Interview With Author CA Murphy
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from Long Island, New York. At University I studied art and communication. As life has a way of guiding us in new directions, I actually became a physician.
For two decades I cared for numerous patients each with their own story – some heartbreaking, some triumphant. It was through these experiences and stories that I was eventually led back to my passion for writing and creating art. Now, as an author and illustrator, I am excited to share this journey my children’s and adult readers.
For children I use my medical background and knowledge of childhood development to create picture books loaded with engaging art work exactly matched to their cognitive abilities and needs.
Because of my loves for education, teaching, and children I put a great deal of thought into making books that entertain as well as teach. I also design my colorful illustrations to inspire imagination and creativity as well as improve focus and concentration. In this way these books are especially beneficial for kids with ADD/ADHD or anyone who needs to work on increasing attention span.
In addition to the 3 children’s books which I have released thus far I am tremendously excited to be working on engaging fiction for the adults in these little one’s worlds. I currently have a novel being examined by a major publisher and can’t wait to have updates to share as we move forward.
I have lived in New York, Maryland, Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts, and Maine – and now I enjoy a home in New Hampshire. When not writing or creating art I enjoy cooking (especially baking), the great outdoors…and my pets!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is I Love You That Much. This is a book in my Lee Series. Each book in this series follows an honest and delightful conversation between Lee and one of Lee’s parents – a single Mom or the Dad they visit on the weekends. Each conversation is sparked by yet another intriguing question asked by Lee.
In this edition of the series, Lee and Lee’s mother have an honest and genuine conversation that highlights the strong and special bond and love between a parent and child.
The book reinforces the message to children that their parent/guardian will love them greatly and without fail. The book helps develop improved self-acceptance and confidence.
While the messages of security and permanence, in this book, can be appreciated by any child they may be uniquely helpful for children of adoption, divorce, separation, military families, or those who have experienced trauma or abuse. The reaffirming message that they loved and lovable regardless of anything else may help release feelings of guilt or self blame.
Working with this type of artistic book is also very good at improving concentration, imagination, and creativity. This is especially important for the easily distracted child, anyone working on improving attention span, or children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD / ADHD).
This, like all of my children’s books, is inspired by my decades of practicing medicine and the insight I have into children’s world experiences and needs through the lens of this background. This book, even more specifically, was inspired by my own mother’s constant and unchanging love for me and the great difference I know that it has made in my life.
I Love You That Much is currently available in paperback and as an ebook on Amazon.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Everyone’s writing habits are very particular to them. As artists we are all unique. I like to joke that my books are really written by my pets who all gather on blankets under my desk as I type out their imaginings and fantasies.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always loved the Winnie the Pooh books, Paddington Bear, The Princess Bride book, and the works of Diana Gabaldon.
These works span many age ranges and genres and may all seem unrelated however the common theme is a protagonist who is much stronger than one would have expected, mightily overcoming challenges small and great, in a very different and sometimes whimsical world.
What are you working on now?
I am so excited about my next works. I am finishing another picture book in the Lee series that is targeted for slightly more experienced readers, ages 4-8, although it may still be enjoyed with a parent from any age. I am happy that as I add this book, and others, to the series young readers will gain the ability to grow with Lee over many years.
I am also working on the next book in my ABC’s by the Master Artists series. While the Monet edition is available on Amazon, and is my best seller, I have promised my readers 9 more works which will focus on:
MC Escher
Frida Kahlo
Gustav Klimt
Georgia O’Keefe
Pablo Picasso
Jackson Pollock
Norman Rockwell
Vincent van Gogh
Andy Warhol
Finally, I am really thrilled to be working on my first fiction novel for the adults who love the children in my audience. The draft manuscript is currently being looked at by a major publisher but if it doesn’t move forward in that direction I will still deliver it and actually have some fantasies about perhaps developing it into a trilogy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am a fairly new author on the scene from the perspective of actually sharing my works with the public. While offering your work to the world is the most exciting part of any creative process, writing or any other art, I have not as of yet perfected the best means to get my work to everyone that I want to share my stories with.
I do have my own website and am working on increasing my presence on social media. I’m also always looking for more and better ways to connect and am open to new friends, shares, collaborations, suggestions, and any other advice or opportunities that someone thinks might be helpful
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write. Don’t judge it, don’t stop, and don’t wonder if you can sell it.
Writing is a way to express what’s in your heart and mind. Even if it’s only ever for yourself that process alone is creative and therapy. If you do ever get to share it with others, all the better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always remember the joy in your craft and let that feeling spill over into the rest of your life.
Neil Gaiman said in Light the Dark, “The joy of being an author is the joy of feeling I can do anything. There are no rules.”
What are you reading now?
I am reading Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants by Caleb J. Boyer. It is actually a YA work that he wrote when he was 12.
This would not be a usual piece in my repertoire however I am a reviewer with onlinebookclub.com and this is the current piece that I have the privilege to be reviewing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to grow, in all ways, as a writer, as a person, in my awareness, spiritually, and in my presence in the world – everything but in size.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If stranded on a desert island they’re 3 books that I would take are:
1.) The Bible- No, I don’t read it every day or nearly as much as I would like. However I have it and take peace in knowing it is always there. I believe stranded on a desert island that same solace found in having this book nearby might be even more important.
The Bible is also not just one book but a beautiful collection of many books written by many authors in many different styles; fables, parables, poetry, songs, history, quotes, narratives, and even thoughts on utopian and dystopian societies.
2.) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I already mentioned hers amongst my favorite books however, again, like the Bible I find that this one tome offers a variety of writing styles: history, science fiction, adventure, fantasy, romance, and even some medicine. I think when limited to such a small library that it would be advantageous to have a book that offers enough ways to read it and genres within it that re-visiting it over and over would offer an ever changing experience.
3.) The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. While a more light hearted choice, written as a children’s book, it is poetic and would ironically speak directly to my own circumstances and still offer hope.
I love that this classic has so much to offer adults – like I try to do as well, although my own books are picture books. The Little Prince is softer than my other choices and would offer grand adventures to take me traveling to many different places and allow me to be many different things.
Author Websites and Profiles
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