USA Today’s best seller list and NYT’s best seller list two weeks in a row! What was your reaction? Other than it being a phenomenal book, what other factors do you think played into the great sales?
Well, the news that it had reached those two lists was a second life-changing moment, and I was blown away. To be honest, I never dreamed anything like this would happen and I’m completely overwhelmed with gratitude.
My publisher, David C Cook, and my publicist, Jeane Wynn, should both be credited with this book finding its way to readers. They’ve believed in this book from the start and helped it cross the great divide in publishing, finding a market with both CBA and ABA readers.
Did you ever dream this would happen? How you are soaking it all in? Is it having an impact on your life?
I really never did dream of this. I was happy to have a novel published and never set certain expectations when it came to sales or reviews. It’s still soaking in, really, and while I always assumed bestselling novelists were living the highlife, nothing has changed in my life at all as a result of the book’s success.
I’m busier with interviews and author events, but other than that, I muck stalls, cook dinner, drive carpool, teach elementary school, and all the things that most moms do every day. I think it’s still too early to tell how the book’s success will impact my career as a novelist, but I do hope to be able to write fulltime someday.
Other than that…no glamorous high life here, but feel free to soak in the fantasy.
What are you working on next?
I’m writing the sequel to Into the Free, which I’m happy to say will be published by David C Cook. We’re shooting for early Spring 2013, and I hope readers will stay tuned to find out what happens next in Millie’s life.
Thanks for being our guest today, Julie! I’m so thrilled that Into the Free is doing so well. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Let’s Talk: What about you? Do you dream of being a best seller? How do you think you’d react if you discovered your book had made it on one of those lists?
Julie– this is so exciting and honestly, well deserved. Your book was well-written and intriguing and fantastic and deserves every accolade it got. And, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer author!
Erin, I’m blushing here. Say it again! Just kidding. I’ve always been one to shy away from compliments…but I admit, yours makes me feel pretty darn good. As a mom, the one thing I want my kids to be is NICE, so I very much thank you for considering me in that way. Happy Easter! j
I would be stoked if I had a best seller! Then we could re-do the bathroom AND the deck! But I’d really go nuts if I had someone tell me that I wrote something that changed their lives, or made them re-think how they treated someone else. Or pulled them toward Jesus, that would do me in.
I muck stalls…I have two teenage boys. 😉
Hi Jennifer…You nailed it. That’s exactly how I feel. The response from readers has been the most amazing and powerful part of this entire experience, and it’s something I will NEVER take for granted.
And you’re right…I am looking at my bathroom and half-way hoping I’ll get to redo it. We bought a home from the 70s and are slowly renovating. I confess…the bathroom is ORANGE! so I do hope to tackle it soon!
Have a wonderful Easter with your boys and your horses! Thank you so much for your support.
Best,
julie
This is a book that, once started, you can’t put down! I even got up during the night (when I couldn’t sleep) to finish it. Our book club of 8 women all said they could not put the book down, either…..
Wow, Leta! I’m THRILLED to read your comment and honored you shared this book with your bookclub. I love hearing that Millie’s story drew you in and I hope you’ll all come back to read about the next phase of her life in the sequel. Thank you for your kindness and support!!!
julie
Thanks for a very interesting interview! Julie, I love the mucking stalls reference. 🙂
Hi Rosslyn. Thanks so much. I know non-horse people won’t get it, but honestly…mucking stalls is a fabulous form of therapy. I look forward to it, and even the kids now fight over who gets to help! There’s nothing like a little dirty work to put everything in perspective. So glad to hear from you here! Happy Easter!
j
I have Into the Free on my Kindle and I can’t wait to get started!
Best seller? I’d probably hyperventilate if I ever got an agent 🙂
My theory is that it’s okay to dream big. It’s what motivates us. I just make sure I keep my feet firmly planted on the ground…to avoid any sort of letdown. This is the same advice I follow every spring when the Chicago Cubs start their season 🙂
Oh Tracy, that’s hilarious! Cubs…that’s baseball, right? I’ve never been a big baseball fan, but I do love football…especially the SEC (college). I’m a huge LSU fan, but I live in Oxford, MS., hometown of Ole Miss…whose football team in recent years has not done much to impress anyone. It’s so hard to see a team you care about suffer…but I’m like you…I’m always one to root for the underdog, and I always believe anything is possible. Still, I never in a million years thought it was possible for Into the Free to hit the homerun! Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can. And I have a feeling this year, Ole Miss will win the SEC Championship, the Cubs will win the World Series, and Tracy Moore will sign a contract to publish her soon-to-be bestseller. I’ll be cheering!
I’m glad you’ll be reading Into the Free soon and I look forward to hearing what you think!
Happy Easter,
julie
Great interview! Yes, I suppose we all dream of making it “big” in the business.
It’s good to read that Julie’s life has pretty much remained the same. I am glad for her and thank her for the dose of reality.
Blessings!
Ruth
Ha, Ruth…see the reply I just posted to Jill. I am SO very much grouded in reality…probably the reason I LOVE to read and write fiction. We all need an escape every now and then, right? I’m very grateful for your support and apologize it’s taken me a few days to get a chance to swing by and read these wonderful comments. THANK YOU!!!
j
Ooo, love this interview, Katie!
Julie, congratulations! Your story sent that shivery feeling down my spine. I’m so happy for you! It’s funny how the “big events” don’t always change day-to-day life, isn’t it? No matter what happens (good or bad!), I’ll still be cooking dinner, driving carpool, and all the other little things I do each day. What a great (and relief-inducing) reminder.
Thanks so much, Jill. I’m so glad you share my appreciation of the simple things. At the moment, my daughter’s nose is bleeding, my dog just got kicked by my horse (not good), and my son is shooting nerf bullets at my computer screen …. probably b/c I have not fed him breakfast yet (GASP!) But…as I always say, it’s better to be full, than too empty. I really appreciate knowing there are LOTS of busy women in the world who totally understand the joy (and the stress) of juggling so many glass balls at once. Thans for your support!!! julie
Uh, yeah. And even though my book has been out a year, I’m still dreaming. Hope never dies.
Into The Free is a wonderful story and Julie is awesome – it’s so nice to be able to celebrate this with her. Great interview, Katie, thanks!
Cathy – my island friend! It’s so nice to see you here! I always picture you on the beach, with a drink in hand and a hottie at your side to provide endless entertainment. I imagine you writing your bestseller in the sand and the sun, the way any decent writer should live, right? I also think the watercooler group should have our first official retreat in Bermuda and join you in paradise. But you can’t plan that until I become a Zumba master and can at least be seen in public in one of those full-skirted swimsuits from the 1930s. Deal? Thanks for your sweet support, Cathy. Have a blessed Easter, and give your cabana boy a big tip this week, K? 🙂 j
ROTFL!!!! Yeah. I’ll let my hubby know about that cabana boy eventually… 🙂 I actually don’t spend that much time on the beach. Like hardly at all. But you can definitely imagine me sitting by the pool! But not today, weather is still windy and rainy! A retreat here is a wonderful idea!!
Julie, Congratulations (and many happy returns of the event). I think all authors aspire to something like this (although some of us don’t admit it), but then again, I aspire to pitch for the Rangers in the World Series. In my case, neither scenario is likely.
Nevertheless, very happy for you.
Katie, thanks for sharing this with us.
Oh, Richard. Thank you so much! I’d LOVE to see you pitch for the Rangers. I’m betting when you when the Pulitzer or the Nobel Prize for Literature, they’ll let you throw out the first pitch, right? I have no doubt this will happen in my lifetime, and I’ll be right there to cheer you on as you have done for me. Thank you SO very much for your support. Happy Easter! julie
I just love posts like this. Awesome! Congratulations to Julie!!
Thank you so much, Loree. I hope my impossible journey inspires you to do the same. It’s been a fun ride, but only because of wonderful folks like you who have offered such genuine, tremendous support. Thank you!!!!
julie
I was thrilled to see Julie’s debut novel meet with such tremendous success from the start. How wonderful that so many readers are enjoying her awesome story.
I look forward to seeing your book on bestseller lists, Katie, and will shout the news from the cyber rooftops when that happens.
Keli, I’m so glad to hear from you on this blog and SO glad you pointed out Katie’s SOON-TO-BE Bestseller. I have no doubt she’ll blow my little story right off the charts. And then guess whose turn it will be? That’s right, the fabulous Keli Gwyn! This is SO much more fun with wonderful friends to share it with. Thank you, Keli!!!
Congradulations, Julie! That is so exciting!
Yes, I admit I do have a dream of someday having a best-seller. I think my reaction would be shock for the first few days. Shock coupled with extreme hyperness.
Chazak,
– Hannah Mills
http://www.swordofink.com
Ha…Thanks Hannah. Your post has me smiling BIG b/c that’s exactly what I did….stunned stillness, then the heebie-jeebie nervous jitters. As for Hyper…I usually run about a million miles a minute, so that’s my normal pace. You’d think I’d still be skinny…hmmm…something’s just not right?! 🙂
Thanks for your support! I look forward to reading your bestseller someday SOON!
Cheers,
julie
Thanks, Katie, for giving us a glimpse into the incredible ride Julie took with Into the Free! How very exciting for you, Julie!! And I agree, it’s so good to hear that there will be a sequel. Woo Hooo!
Thanks so much, Donna. There will indeed be a sequel, and I’m honored to hear you’ll stay tuned for the next phase of Millie’s story. I’m trying to write it now and hope to have it on shelves by Feb. 2013 (Please, please, please pray I can meet the deadlines! A tiny bit worried at this point, but still keepin’ the faith 🙂
I appreciate all your support and cyberfriendship more than you will ever imagine, and I hope you have a fantabulously blessed and peaceful Easter!
Cheers,
julie
Thanks for sharing your interview! Haven’t read the book yet, but I love how such a hard working, unassuming person is surprised by the popularity of her book. That gracious humility will take her deep and far.
Oh, Glenda. Thank you SO very much for this sweet comment. I’ve been feeling super guilty b/c I haven’t had time to swing by this blog and read the comments. Wearing this many hats gets a little tricky sometimes, and … you probably know all about female guilt …. I always worry I’m shorting someone, somewhere (which I usually am). Your kind reply has really warmed my heart and reminded me that all of you are just like me, scrambling to stay above water. I’m so glad you understand and very, very grateful for your support. Be sure to let me know what you think when you get a chance to read Into the Free. I love hearing folks talk about the characters as if they really exist. Such a powerful experience!
Have a wonderful Easter,
julie
Ooh, this book is waiting on my Kindle and now I’m even more excited to read it! 🙂
To answer your question, I think I’m much like Julie in that, hey, mostly I just want to get a book published… 🙂 BUT I’d be lying to say I haven’t thought about how awesome it’d e. 🙂
Hi Melissa – Thank you! I’m honored to hear you’ll be reading Into the Free soon, and I look forward to hearing your feedback when you’re done. Here’s what you need to know..I never took a writing class. I was told by a high school teacher not to waste my scholarship to study writing b/c the most I’d ever be able to do is MAYBE publish a greeting card or two. And a bestselling Christian author refused to endorse Into the Free saying, “my readers will throw this across the room” and “it’ll never sell.” SO….my point is, if I can do it…ANYBODY can. I very much look forward to reading your book in the near future. GO FOR IT!!! And thanks for your support!
julie
Into the Free was a great book. I’m just happy to hear there will be a sequel.
I’ve been watching for the past couple weeks as it’s stayed right at the top of a few Amazon lists, usually number one or two. For awhile, it was even beating Karen Kingsbury’s Loving which I thought was pretty amazing.
Julie, congratulations on the book’s success. And thank you for sharing. Most of us do dream of a huge success like that, and it was fun to hear how it all happened.
Thank you so much, Sally. I agree with you…it has been really amazing, and it has far exceeded anything I ever dared to dream. That made it even more of a treat…because I honestly never expected anything close to that level of support from readers. I’ll never be able to adequately express how overwhelmingly grateful I am for readers like you who have given this book a fair shot. I appreciate your support so very much, and I am thankful for your kind congratulations. In turn, I congratulate YOU…because without you and other readers who took a chance on a new writer, the book would never have seen the light of day. So, you see, ALL OF US have landed on that coveted list. I certainly didn’t do it alone! THANK YOU! and have a fabulous Easter, julie
I can’t WAIT to read Into the Free & what a great interview, Katie! Thanks for sharing, Julie!
Thanks, Jennifer. I’m thrilled to hear you plan to read my first little novel. I hope you will enjoy Millie’s story and come back to let me know what you think of Millie’s life. I enjoyed Katie’s interview, even though I was in a big rush and worried the answers would make me sound a little rough-edged. I’m FINALLY getting a chance to drop by and read all these sweet comments because our school is out today for holiday. It’s been a bit hectic lately, but I really do appreciate every single person who gives this story a shot and who has offered me such tremendous support as a debut novelist. THANK YOU!!!! julie
I need to read this book! It sounds great from all the buzz I’ve heard.
And like you said, I think most writers dream of it, but it is such a mystery how it even happens. I think that we all have to be satisfied with wherever God has us, which can be totally and completely difficult–but necessary for any sort of joy in life.
Great interview!
Thanks so much, Lindsay. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview because I’ve actually been feeling guilty that I had to answer sweet Katie so quickly. I feared the answers would sound sharp…which isn’t like me at all. I’m more of a rambler…but I was in a big rush when I responded to her. I’m glad the tone doesn’t come across as rough-edged to you, and I appreciate your interest in my little book. Have a wonderful Easter, julie
Loved this insight. I’ve definitely dreamed of being on a best sellers list, a lot like I stayed in bed for an extra hour Saturday morning dreaming of what I would do if I had won that half-a-billion lottery jackpot. They both sound like a fun adventure!!
Congratulations to Julie!! And thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I think I would have freaked out, too, if my phone and email started going off like that.
Thanks, Heather. I’m glad I”m not the only one who tends to fear the worst when things happen out of the ordinary like that. In every other way, I’m an optomist. I promise 🙂 To be honest, the bestseller list felt about as impossible to me as winning the lottery, so believe me…if I can do it, anybody can. I’m still kind of in denial about it all…although somewhere deep inside my inner dreamer is still at work. Last night I dreamed Dakota Fanning, Morgan Freeman, and Julia Roberts had signed on to star in Into the Free. I woke up this morning trying to figure out who would play what. Morgan would be Sloth. I’m guessing Dakota is older now…not sure who she would play. Julia? Hmmm…maybe Diana? It was a nice dream though, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Hollywood will come a callin’! Honestly, after this adventure, I believe anything is possible. Thanks for your support and I hope you win the next big lottery! Cheers, julie
Oh sure. I dream of that. 😀
What a fun interview. I’m reading Into the Free now and LOVING it!
My daughter dressed like Millie so we could get a cover shot that looked like Into the Free for one of my wacky blog post ideas.
Congratulations Julie! From everything I’ve read so far it makes perfect sense–the stars and the lists!
~ Wendy
Thanks so much, Wendy! It’s awful that I’m just getting a chance to reply to this blog. Life’s been a bit hectic, but I really appreciate your tremendously kind comment and I look forward to hearing what you think when you finish the book. Have a wonderful Easter! julie