Harrison Murphy interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

I'm Harrison Murphy, a 33 year old author from Lanarkshire, Scotland. I'm a civil servant by day and I live with my partner and our cat.

When did your love of books begin?

It strangely only began when I started writing. I was a “I’ll wait for the film to come out” kinda guy. I've read 25 books now, although I’m finding it a struggle to find the book that I really want to read - so I wrote that book instead. If anyone reads Chrysalis and finds it similar to something else, I'd love for them to tell me what – so that I can read it too.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

I started writing as something to do during the first lockdown that might turn out to be semi-productive, rather than completing Netflix or perfecting my banana bread. I had no idea that I would be even decent at it, let alone good enough to write a whole novel.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

I've found it fascinating. Due to having no literary background, my approach is unorthodox and getting feedback from authors has been most helpful. I'm starting to get to grips with some of the actual concepts and techniques – and become much less of a pantser. I think the unorthodox nature of Chrysalis is actually its strength though. I think it's good sometimes when people create things without sticking to convention. Great things can often be made that way.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

I think I'm proof that anyone can have a go at it. You don't need to be well-read or have attended any creative writing classes; you need primarily imagination and drive – and lots of time.

Tell us about your book/books:

My debut novel, Chrysalis, is hard to define in terms of genre. As I said above I'm unorthodox, but I've settled on political technothriller. If that’s even a real genre.

 

It’s set in Britain in 2031 amidst the backdrop of a second pandemic. Its sufferers require regular transfusions. A criminal outfit steal of Britain’s blood reserves overnight and the government react by making blood currency.

 

Two rival journalists – Sara & Ginley – join forces to investigate the identity of the gang behind the heist and uncover the secrets of the mysterious implant they use to control their members. They stumble upon a political conspiracy and place the ones they love under threat in the process.

 

Once they unearth the secrets, they must decide whether to stick to their principles and tell their readers the truth, or whether to use the implant for their own selfish reasons and to get back the things that they've lost along the way.

 

My book is the first of a planned series which will explore the societal consequences of the implant. In the right hands, the implant has the power to do untold good for humanity, but like everything else in this world, it ends up being controlled by the elites. I’ve already started writing Dandelion and Elephant, and have an idea for an as yet untitled book which will begin with ‘F’.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I find them incredibly supportive. My book wouldn't be anywhere near as good without the help of my beta readers. Also, whenever I post a question to the #writingcommunity it invariably yields the correct answer.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

I hope Chrysalis isn't just a good read, but also that some of the events stay with you and that it generates some discussion.

Where can people connect with you?

My Twitter handle is @harrisonmurph1 and here’s the link to the novel: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09RNBM6MV