Interview With Author P.J. Murphy
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since childhood and always wanted to be an author. I’ve completed four novels – two of which have been published; the others will remain on a hard drive somewhere for eternity.
As a writer, I try to stick to the adage ‘write what you know’, although with the addition, ‘just make sure you exaggerate and distort it beyond all recognition’. I am planning to write a novel about taking a road trip with a parrot. I have never owned a parrot.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dead Letters is a mash-up of a lot of different influences. I wanted to write a fantasy quest in a modern setting, using a lot of the traditional tropes with a twist. I also wanted to build on the idea of ghosts being memories of people and events, and try to put a different angle on them too.
I’ve also been influenced by several events over the years, but I won’t say too much about them, to avoid giving out too many spoilers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Constantly eating while writing. I call it brain food, but I don’t think my brain needs that much sugar.
I don’t think it’s that unusual…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a slow reader, so I tend to enjoy books I can savour. I love Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides for his beautiful writing which just makes me have to stop and soak it in every now and then.
Princess Bride by William Goldman is just brilliant, too. So much humour and wisdom, folded into those pages.
What are you working on now?
I have three different projects on the go:
– a sequel to my satirical novel, Troubleshot
– a sort-of thriller that’s best described as Bond meets Groundhog Day
– something about a road trip with a parrot
Who knows which will cross the finish line first?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to all this, but I have found Facebook Ads very effective. Don’t kill me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get honest feedback from others – don’t dismiss it out of hand. It’s valuable insight, even if everyone’s tastes are different. But don’t let it break you either.
Hire a copy editor. It may be expensive but even getting the first few thousand words edited can make a huge difference, rooting out those errors and inconsistencies that can have a negative impact on your readers’ experience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Research, research, research!
What are you reading now?
Madness is Better than Defeat by Ned Beauman.
I’m not far into it but I’ve already had a few laughs!
What’s next for you as a writer?
At the moment, I’m fully dedicated to getting Dead Letters out there and being read. When that’s over, I intend to get back to some actual writing!
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?
Princess Bride – William Goldman
Virgin Suicides – Jeffrey Eugines
Madness is Better than Defeat by Ned Beauman – because I’m reading it now and wouldn’t want to be stranded without knowing what happens
Author Websites and Profiles
P.J. Murphy’s Social Media Links