Q&A with The International Best-Selling Author Luke Murphy by Fran Joyce

I first saw Luke Murphy’s books on Amazon and we connected on Twitter last year. Luke is the International bestselling author of two series: The Calvin Watters Mysteries (Dead Man’s Hand and Wild Card) and the Charlene Taylor Mysteries (Kiss & Tell and Rock-A-Bye Baby).

He lives in Shawville, QC with his wife and three daughters.

In addition to his writing career, Luke is a teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Education (Magna Cum Laude).

He played six years of professional hockey before retiring in 2006. His sports column, “OVERTIME” (featured in the Pontiac Equity) was nominated in 2007 and 2009 for the Best Sports Page in Quebec winning the award in 2009. He also worked as a radio journalist.

How did a former professional athlete change gears and transition to teaching, writing a newspaper column and writing mystery thrillers? That’s a question screaming for one of our Q&A’s, so let’s ask Luke.

1.       Were you an avid reader as a child? If so, who encouraged your love of reading?

I loved books as a child. I’m from a family of avid readers. My mom worked for a while as a local librarian, so I would often stop in to see her after school and spend the evening at the library. Even though my mother passed away when I was young, I remember a stack of Danielle Steele novels on her bedside table.

2.       What were your favorite books growing up? How did these books influence what you read and the genre you write in today?

The first series I got into as a child were the Hardy Boys books. I loved the mystery, and those are the books that drew me to the genre. It’s fun to try and detect, follow clues to discover the antagonists.

3.       You grew up playing hockey and talked about your career in your column, “OVERTIME.” Did you ever consider writing sports book for kids like Matt Christopher, Dean Burrell or Tim Green or were you always focused on the mystery/thriller genre?

It’s funny that you mention Tim Green in this question. I met Tim back in 2015, when he actually gave me a very nice review blurb for my novel KISS & TELL, which can be found on the cover. Tim actually started his author career writing in the mystery/thriller genre as well, and then switched over to sports later on. So I’ll never say never, but right now, I enjoy writing what I enjoy reading, and that’s mystery/thriller.

4.       Hockey players grow up spending a lot of time in cars/buses/planes traveling to and from games. Did you pass the time by reading, sleeping, playing video games/watching movies or were you more of a people watcher?

I was the book reader on the team, and always had a book with me on the bus. While my teammates were listening to music or playing cards, I was the guy stuck in my bunk/seat reading a book.

5.       Which authors’ works have influenced you most?

The first adult novel I ever read was CUJO by Stephen King, but the first adult author I read consistently was James Patterson. I liked his style of short chapters, and his novels are entertaining. Some of my favorite adult authors are: Greg Iles, David Baldacci, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly, and many more.

6.       Your first novel, Dead Man’s Hand features Calvin Watters, an African-American former NFL star prospect derailed by an injury who is now a Las Vegas debt-collector. How did you choose this character?

With my background, I wanted someone athletic. I chose football because I love watching the sport on TV. Although hockey is a popular sport in Canada, I wanted a sport that was more globally diverse, and football fit the bill.

I had season ending injuries, so I could write from the psyche of someone having to deal with that. This character was also a mix of ideas from the Dwayne Johnson character from the movie THE RUNDOWN, and the Denzel Washington character from the movie MAN ON FIRE.

7.       What are some of your major challenges writing for this character?

I love this character. He is such an amazing person. I don’t have challenges with writing from the POV of this character, even if he is a different race. I’m fortunate enough to have multiple editors who have been with me since day 1, so they know what to expect, and they let me know if I write something that this character would not do/say/feel.

8.       What came first the character, setting or story idea? If the Calvin Watters series had been set in Canada, what city would you have chosen?

Gosh, it was so long ago, I don’t think I remember. I think it all came together. Since the character was a bill collector, I needed a location with a lot of high stakes gambling. So it all just made sense to go together.

9.       Did you do any gambling in Las Vegas as part of your research? If so, did you win anything?

My wife and I aren’t big gamblers, mainly because we don’t have the funds to support that hobby LOL I did a bit, but I did not win anything.

10.   How long did it take from story idea to published work for Dead Man’s Hand? What obstacles did you face along the way?

It took about six years from idea to released book. This includes working with multiple editors, searching for an agent, and then searching for a publisher. Each book after that hasn’t taken near that long. My biggest challenge for all of my books is time. I just don’t have it. I’m only a part time author. I’m a full time high school teacher, part time tutor, part time hockey referee, and I have three kids who are involved in everything, so I spend a lot of time driving them around and volunteer coaching.

11.   Did you have to pitch the idea for a second mystery series to your publishers? Were they hesitant to green light a female lead character who is a police detective in the Los Angeles area?

No. DEAD MAN’S HAND was successful for the publisher, so they jumped on my new detective story. I think they actually liked it even better.

12.   What are some of your major challenges writing the Charlene Taylor character?

Are you kidding? Writing from a female POV LOL I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by women in my everyday life (teaching, wife, three daughters, sports moms, etc.), so I do a lot of listening and observing. I will also ask my wife, “What would you do in this situation? How would you feel here? How would you react here?” I have to admit, I took a lot of liberties with the Charlene Taylor character, and I made her a tomboy—tough and hard, who acts a lot like a male in many situations.

13.   Charlene’s a strong woman battling some powerful personal demons. Is her character/behavior influenced by any of the women in your life?

The quick answer in “no”, Charlene Taylor is not based on any one woman I know. But the character was created from a mix of females I have crossed paths with throughout my life. And she continues to grow, sometimes taking me places I never imagined.

14.   What did your wife think when you told her your newest main character was going to be a woman?

Honestly, my wife has never read any of my books, so she doesn’t really know any of my characters. Don’t get me wrong, she is my biggest fan and supporter, but she never has been a reader. But she is quick to answer any questions I might have about the female psyche.

15.   When your daughters are old enough to read Charlene Taylor Mysteries, what do you hope they take away from her experiences?

Her strength. Working in a male-dominated industry, Charlene doesn’t get pushed around, and is always out-front of all situations. She has her own problems, but battles those demons every day. Even though she sometimes stumbles back, she is always moving forward.

16.   In the course of your research for these books, you’ve consulted law enforcement officers. How has that helped you? What if any misconceptions did you have about police work before this?

The biggest challenge for me was being a Canadian, but writing stories set in the US. The laws and regulations are very different, even in every city. So getting caught up on things like fines, sentences, court proceedings, etc. All of the technical stuff that comes with law enforcement.

17.   What are you working on now?

I’m always working on a new novel, slowly. With everything else in my life, writing usually takes a backseat, but I go at it when I can. I am staying with the mystery/thriller genre for now. But who knows what the future holds. I have a new release planned for 2020, but with everything happening surrounding the COVID-19 virus, I have not set a date yet.

18.   Speaking of working… many people have commented on social media that our current situation of shelter in place is perfect for finally writing that book we all have in us. Even though I work from home, I’m finding having everyone home is counterproductive to getting ANYTHING done. What is writing like for you now?

Non-existent. I have a wife and three kids at home. That means home-schooling in the mornings, and trying to keep them entertained in the afternoons. Since they can’t be with friends, it is up to dad to entertain three young kids. But winters are normally my “editing” period anyway, so I am working at that.

19.    Pennsylvania, where I live, has officially ended our school year. Are you teaching classes online or assisting your students with assignments in Canada?

Yes, I am still working with my students online from home. As of now, the Quebec ministry has a due-back date of May 4th. Whether that really happens or not, remains to be seen. As a teacher, I continue to interact with my students, and await a decision from the ministry on whether or not we will be returning.

20.   It’s an uncertain time for all of us. What are you and your wife doing to keep your daughters occupied and learning?

As a teacher, I have access to all sort of resources to teach my children, and I have taught grades right from kindergarten to grade 11. So we are ahead of the curve in that sense. We are making sure they are active with frequent outings on their bike or walking. There are many online resources available, and their teachers have been great to send things and keep us updated on their learning. My wife has a workshop at home and my two oldest daughters are helping in her sewing and creations. We also have electronics available so the girls can remain social with their friends. We are playing cards, board games, and doing a lot of puzzles.

21.   What advice do you have for people who want to become writers?

Get a part time job LOL It’s a struggle, but stay with it. You will hear many “no’s” and put-downs along the way, but remember, all it takes is one “yes”. Try to write a little every day. Learn your craft, and definitely work with an editor, or have someone responsible, with an unbiased opinion, look over your work. I wish I had all the answers, but nobody does. What works for one person, doesn’t necessarily work for another. Follow your heart.

22.   Is there anything else you want our readers to know about you or your books?

For more information on me and my books, visit: www.authorlukemurphy.com, ‘like’ my Facebook page www.facebook.com/AuthorLukeMurphy and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/AuthorLMurphy and Instagram @AuthorLukeMurphy

Books by Luke Murphy:

Calvin Watters Mysteries:

Dead Man’s Hand

Wild Card

Charlene Taylor Mysteries:

Kiss & Tell

Rock-a-Bye Baby