Ed A. Murray's Blog, page 11

Examining the collapse of America’s blue-collar middle class

Philipp Meyer made his name known in the literary world with the release of his 2013 epic The Son. But that's not what I'm here to write about, because there is another book by Meyer that is similarly exceptional: American Rust.

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We could all learn from Jim Harrison

“The world that used to nurse us now keeps shouting inane instructions. That’s why I ran to the woods.” — Jim Harrison Several years ago, on a mission to connect with more literature set in my home state of Michigan, I came across a Jim Harrison book. I picked it up at the bookstore, flipped through the pages, did a quick Google search on my …

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They said it, not me: Best quotes from writers

In this age of increasing technology and constant access to various media channels, it seems there is never a shortage of information at our fingertips. This leads to people being more “social” online (a theory about which I am still skeptical, but that’s for another day). And then, inevitably, the quotes start flowing. They are…Read more They said it, not me: Best quotes from writers

They said it, not me: Best quotes from writers

When talented people share their thoughts on a subject, others should listen. It's no different in the writing world. For me, while I enjoy a good laugh, the words that resonate are often words of encouragement or motivation from writers I admire.

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3 simple tips for writing around a busy schedule

Forget about writing a novel—sometimes it’s difficult finding the time just to scratch out a blog post. Years ago, when I first started taking this whole “writing” thing seriously, I read online that only five percent of novelists earn a living from their work—and that was before the self-publishing explosion. That’s right: at least 95…Read more 3 simple tips for writing around a busy schedule

3 simple tips for writing around a busy schedule

We live busy lives, and they only seem to be getting busier. So on top of everything else, where in the world can we also find time to do that thing we love?

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How long should it take to write a novel?

Writing a novel is a very personal process—and one that, for the bravest aspiring novelists among us, becomes very public when the decision is made to publish. It cannot be rushed. But there has to be a middleground between cranking it out too quickly and sitting on it for years without doing anything, right? The ultimate…Read more How long should it take to write a novel?

How long should it take to write a novel?

Writing a novel is a very personal process and one that, for the bravest aspiring novelists among us, becomes very public when the decision is made to publish. It cannot be rushed. But there has to be a middleground between cranking it out too quickly and sitting on it for years without doing anything, right?

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A day to remember the fallen

When I was a student at the University of Michigan, I was walking across campus and a young woman stopped me. “Please take this,” she said, and then handed me a small slip of paper. “It’s Veterans Day. We want all of our fallen to be remembered.” I looked at the slip. It read: Christopher…Read more A day to remember the fallen

A day to remember the fallen

When I was a student at the University of Michigan, I was walking across campus and a young woman stopped me. “Please take this,” she said, and then handed me a small slip of paper. “It’s Veterans Day. We want all of our fallen to be remembered.” I looked at the slip. It read: Christopher M. Talbert. When I got back to my dorm room, …

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