Michael and I share the same agent so when he asked for a spot on my blog, I was more than happy to oblige. I love the concept of Michael's new novel and as it has a relationship running through it, I'm sure you will too. Okay, over to you, Michael. Can't wait to hear more about "Goodbye Emily"!
Brief bio
Michael Murphy
is a full-time writer and part-time urban chicken rancher in Arizona. Goodbye Emily is
his eighth novel.
Blog post
I recently had
lunch with a friend who asked about my latest novel, Goodbye Emily. When I told him the three main characters are in
their early sixties, he flashed a questioning look and smiled. “Really?”
I suspect he had
an image in his mind far different from my novel. Goodbye Emily is a love story about two people who met at Woodstock.
Through flashbacks readers experience the first meeting of Sparky and Emily in
’69 and throughout the novel get to relive the music and magic that was
Woodstock.
But most of all Goodbye Emily follows three old high
school buddies who relive their trip to Woodstock. One last roadtrip. One last
chance to say Goodbye Emily.
My novel is part
of a new and fast growing genre, baby boomer. Like YA with stories about coming
of age, BB novels are about coming of old age.
I have to admit writing
about a hero in his sixties was a change for me. With seven mostly mystery and
suspense novels, my protagonists ranged in age from mid-thirties to
mid-forties. My novel, Class of ’68 was about a 17 year old senior in high
school.
Baby boomers buy
more novels, more audio and ebooks than any other demographic group. But my
decision to write about this age group wasn’t economic. I wanted to
realistically portray baby boomers, my age group. We’re facing growing older,
but not growing old.
Boomers are
increasingly health conscious and look for new ways of exercise. Like the
characters in my novel, we’re vigorous, active and optimistic about our
futures. We still get that twinkle in our eye for that special someone. We
enjoy nostalgia, and there’s plenty of that in Goodbye Emily, but we also look forward, not just back. Here’s a brief excerpt:
Buck
leaned forward. His eyes bored into mine.
“Listen,
Sparky. This is it, man. This really will be the last roadtrip for the three
amigos. You know that, don’t you? I won’t miss the adventure with you guys, no
matter what the risk.”
“You
sure?”
“Definitely
sure.”
Bringing
Josh back to Woodstock was the right thing to do for him. The trip would
benefit Buck and was right for me as well. For my well-being, for my heart
health.
From an early age, I planned out my life and accomplished what I
wanted, but there was emptiness in my heart where satisfaction should reside.
Maybe I needed a dose of spontaneity, even uncertainty. Except the time I left
Woodstock to find Emily, this might be the first time I took a real
chance in life.
Links
Barnes&Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/goodbye-emily-michael-murphy/1111959889?ean=9781938467219
Wow, Michael, your book sounds amazing. Definitely adding this one to by every-growing TBR pile. I love the whole premise. Congrats on the release and great response so far!
ReplyDeleteThis is too cool, Michael. Not only have I never heard of Baby Boomer writers, I'm excited such writers exist! I'm one of "those" of that generation, and would love to read books with main characters who are my age. BOOYAH!
ReplyDeletePatti
Michael, loved the post. I've got to get some time to read because I can't wait to read this book! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful. I wasn't at Woodstock, but I was there in the 60s. It's not my favorite time, but it's sure the home of some of my favorite memories! Good luck with the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me, Rachel. Lots of writer are baby boomers like myself, but I wanted to write a novel with boomers who were funny, romantic, sexy and optimistic. Thanks, Rachel for having me.
ReplyDelete