Interview With Author Iseult Murphy
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’m Iseult, and I’m a speculative fiction writer. I live on the east coast of Ireland. I’m chronically ill, so many days I’m too sick to do anything but lie in bed and try to get through the next minute. I love animals, and I’m fortunate to share my life with two cats and a dog. My favorite genres to write are horror, fantasy and science fiction. I’ve published ten books and over forty short stories. I love to draw and illustrate my books.
I have written dozens of books. I started my first book when I was 7 years old! Some books waiting to be published, while others will never see the light of day!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Thing in Christmas Town is my latest book. My mother had dementia, and other physical complications that meant she couldn’t walk. I helped care for her for the last five years of her life. We watched hours of Christmas movies together in those years. They were bland and inoffensive, and perfect for helping my mother settle at night. However, my dark mind wondered what one of these Christmas movies would be like if it were a horror story. With the commercialization and secularization of the holiday, it didn’t take long for me to work out a suitable tale.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual, but I often write on my phone in bed. Sometimes it is the only way I can get any writing done. When I feel too badly to type, I can dictate my ideas or stories onto an app on my phone.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The Last Unicorn” by Peter S Beagle and the works of JRR Tolkien were an huge influence during my formative years of childhood. Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend” made a big impact on me as a teen. Bram Stoker, Garth Nix, Jason Sanford, Dan Soule, and Rami Ungar are all authors who inspire me and encourage me to be a better writer.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on finalizing a gothic haunted house novella for release early next year. I also have a science fantasy mystery and a fantasy comedy coming out next year, so they are keeping me busy. The third installment of my 7th Hell Irish zombie series will be released in October 2025, so I’m working on that as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are so many methods when it comes to promotion. I’m not sure I’ve found one that I would call the best. Getting interviewed on blogs is a great way to find new readers. The personal connection of interacting with people on social media has always worked well for me. Running free promotions and boosting them through sites like Awesome Gang is a great way to get books into the hands of new readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t rush things. Make friends with other authors and reviewers. Create as much buzz about your book as possible. Don’t be shy. Let others know your books exist. Be generous and support other authors and talk about the books you love. Be grateful for every review you get, even the one and two stars. Reviews are for readers, not for you. One person’s 1 star read is another person’s 5 star favorite book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There has never been and there never will be a person who sees the world the way you do. Write the stories only you can tell.
What are you reading now?
I’m beta reading a fantasy story at the moment and I’m loving it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to publish 4 books a year moving forward. I have so many books waiting to get out into the world, and so many ideas for new stories. I really want to share more of my fantasy and science fiction books with the world.
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?
The Bible (that counts as one book, right?), The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux, The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien, and Plague Birds by Jason Sanford.
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