Interview Michael Murphy

by

Dina Keratsis

1) Congratulations on the release of your new novel, Class of ’68. Tell me a little about the main characters of this book. What are their hopes at the start of the novel, before the events of that tumultuous year affects them? How did it change you?

At the start of the novel, Kevin, Tim and Sarah just want to enjoy growing up in the sixties, but each of their lives are forever changed by war, student unrest and political assassinations, much like those of us who grew up during this era.

I write mostly mystery/suspense novels, but Class of '68 will always be special to me.  For many of us, the death of Robert Kennedy was the final straw and ended dreams and optimism for a generation. I've never been a homicide detective and never will, but I'll forever be affected by the events of 1968; the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Kennedy, and of course the war. There were far more war casualties than are on the famous wall. I dedicated the book to the underappreciated Vietnam Vets, many of whom continue to be casualties of the horrors of war, particularly that one.

2) Characters, setting or plot. Which gets you writing?

I start with characters whose lives are complicated by setting and plot events.

3) Is there a specific character from any of your books that resonates with you, even after you’ve sent him or her off to a publisher?

Without a doubt, Casey Bannister, the protagonist in my first novel, Try and Catch the Wind and three others is my favorite. He's dashing, brave, witty, sympathetic, fierce in his drive to right wrongs he encounters... he's just like me!

4) I notice on your MySpace account that To Kill a Mockingbird is your favorite novel. An amazing book. What is it about that novel that makes it so special for you?

I always try to put the reader into my stories, something Harper Lee did brilliantly in her novel. As I mentioned earlier, for me, character is paramount and Lee created characters, Scout and Atticus Finch that readers will always remember.

5) Finally, is there a particular message that you want readers to grasp after reading Class of ’68? 

I began the novel in 1999, long before the war In Iraq, but I hope readers recognize the frightening effects of an unpopular war waged by a stubborn president determined to succeed no matter the cost. Sound familiar?

Thanks, Michael, for your time. I look forward to reading Class of ’68 as well as your next Casey Bannister detective novel, Secrets of Sheridan Manor, which is out this July (Wings ePress).