Today I am speaking with Michael Murphy.

Hi Michael! Welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews! I am really glad that you have joined us at Fallen Angel Reviews today. I know you are a very busy person but the readers would love to hear something about Michael Murphy.

Michael, I read Try and Catch the Wind and loved it. I notice you live in Arizona. The time I spent out in the state I fell in love. It was a year that I will never forget. I’m glad whenever I get to visit the area.

Why not share with your readers a bit about Try and Catch the Wind?

The first in a new series, Try and Catch the Wind is a murder mystery set in a small upstate New York town where a former homicide detective struggles to adjust to a new life after the death of his wife and retirement from NYPD. When the body of a prominent politician’s niece is discovered on the woodchipper of the local landfill, Casey is reunited with a former partner and ex-lover who is now married to the leading candidate for Attorney General.

Casey and Shannon race to unravel the mystery, overcome resentment from local authorities and resist political pressure to solve the crime before the upcoming election. Of greatest importance, Casey and Shannon must prevent reawakened feelings from interfering with the search for the killer, before she becomes the next victim.

So Michael, I noticed you have two more books that are in the process, Class of 68 and Secrets of Sheridan Manor. Sheridan Manor has a very enticing cover. Would you like to touch base on these for the readers?

Secrets of Sheridan Manor returns in an all new Casey Bannister mystery involving a twenty-year old mystery that threatens a wealthy industrialist. This novel will be published by Wings ePress July 1, 2007. Wings will publish Class of ’68, a coming-of-age novel about three young Americans struggling to make sense of the Vietnam War, student unrest and political assassination.

Is your writing schedule hectic?

Hectic? I’m currently busy promoting my first novel, finishing my seventh novel called Scorpion Bay, and preparing to begin the final edit process for Class of ’68. But I’m enjoying every minute of it.

Could you describe yourself in 3 sentences for our readers?

I’m a devoted husband, father and grandfather. I’m goal oriented and driven to succeed. I find humor in life that adds another layer to my writing.

Outside of your writing, what keeps your interest? Do you have any hobbies that occupy your time and help with the creative process?

In addition to my writing, I’m a full-time manager for the Arizona Department of Administration Risk Management section and manage a staff of forty-eight. Did you ask about hectic?

What is the genre you best enjoying writing?

Class of ’68 will always be close to me because I grew during that year. But I write the type of books I love to read, character-driven suspense and mystery novels with a touch of humor and romance.

Which is the genre you best enjoy reading?

Mystery and Suspense.

What prompted you to seek Internet publishing?

My publisher, Wings ePress provides an opportunity for many authors frustrated with the current state of publishing dominated by five mega-publishers who don’t always want to take a chance with a first-time novelist.

Do you have any disappointing moments in being an author?

Since I began writing novels in 1999, I’ve had numerous rejections by top agents and publishers, but I’ve learned from their feedback and become a better writer in the process.

Do you have problems promoting yourself? What are some of the avenues you've used and do they work?

I’ve really enjoyed the book promotion process. I created a website that is a quick way for readers to learn a little about me and my novels. My niece produced a terrific book trailer for Try and Catch the Wind. I was fortunate enough to have three newspaper articles in the past few weeks about the release of Try and Catch the Wind; a story in the Glendale Star (local weekly), Arizona Republic (daily) and my hometown South Dakota newspaper, The Daily Plainsman. I recently had my first book signing which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was able to meet a number of people who’d read about my book in the newspaper and wanted to meet me. It was a rewarding and humbling experience to have people take time out of their busy day to come meet me.

There is a lot of talk about the value of obtaining ‘reviews’ of your work. How do you feel about having your own books reviewed and what value, if any, do you get from them?

I have a great deal of respect for people who review books. I’ve had several positive reviews of Try and Catch the Wind, including a five-angel review by Fallen Angel Reviews. Each time, I nervously await the review. Although reading is a subjective process, it’s a thrill to have a total stranger read my book and enjoy the experience.

Do you have anything else you would like to share with your readers?

I think readers will like Casey Bannister. He’s a fascinating character who continues to grow. I’ve completed three novels with him and there’s more to come.

If you could change one thing about the way you write, what would it be?

I would be as funny as Nelson DeMille and as intense as Dennis Lehane. Wait that’s two things. Oh well.

If you could be an instrument, what would you choose to be and why?

Definitely a violin, which can convey so many layers of emotion with each note. Writing, good writing should be that way, to bring several layers of emotion to the reader.

What is your favorite movie you could watch over and over?

Something that makes me laugh no matter now many times I’ve seen it, Woody Allen’s first movie, What’s Up Tiger Lilly? What a hoot!

Do you have a website other than www.mjmurphy.com that you would like to share with your readers?

Readers can order my book and learn more about me and my books on the publisher’s website, www.wings-press.com.
Readers can view my book trailer at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItMl1b5NcoQ and can also go to my My Space page at:
http://www.myspace.com/michaelmurphynovelist

Thank you so much for sharing time with us today, Michael. Anyone interested in reading more about Michael and his books, please visit his website to read more about his fantastic works. It has been a pleasure Michael, and I wish you the best with your writing.

Interviewed by: Linda L.