Sandra Fox Murphy grew up a “military brat” and was inspired to write while studying the beatnik poets. Her novels are historical fiction, to include the Fidelia McCord Series set in early Texas. Her current work, The Weight of Lost Letters, is the prequel to her novel The Dalhart Girls, a tale of mischief in the 1950s Texas Panhandle. She loves researching small-town Texas, and you can find more about Sandra’s books and published poetry, at her website, www.sandrafoxmurphy.com.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title of my recent novel, The Weight of Lost Letters, came easily—almost before the story of a mail robbery in the west Texas canyons. The story started as some flash fiction that kept growing into a story and then, a novel.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

My finished book cover, designed by Kevin Stone, quite aptly captured the time and place of my story. The finished book, especially the hardcover, certainly felt like the visual representation of west Texas.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

My desire to write started with my love of reading and with studying the beatnik poets in the 1970s. After I retired, I immersed myself in storytelling until I was encouraged by my writing group to turn one of those stories into a book. Once one finishes writing a novel, you are compelled to continue.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Before I retired, I worked in office space design/management and later, in labor management and negotiation. At night, I’d teach ESOL. Way back, when I was young, I was a surfer girl on Oahu … I share that because I wish I could still soar on a longboard! I’m torn between my love of the desert and my love of the sea.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding for me, with this book, was writing a bit of western into this story and molding the character who is part of the origin story of The Dalhart Girls. And just as important is sharing my love of a place—the canyons and high plains of west Texas—with others who love the land.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Music was scarce in the west Texas of the nineteenth century or early twentieth century. However, this book is a prequel to The Dalhart Girls (1950s), and there is a playlist (classic country) on Spotify for my book, called The Dalhart Girls! Many of the songs are in the novel, with a lot of Hank Williams among them.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

This recent story is about resilience. That sorrow and joy come and go hand in hand. And, just as important is the power of place and its history. We are always carried forward on the shoulders of those before us. I think my perfect reader is one who is rooted in community and place.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

Taking a brief break from writing novels, I’m busy putting finishing touches on a manuscript of ecopoetry about the Bonehunter.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Atmosphere Press always puts out a quality product while supporting its authors. The staff at Atmosphere are accessible and great at keeping us on track to a finished book. For other writers seeking publication, rest assured, Atmosphere Press puts your book in the most professional light before sending it out into the world.

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