Today's Roving Eye Interview is with crime writer, Luke Murphy. Luke lives in Shawville, Quebec with
his wife, three daughters and pug. He played six years of professional hockey
before retiring in 2006. Since then, he’s held a number of jobs, from sports
columnist to radio journalist, before earning his Bachelor of Education degree
(Magna Cum Laude).
Murphy`s acclaimed debut novel, Dead Man`s Hand, was
released by Imajin Books on October 20, 2012.
When did you first realise that you
wanted to write for a living?
Writing is not my full time job. I’ll tell
you more about that in question 6.
Actually it happened by accident. Growing
up I never thought much about writing, but I was an avid reader. The only time
I ever wrote was when my teachers at school made me. I wanted to be an NHL
superstar…period.
It was the winter of 2000, my second year
of professional hockey, and I was playing in Oklahoma City. After sustaining a season ending eye injury
(one of the scariest moments of my life), I found myself with time on his
hands.
My girlfriend at the time, who is now my
wife, was attending a French college in Montreal. She received an English
assignment to write a short story, and asked me for some help.
I loved the experience—creating vivid
characters and generating a wire-taut plot. I sat down at my roommate’s
computer and began typing. I wrote a little every day, around my intense
rehabilitation schedule and before I knew it I had completed my first
manuscript.
I didn’t write with the intention of being
published. I wrote for the love of writing.
Thirteen years later, I still write for
pleasure—and I still love it! The fact that I am being published is a bonus.
What made you choose crime fiction?
I was always an avid reader. My first books
were the Hardy Boys titles, so they are the reason I love mysteries. As an
adult, some of my favorite authors are Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly and Greg
Iles, so naturally I write what I love to read – mystery/suspense/thriller
novels.
What crime novel would you most like to
have written?
“Kiss the Girls” by James Patterson was the
first adult crime-book I ever read, and I fell in love with the genres.
Probably my favorite crime book to date is “The Poet” by Michael Connelly. I
would love to write a Harry Bosch novel. What a great character.
Who is your favourite author outside of
crime fiction and why?
I don’t know if you count thrillers as in
the same class as crime-fiction, I’m assuming you do. My favorite thriller
writers are Greg Iles and Harlan Coben. I haven’t read a lot outside of my
crime-fiction and thriller genres, so this is a tough question. I’m the kind of
guy who likes familiarity and rarely strays from what I know. My wife and I
really enjoy the Nicholas Sparks movies, does that count?
Who are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading Blood Memory by Greg
Iles. These days I don’t read as much as I’d like, because I have so much going
on.
If you weren’t a writer, what else
could you see yourself doing?
I always say I write because I can’t sing
or dance (LOL). Writing isn’t my full time job, I would have starved long ago
if it was.
I’m an elementary school teacher, I tutor
Math and English part time and I’m a husband and father. So as you can see, I
only write when I find time.
My dream was to play in the NHL. I ended up
only playing 4 games for the Florida Panthers in 1999, then injuries and age
took over. But it was a fun journey and a wild ride while it lasted.
My dream job today would be to write full
time. To make enough money, be able to stay home and write what and when I
wanted would certainly be my ultimate goal.
Playing on tour in the PGA wouldn’t be bad
either. J
What was the last great book that you
read?
Man, I’ve read so many great books by so
many talented writers. The last book I read that actually had one of those
“wow” factors was “Pied Piper” by Ridley Pearson.
How do you feel about ebooks vs. print
books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
Guilty as charged, okay, I admit it, I
don’t have an ereader. There is just something about holding a book in my
hands, the smell and the feel. I can’t explain it but for me I love holding an
actual book. That being said, I sell a ton more ebooks than I do paperback, so
I appreciate where society is taking us into a paperless future. As for
publishing, I’ve always been a traditional kind of guy, but I realize times
have changed, and more writers are gaining an opportunity, exposure and a
chance to get their books in front of readers though self-publishing and PODs.
I think I just enjoy the challenge of being evaluated by my peers, and I think
that it is more fulfilling when you realize that a publisher wants to take a
chance on your work, rather than you paying to have it done. But I have heard
very positive things about self-publishing. It’s different for everyone.
What five words best describe your
average day?
Normally
“writing” would be in there, but since baby #3 arrived in May, I haven’t
written a thing. So these are the 5 words that sum up my current days:
Fathering
Loving
Teaching
Learning
Promoting
Sum up your latest novel in less than
20 words.
DEAD MAN’S HAND takes readers inside the
head of Vegas debt-collector Calvin Watters, one-time football star, now murder
suspect.
And, lastly, just for fun..
Have you read or would you ever consider
reading 50 Shades of Grey?
I have never read 50 Shades of Grey (don’t
know if I’d admit it if I had J ), and I probably never will. I
heard all about it though. I can totally understand the allure of the content,
but I’ve also heard that it is very poorly written, and I probably would get
fed up and frustrated half-way through the first chapter. But I do respect the
author and what she accomplished with those books. I would certainly like to be
as successful as she has become from that series. I’ve actually written a blog
post about the book, and if it would have been as well received
had a man written it.
For more information
on Luke and his books, visit: www.authorlukemurphy.com
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