When it comes to novels, many teachers say, “Write what you know.” I’m a rule-breaker by nature, so of course I did the opposite.
I’ve always relied on writing as a tool to help me process the world around me. I especially love to accept freelance assignments with topics that are completely foreign to me. Whether medical articles for healthcare clients, or sports interviews for regional magazines, I gladly accept the challenge and enjoy learning something new through the process of research and writing.
Finding Inspiration
When our family moved to Mississippi from Colorado in 2004, I jumped in head first…just as I had done with each of our thirteen relocations in ten years (but who’s counting?). I began building fresh friendships and planning fun family adventures that would help us connect with our new community.
While researching weekend trips around the state, I discovered a tiny blurb about the “Gypsy Queen,” Kelly Mitchell, whose elaborate funeral drew more than 20,000 mourners to Meridian, Mississippi in 1915. I had spent most of my life in Louisiana and had always considered myself a southern girl, yet…I had never known of any “Gypsies” in our region. I’ve always been interested in different cultures, so the idea of Roma in Mississippi fascinated me, especially at a time period when the south was known to be racially segregated.
The Circle of Life
Years later, when I added “Write a novel,” to my bucket list, I remembered the “Gypsy Queen.” I began reading everything I could find about the Romani Travelers, and our family took a road trip to Meridian. There, we visited the queen’s grave, which we found in Rosehill Cemetary next to the grave of her husband, King Emil Mitchell. I also began working with historians in Meridian and slowly found Roma who were willing to tell me their stories.
As my research continued, I was surprised to learn I grew up with many Roma in my small Louisiana town. I’d considered these people my friends, yet I never knew they were “Gypsies.” Sadly, they choose to keep their cultural identity secret from “gadje” or non-Roma, still fearing discrimination and mistreatment. Their willingness to give me a glimpse into their beautiful culture has been one of the most amazing aspects of writing this book, and I feel as if I have a much greater understanding and appreciation of my hometown after realizing it was much more multi-layered and diverse than I ever imagined.
When I wrote the novel, the Roma ended up being a small thread in the overall story, but the entire book started with that one blurb, back in 2004, when I was just a mom trying to help my kids adjust to a whole new world. In the end, the story encompassed many topics that I knew little about before writing the book: rodeos, horses, farm hands, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and southern life in the 1940s. I pulled from actual historical events and played loosely with the margins of those nonfiction details, but the entire imaginary world was crafted for Millie, my main character, and ultimately…it’s all about her.
I’ve posted many interviews and information about these topics on my website: www.juliecantrell.com. Of course, I’m always eager to learn more and enthusiastically encourage your input.
Into the Free hasbeen reduced for a pre-holiday sale. Order your copies today, and if you’d like free signed or personalized bookplates for special loved ones on your gift list, please email me directly: julie@juliecantrell.com