Interview with Robin Murphy
Published 2018-01-05.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
At this point, Amazon has been the most effective, but I am excited to have branched out into publishing through Smashwords.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the small coal mining town of Windber, PA. There wasn't anything that influenced me to begin writing at a young age. My writing came out of nowhere back in 2006 and I never looked back.
When did you first start writing?
In 2006 I felt the need to write a romance story that takes place in the U.S. and ends in Ireland. I had no real training other than the need to put my creative thoughts to paper.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest release, Savannah's Secret, is the 5th book in the Marie Bartek & SIPS Team paranormal mystery series. My husband and I spent a week in Savannah, GA and with all of the mystery, folklore, and history that is known for the beautiful city, it made sense to tell a tale of vampires and ghost investigations.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
It was the only way to go for me in the beginning. I first published the first book in my series, Sullivan's Secret, by a small press. When I realized that I was better able to market and distribute the books on my own, I then chose to self-publish.
In 2014, a publisher found me on Twitter and I entered into a contract for them to publish my books, but I've decided to take the reigns back and publish my books through my own publishing company, RWS Publishing, which comes from my company, Rookie Writers Solutions.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
It may be cliche to say this, but it really is an escape for me and I love hearing readers have the same fun reading my stories as I do writing them.
What do your fans mean to you?
They're everything! Without them, my words wouldn't be heard. I still write for me first, but it means the world to me when a reader can't wait to read my next book.
What are you working on next?
I'm in the formulating stage, so I haven't quite made a decision on my next story. I'm contemplating the 6th book in my series...or something else that will pull me in another direction. That's the beauty of writing...
Who are your favorite authors?
I'd have to say Janet Evanovich, Dan Brown, and books from psychic mediums, such as Sylvia Browne, Theresa Caputo, and Kim Russo.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Life!! It's a gift to wake up every day breathing, so I choose to experience as much of life as I can...
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Marketing my books, I'm also a virtual admin so I have obligations to my clients. I love being outdoors and need to have physical activity through walking, yoga, and swimming. But my dream is to just travel and then share my experiences either through blogging or setting the stage for my next book.
How do you approach cover design?
I get my covers created professionally, so most of the time I search through the covers that fit the story. It's a very long and grueling process, but worth the effort. The cover simply must tell it's own story!
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I will either read on my laptop or even my iPhone, but to be completely honest...I love the feel of a book in my hands.
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