An Interview with Eric Murphy

Four published novels.

Two more novels completed.

One screenplay optioned.

Six completed screenplays.

---

---

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

The original title was Hard Drive. My agent felt it didn’t quite capture the story, so we came up with Blowback, a term that came up twice in the historical elements woven into the story and which relate to the American hostages taken in 1979 during the Iranian revolution.

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

This is my fourth book. And much like a child, holding your progeny for the first time never gets old. It’s a breathtaking experience.

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

I write what’s been called ‘popcorn with purpose.’ I address issues that concern me. The trick is to package it in such a way that the lesson is part of the entertainment. I initially thought I was going to be a lawyer, a crusading lawyer. But as my protagonist says, I’m a literary Don Quixote, but with a pen instead of a lance.

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

I’ve been a school janitor, an assistant carpenter, a forklift driver, a research assistant for the economics department at the University of Laval, and an actor.

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

Feeling that the years of research that went into it were justified.

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

Til I Am Myself Again by Blue Rodeo for the lament side of the quest and Van Morrison’s Days Like This, for the appreciation of where I’ve finally gotten to.

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

One reader said, “Your characters have such great dignity.” That’s pretty much it.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

The sequel to the book is in the works. I’m also working on two contained thriller screenplays.

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

All collaborative processes are give and take, but in the end, my editor and I are thrilled with the book.

---

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.