Ask the Author: Michael Murphy
Answered Questions (14)
Michael Murphy
As a reader, I've thought I could do this!
Michael Murphy
My current work is the soon to be published Western legal thriller Sundown.
Michael Murphy
For me the best thing about being a writer is creating a fictional world. Although you didn't ask, the worst is marketing.
Michael Murphy
When my book is published, I'm on to new characters, unless the new one is part of the series.
Michael Murphy
There are so many options to publishing these days, I would consider some of the self publishing options available.
Michael Murphy
So far, four Jake and Laura books, but I would love to add to the series if there is interest.
Michael Murphy
I would travel to the untamed west, which is the setting of my new novel Sundown?
Michael Murphy
The mystery in my life is how did I come to adopt my five grandchildren. It might even be a future book for me.
Michael Murphy
Yes, thanks, and keep up the excellent reviews.
Michael Murphy
I've always been interested in classic Hollywood films, like The Thin Man series, pretty much anything with Cary Grant, William Powell, or Myrna Loy. So I tried to incorporate those impressions of the actors into my Jake and Laura series. William Powell even appears in All That Glitters.
Michael Murphy
Susan, this is one of the toughest questions an author has to answer. We become so close to our work, that we lose perspective and objectivity. I consider manuscripts to be like a sculpture. When the work is initially finished, there's still work to be done, shaping and polishing, sometimes taking a chisel to the piece to remove a section that doesn't quite work. Aspiring authors should use beta readers or critique group members (not family or friends who tend to not want to hurt one's feelings) to read the manuscript. If they raise significant issues, then there's more work to be done.
Michael Murphy
I believe the essential component of fiction writing is the scene. Novels are merely a set of connecting scenes within a story arc. To master the art of writing, complete a first draft and set it aside, then return and polish scene by scene.
Michael Murphy
I've always been a fan of classic mystery novels, particularly Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. I also like classic films, and one of my favorite actors is William Powell. He and Myrna Loy made 14 movies together. Their interaction and my classic mystery interest inspired me to create my Jake and Laura Prohibition-era series, with mystery, suspense, humor and two characters very much in love.
Michael Murphy
Writer's block can be tough. When I sink into this, I remind myself that the creative part of writing is the subconscious. Typing it into a manuscript is merely a mechanical extension of the subconscious. To tap into that, I will think about where I'm at in the novel before going to sleep, meditate, or the old standby, endless jogging on my treadmill. Works every time.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more