Rose Marie Murphy
Rose Marie Murphy is a seasoned hospitality and Real Estate Professional and the author of the captivating new book, The Price of Desire. Having spent many years working closely with people from all walks of life, she is a true ‘people person’ who thrives on making others smile and feel completely at ease.
Driven by a deep-seated dislike of injustice, Rose has always been someone who will fiercely fight to put things right, a core value that powerfully shapes the themes of her writing. Looking back on a remarkably busy and vibrant life, she draws on her rich and professional history to craft stories filled with heart, tension and truth.
Rose’s life continues to be busy and fulfilling, in her hometown of Cambridge, still working five days a week and loving her roles involving meeting, greeting and talking to her first love: people from all walks of life.
Do you try more to be original, or to deliver to readers what they want?
In my book I tried to give my readers something original and new.
I try to be refreshing and honest about the impact of secrets, truths, resilience and adaptation in the face of change, when a woman enters into an forbidden relationship with a married man.
What is it about your chosen genre that you love?
I love memoir, biography, or auto-biography, I like to dig deep, a little like a journalist to find that real inner person, alas not always satisfied, as people withhold so much of themselves. I would like people to be more open; we all have our faults, no one is perfect.
How do you select the names of your characters?
I look at the era of the book l am writing, and research the names of that time, as time changes new names become fashionable and old names go out – just like a circle they go around and around throughout the centuries.
What was the first book that made you cry?
When I was a young child, had contracted a bad bout of flu and was consigned to bed, my brother, then 12 years old, bought me the lovely book ‘Heidi’. I loved reading about Heidi, Peter, and Grandad, all in the Swiss mountains. I loved that book, yes, I cried when Heidi was sent away to the city to act as a companion to Clara.
A classic novel by Johanna Spyri, a very heart-warming read.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would have listened to my English teacher; he told me I had ability and was good at composition. He told my parents that I was a dreamer and had an imagination and that I should keep at it.
I enjoyed writing stories, but when I became a young teenager, I became lazy and followed others into enjoying myself instead of continuing with my writing.
Have you Googled yourself? Did you find out anything interesting?
Yes, I have Googled myself. Unfortunately nothing to report. I have to admit up until now I have lived an anonymous life.
But not anymore. I have written my book, albeit later in my life, and I am very proud of it, I think my teacher would have been proud also.
How did publishing your first book change your writing process?
I listened to my editor, who taught me so well about bringing my characters to life and how to use speech to the best advantage, to bring the readers into the story.
Are there any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? Can you tell us one? Or give us any hints?
Yes one – one person will get it
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym? Why?
Yes, I have written under a pseudonym, as my surname is the only one in New Zealand, and I do not want to subject my wider family to scrutiny.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have two. One a literary memoir, the other a children’s book.
What's the most difficult thing about writing characters of the opposite sex?
I have never had difficulty with writing characters of the opposite sex.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I read reviews.
I hope I can recognise a real review vs a keyboard warrior who has nothing better to do. I believe there should be constructive criticism as how else can we learn.