Interview With Author John Murray Jr.
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 2 books. The first is Better Than Our Dogs. We all know what we expect from good dogs. They are loyal, loving, kind, listen to their masters, they follow directions, listen, and don’t bark without a good reason. Better Than Our Dogs takes these expectations and uses them to illustrate how we can be better people and followers of God if we would just live up to what we expect from our dogs. While it is premised in the book of James, many readers, religious or not, love it because it is not preachy. It has a very positive message. That’s probably why it won the Grand Prize in the Fall 2020 Xulon Press Christian Author Awards, a national writing competition for Christian books.
The second is Man Na: A Daily Guide to Becoming the Salt God Intended. While readers may be familiar with the word “manna” as bread that God provided to sustain His followers during their time in desert, Man Na takes the concept of a daily devotional one step farther. Unlike many devotionals that just attempt to temporarily feed us each day, this book recognizes that lasting fulfillment comes from becoming salt (Na is the symbol for salt) for others. Through a relatable weekly message that is explored throughout the week, Man Na, is not a book that simply sits on your nightstand waiting to be read. It is also a call to action through service, kindness, forgiveness, friendship, gratitude, humility, and love.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Man Na was just released in October and became a best-seller in its first week. Man Na is a new type of daily devotional. Rather than just read a passage each morning or night, Man Na gives a weekly message and then challenges readers to be salt for others with Daily Bread entries throughout the week based on the message. By serving others we can get lasting fulfillment and create positive change in our lives. It is not preachy or judgmental. Instead, I try to use personal stories and humor to let readers know I am also in the fight with them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not sleep a lot. Ideas often come to meet late and night and I get up and write them or grab my phone and make notes. If I wait until the morning, all of my grand revelations disappear!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As far as authors go, Malcolm Gladwell inspires me with every book he writes. He has a way of storytelling that captures readers and teaches them to think in new ways. I also really love Mitch Albom books. The emotion he packs into his short and concise books is something to emulate. The book, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie has been on my mind a lot lately.
Aside from books, we are so lucky today to have access to great sermons and messages at our disposal. Chris Brown from North Coast Church is an amazing storyteller. Joel Osteen’s positivity is inspiring. Robert Madu’s passion is hard to ignore. Billy Graham’s wisdom. Rick Warren’s down-to-Earth guidance. Francis Chan’s commitment. The list goes on and on. These individuals make me better every day.
What are you working on now?
While I have many more books in my head, I honored to be under contract with Aspen Publishing to write an Introduction to Law textbook. It is an amazing opportunity to learn to write in a whole new way.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.jmurrayjr.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oh, where to start…there is so much more that goes into writing a good book than just writing the book. There is time away from family. There is a financial and time investment. There are revisions. There are editors. There are publicists and marketing companies. There is networking and social media.
I’m not trying to discourage anyone. I’m just trying to show new authors the reality. There are many great books that struggle to find readers. There are many great stories that do not have a great editor to catch mistakes. If you want to write a book, be ready to go all in and then work hard to promote it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My dad used to tell me, “You’re the best, but there is always someone better.” That statement has driven me my whole life. I have always tried to be the best at everything I do. However, I never stop working or get complacent. I’m always aware that there is someone else out there who is better than me. It gave me confidence, but also tried to make me humble in all things.
What are you reading now?
The Bible
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie (3rd time through!)
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I need to finish writing the textbook I’m working on and then see where God takes me next. He usually has a way of pushing one idea in my mind to the surface as the one to write about next. I’ll wait for that sign.
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 – no doubt about it!
The Army Manual for survival techniques – seems like a good idea!
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand – what an amazing story of courage and overcoming incredible odds. This would come in handy during those times of doubt on a deserted island.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Murray Jr. Amazon Profile
John Murray Jr.’s Social Media Links