Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I worked as a television news producer for about seven years before switching over to public relations. I now work as a freelance writer/marketer, and just published my first novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote the first scene of “Kingdom Come” after covering two different news stories about missing children and their parents. While the stories were terrifying, I couldn’t help but hope the kids were at least safe somewhere. I brought the scene to a workshop,thinking it was the start of a short story, when I was told kindly, but in no uncertain terms, that it was a novel by my fellow workshoppers. I’m glad I listened.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if they are unsual habits, but I usually have some type of snack/coffee next to me, which my aging metabolism is beginning to take issue with. I also like to use post-its to help me keep certain details/timelines straight. It can be embarrassing when your in-laws visit and you have post-its on the desk about how to end the world.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read anything and everything. I guess my biggest inspiration are actually the authors I workshop with. They keep me motivated, and convince me to keep going when I’m convinced I’ve just written the worst scene ever committed to a page.
What are you working on now?
I think I’m close to finishing the first draft of my next novel, currently titled, “All Angles.” It’s very different from “Kingdom Come,” but since I read different genres I’m hoping it’s ok to write in different genres as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning when it comes to promoting the book. So far, I’m on social media and Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. It is so very easy to give up. There are times when you’re convinced your book is no good, or you’ve finished the first/second draft and you’re just bored with your own story because you’ve read it and worked on it for so long, but don’t give up. I found workshops and the support of other writers invaluable. Knowing I wasn’t the only one feeling that way, and knowing people who I considered better writers than myself telling me they felt the same way made all the difference.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Even if you think what you’re writing is bad, write it and keep moving forward. You can always go back and fix whatever was wrong with it, but once you stop writing it can be hard to pick it up again.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I just started reading “The Indigo Girl” with my bookclub, and I’ve got “Once and Future Witches” on my bedside table waiting for me to pick it up. “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent” is right after that.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my next novel, and I continue to work as a freelance writer to support my book reading habit.
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?
This question is just mean. I guess I’d have to go with the classics: “Little Women,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and … I can’t choose!
Author Websites and Profiles
Nora Murray Website
Nora Murray Amazon Profile
Nora Murray’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile