Author interview: Patrick Michael Murphy

Patrick Michael Murphy is offering TWO free copies of his novel, Across the Desperate Miles, to the first two persons who post a comment on this interview. The free copies are available in eBook format for the Kindle. The only condition for those interested is to post a review of the novel on Amazon.

Jerome: What can you tell us about Across the Desperate Miles?

Patrick: Across the Desperate Miles is the current-day story of Kera and Rand Priven, a young couple who must journey across America to find and protect their children.  The catch is, they are not getting along, at all, and, America is in the throes of a revolution brought about by outside and inside forces.  There is war and anarchy within our borders.  The systems have shut down.  They are completely on their own.  It's a story of transformation and survival.

Jerome: Who are your readers?

Patrick: I have had very positive feedback from 20somethings to 70somethings.  I think it does well with contemporary fiction readers as well as action/adventure, thriller, military history, political readers, pop culture… and anyone wondering about the direction and future of the United States (and world really).  The book is on Amazon and I don't really know anything about the people who purchase it, but it seems to appeal to readers on many levels.

Jerome: What was your journey as a writer?

Patrick: I started writing as a teen. I then joined the Army as a cameraman and travelled the world at a peaceful time, photographing pretty much anything I wanted, and a few I didn't want.  I did very well there and in civilian life, won a couple Emmys for my photography and writing, but two decades later I was burned out on it and wanted to turn my own writing into a career.  I am not going to say it's been easy, but I am going to say it's been a challenge and a lot of fun.  

Jerome: Do you follow a specific writing process?

Patrick: Let's see.  I am a fairly disciplined guy in many ways.  But.  There's always that but, isn't there?  In filmmaking I learned about formulas and used them until I became sick of them.  I saw the ruin of formulas and yet, it seemed, everything was being done with them, especially TV and screenplays.  I began experimenting, and had some great success.  I think we are all so inundated with media that new approaches are often not new at all.  But for me, the idea is to not simply recreate what you or others have done.  Use courage.  Go out on your own and believe in yourself.  So I have used time-tested approaches for writing screenplays, essays, novels, and poetry, but my process is really to consider deeply what the piece is about and let it go its own way… within reason.  I take long periods off between writing projects.  But when I am writing I get obsessive.  At least through a draft.  Across the Desperate Miles was first written in the late nineties. Before the horror of 9/11.  I sent it out a few times back then and then I shelved it. When I took it out again several months ago, at the urging of Jan Takac, my new editor, I planned to read it just to let her see it.  But when I opened it all this new energy came out and with Jan's help I tightened it and rewrote two more times.  So, I am not saying part of my process is to let a manuscript sit for 10 years, but this story is much better for the wait.          

Jerome: Where do you find inspiration?

Patrick: In life.  Good God, it's all about.  It helps to also have a deep desire to communicate and be understood.  If you're feeling uninspired… travel.  Look.  Listen.  Question.   Go anywhere but your everyday places.  I get bored, depressed, angry.  I think we need to be ourselves, but look for the positive, and definitely use every emotion and every question that has ever come through you.

Jerome: Who are your favourite authors?

Patrick: Larry McMurtry, Wallace Stegner, Deepak Chopra, Peter Matthiessen, Ernest Hemingway and a lot of others.  I also enjoy newer writers but the earlier ones helped shape me.

Jerome: Is there a book you wish you had written? Which one?

Patrick: No, but there are stories I'd liked to have lived.  There are many books I marvelled at the talent it took to write.  There is no question that great writing that moved me emotionally also inspired me to write.

Jerome: Do you have any tips for budding writers?

Patrick: I am now 53.  Years pass quickly.  I have always been impatient.  Perhaps that is our worst enemy, impatience.  Yes, go, yes, do, but also be patient with who you are, who you are with, and what you do.  It's worth it.  Write the pieces you have said time and again you want to write.

Jerome: What are you working on at the moment?

Patrick: Publicizing Across the Desperate Miles.  And a collection of essays about my life and life in general.  This will be out on Amazon in a couple of months.  Then, my next novel.