As writers, we have to make a lot of leaps of faith: Believing we can create something out of nothing. Believing we have a story to tell. Believing someone will want to hear it. Believing our work is worth doing.
In my writing life, there have been a lot of those crazy leaps, but maybe none so big as the one I made five years ago, during a very bleak time in my life. I was between books then – never a happy place for me to be – and I couldn’t settle on what to write next. My mind was a muddle of other people’s voices – editors, agents, critics, reviewers, well-meaning family and friends. I could no longer hear myself. It didn’t help that it had been a devastating year for me personally, and that the blows showed no sign of stopping.
One day, reeling from news that I thought would break me apart, I sat down in a coffeeshop and just let myself write about how I felt. And there on the page, I asked myself a question:
If you were only allowed one more book, what would it be?
Sometimes when you ask the right question, you get an answer. Right there in the coffeeshop, a story started to come to me. And kept coming over the next days and weeks and months. A story about – of all things – a Spymaster, a ruby, and a girl who heard music that no one else could hear. A girl who needed to find her own voice to survive.
It wasn’t like anything I’d ever written before. It wasn’t anything like my agent or editors were expecting from me. But oh, how I wanted to write it!
And so I did.
It took me much longer that I expected, partly because I had a baby not long after I started, and also because we later made an international move. I had to set the work aside for long periods of time – at one point for more than a year – and even when I was working on it I usually only had tiny pockets of time. The story, too, was a challenge, requiring many more drafts than usual.
But this leap of faith has a happy ending. When the book finally went out last month, it had the good luck to fall into the hands of Julie Just at Janklow & Nesbit. She loved the story so much that it made me cry. And when the book went out to editors, well, my friends… that was one amazing week. And now the book has found a home.
Here’s the official announcement: ,
From this week’s PW Children’s Bookshelf:
“In a pre-empt just before Frankfurt, Karen Wojtyla of Margaret K. McElderry Books bought a YA series by Amy Butler Greenfield called Chantress. The series, set in London in the 1660s, centers on a girl who can sing magic in a world that forbids it; her talent quickly gets her into trouble with an evil Lord Protector. The first book in the trilogy is set for summer 2013. Greenfield is the author of the middle-grade novel Virginia Bound and the nonfiction book A Perfect Red. Julie Just of Janklow & Nesbit Associates negotiated the deal for North American rights.”
So here’s to leaps of faith! And here’s to the friends – including you wonderful people who read this blog – who helped sustain me through mine.
stephanieburgis said:
Eeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so, so happy for you, Amy! That is FABULOUS news – and what an inspiring post!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
So very happy to share the news with you!!! And so lovely of you to have linked to it. Sending hugs and thanks!!!
deva_fagan said:
Here via and I just had to comment and say congratulations! I love inspiring stories like this, about having faith in that dream book! (Also, the book sounds AMAZING!)
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you — it’s so very nice of you to stop by! I’ve loved your books, and I am really looking forward to Circus Galacticus.
jeniwrites said:
A trilogy!!! I was cheering for you this early morning at the thought of a sale, but a trilogy?! I am SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! (Happy dance in bare feet) It could not have happened to a nicer person. YES YES YES YES YES!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Oh, Jeni, you’re going to make me cry all over again. Happy tears, of course! Such a lovely note. I’m right there dancing with you!
Anonymous said:
Hurray!
Amy, I’m so pleased for you! It’s so exciting! Now everyone will get to enjoy your story. Well done!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Re: Hurray!
Oh, Paula, thanks so much! I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to share this with you. And thanks so much for your helpful comments on the early chapters!
newport2newport said:
Wheeeee!!!
I’m thrilled for you, Amy, and for all your eventual readers. And in a deep, quiet place that exists between friends, I’m filled with contentment and joy.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and thank you for including us in the celebration.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Can you feel my hug across 6000 miles, Melodye?! You are one of the people who helped make the journey sweeter, and it’s a joy to celebrate with you now.
melissawyatt said:
This is a beautiful and inspiring story, Amy! Thank you for sharing it and congratulations!!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
You’ve inspired me so often, Melissa. So very glad if I can return the favor!
tamarak said:
Wow. Amazing story. So happy for you!!! 🙂
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks, Tamara!!!
saputnam said:
Congratulations Amy!! That’s terrific news!! Your blog gives me hope that my belief in NED will someday pay off.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks, Sharon! It can be so hard to keep the faith, but I’m lighting a virtual candle for you, and wishing you well.
amymcauley said:
I just love this post. And I love when wonderful things happen to wonderful people. I can’t wait to read this trilogy!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Such a sweet note, Amy. Thanks! I know you had your own leap of faith to make with Violins of Autumn — and I’m so looking forward to reading it!
triciasullivan said:
Amy, that is AWESOME!!! Your news is fabulous–CONGRATULATIONS–and the story behind the story is hugely inspiring. I’m thrilled for you!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Tricia, thank you so much! Speaking of inspiration, you’ve been one of mine during these years. Wishing you all good things!!!
tracyworld said:
AMY! I’m so very happy for you and the story that stayed with you through thick and thin. Your kindness and generosity shine through in your posts and comments, and I’m thrilled good things came your way. Here’s to taking leaps of faith.
Congratulations, faraway friend!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Oh, Tracy, this news is so much sweeter because I get to share it with friends like you. Thanks for being such a great companion on the journey — and may there be wonderful news for you soon, too!
jeannineatkins said:
yayyyy!
Oh, Amy, I’ve got chills and am shaking a bit with excitement. What a beautiful story when hard work and faith is rewarded, and … I just can’t wait to read this! I’m so happy the manuscript landed smackly into appreciative hands.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Re: yayyyy!
Oh, Jeannine, I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to share this news with you. And how hard it was NOT to tell you before! You have been such a dear friend and companion through these years. I wish I were close enough to give you a hug!
jodyfeldman said:
I saw that yesterday! So excited for you, but with no time to do anything but squeal to myself then. Very happy to send you all my best. It couldn’t happen to a nicer person. YAY!!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
You’re making me blush, Jody! Thank you so much!
tltrent said:
Amy, this makes me happier than you can possibly know!! Big congrats to you. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to dive in!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks so much, Tiffany! You’ve done a lot to inspire me, too, and I feel just the same kind of excitement about your book. Great to be linked up with you now on FB, too… couldn’t believe we weren’t friends there already!
jbknowles said:
This is the best story! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I know this will give so many others hope to follow their hearts. Thanks for sharing, Amy!!! And oh boy, I can’t wait to read it!!!!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you, dear Jo! Your wonderful blog posts have brightened many parts of the long and winding road I’ve been on. And “Is it true yet?” has been one of my compass points.
lisa_schroeder said:
What a wonderful story – thanks for sharing and giving hope and inspiration to all who read it.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! The story sounds WONDERFUL!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you, Lisa! Your wonderful posts have helped me keep the faith over these long years, and I’m very thankful for your wise words.
Anonymous said:
Oh my gosh, Amy. Thank you for sharing your story-tear bringing and inspiring-you gave me goosebumps. Congratulations, congratulations. And now the wait to read begins…your book sounds WONDERFUL!!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you so much! I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to hear that people are excited to read this book!!!
beckylevine said:
Amy, I am so, so happy for you! Congratulations! And thank you for sharing the wonderful story. 🙂
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
So very happy to share this good news with you, dear Becky. Let’s dance a jig in cyberspace together!
njnelson said:
Oh, I love this story. Congratulations!!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you!!! Thinking of you and that sweet baby of yours…
njnelson said:
🙂 …that sweet baby whom I also call my Sweetpea! Big hugs to you and yours!
Anonymous said:
Congrats, Amy!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks, Paul! Wishing you much luck with your own writing.
cfaughnan said:
Congratulations, Amy!!! Thanks for telling that story. I love the question you asked yourself! Perfect!
The trilogy sounds wonderful too. I can’t wait to read it!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you, Cindy! You know, I still remember the exact moment I wrote that question down. And how it felt to hear my own true voice answer.
jenlibrarian said:
Yay Amy!! oh that is a wonderful dose of inspiration on a grey rainy morn!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
So happy it inspires you!
jamarattigan said:
Your news beats all, Amy. So, so thrilled for you! I, too, love it when good things happen to good people. Restores the faith and inspires us all. A lifetime supply of chocolate cupcakes to you!! Congratulations :)!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Oh, my! A lifetime supply of chocolate cupcakes? Talk about inspiration!
Seriously, Jama, I’m so very glad I chose this road, in part because of the friends I’ve made on it… like you! Your virtual feasts and your generous heart are always an inspiration.
fabulousfrock said:
Big congrats!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks!!!
Anonymous said:
hurrah!
So excited for you! And so well deserved. I love this story, and now everyone will be able to fall in love with it, too
:O)
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Re: hurrah!
Thanks, Teri! I feel the same way about Slated. And I’m so grateful to have had you as a reader for Chantress!
lorrainemt said:
Oh Amy, tears came to my eyes just reading how this story came to be. It just makes me so happy that you listened to your heart. It seems when we do that, the universe resonates and all things become possible.
Triple congratulations, Amy!!!
You have a reader here who is so excited to snap up a book as soon as it’s available! It sounds like a beautiful story, and I can’t wait!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
So lovely to read this, Lorraine! When it comes to listening to your heart, you are always an inspiration. Thanks so much for your thoughtful companionship.
psamphire said:
Wow! Congratulations! That’s wonderful news. 🙂
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you! It’s wonderful to be able to share it with you!
Anonymous said:
Such wonderful news, Amy! I’m so pleased for you!
Huzzah!
Tim Blinko
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you, Tim! Wishing you the best, too!
kfisler said:
Yippie! So, so happy for you, and proud to boost. I’m convinced that leaps are the only things that truly get us anywhere new — good for you for taking it amidst everything else going on.
But we really have to wait until 2013 to read it???
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks, Kat! Yes, leaps are where it’s at, though there’s a certain amount of dogged persistence that’s necessary, too — as I know you know. And yes, 2013. The publishing industry works on a long timeline. Exciting times ahead, though! It’ll be fun to share them with you.
kmessner said:
Yay!!!
Amy, congratulations!! So happy to hear this great news – and now I’m looking forward to your new book!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Re: Yay!!!
Thanks, Kate! Sending cheers to you, too — so happy to see all the good news rolling in for Over and Under the Snow!
kellyrfineman said:
WAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I am so so so so thrilled for you, Amy!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks, Kelly! So lovely to be able to share this with you!
barbarabaker said:
Happiness is good news. And your news makes me very happy! Can’t wait to read the first book.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you! So nice of you to stop by!
territrimble said:
What fantastic news, Amy! I’m really looking forward to reading your trilogy. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks, Teri! I’m so glad you found it inspiring. Wishing you much luck with your own writing!
kitlovesbooks said:
I love hearing the story behind your “leap,” Amy. How marvelous that it produced this wonderful story, I look forward to reading the whole series!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thank you, Kit! Not only for these kind words, but for all you did to help me during these years, though all the turns of the wheel.
Anonymous said:
Yippee!
Amy, that’s fantastic. I’m so so pleased for you. I had no idea when I saw you in Oxford the other week. Just fab.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Re: Yippee!
Thanks so much!!
angelacerrito said:
Oh, that is WONDERFUL!!!
HUGE Congratulations! Here’s to following your heart!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks so much, Angela! I loved your “That’ll Be the Debut” interview over on Notes from the Slushpile. So kind of you to stop by!
Anonymous said:
Writer’s lives are never straight forward and it was uplifting to hear how you perservered through it all and came out smiling. Well done, Amy. You give heart to the rest of us who are still struggling.
Debbie
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks so much, Debbie! The writing life does seem to require a lot of patience and determination, doesn’t it? I’m wishing you lots of luck with your own journey.
candygourlay said:
I was late to this news, Amy – Woo hoo! CONGRATULATIONS! And it sounds fantastic! Can’t wait to read it.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks so much, Candy! And great to see you here. Can’t wait till I can get myself a copy of Shine!
alankria said:
Hiya! This is Alex (we met at Steph’s book day in Bath); thought I’d add you on LJ as well. =)
And many many congrats on selling the series! It sounds really interesting.
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
A treat to see you here, Alex! I had no idea you were on LJ. Love that icon!
peterlaird said:
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
That is one amazing comment. Thanks for making my day, Peter!
afraclose said:
NOt sure when you added me, but I just added you back and I saw of your success on the Jonowrimo list. Congratulations!!!!
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Thanks so much, Allison!
Anonymous said:
Trilogy sale
Hi, Amy,
Of course I knew this from the list and am still bowled over with delight at the sale, but never saw your website before (love it!) and wanted to add my congrats again on your blog. What a wonderful lot of super friends and followers you’ve got!
Really looking forward to reading the real deal!
Kris
Amy Butler Greenfield said:
Re: Trilogy sale
So sweet of you to write, Kris! I continue to be very grateful to you for reading that draft last year — your comments were SO helpful!