Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester is very happy to shine our Friday spotlight on the author of several young adult novels about kids of the larger variety, Julie Murphy. Julie is the author of Dumplin’, which was made into a Netflix movie.
I asked Julie three questions from our normal list that were not answered on her web page, and Julie kindly responded to them. The rest of the answers you can find at: http://www.imjuliemurphy.com.
How much research goes into writing your books? What is your favorite research story, if any, and what cool facts might you have discovered that surprised you?
It varies from book to book and just depends on what kind of personal knowledge and experience I can bring to each book. For Pumpkin, I’m a huge drag fan and had lots of knowledge to bring to the table, but Dumplin’ really required that I dig into the world of beauty pageants. I think my favorite research I’ve ever done was going to a Dolly Parton concert and learning more about what an incredible businesswoman she is and her Imagination Library program. All of that became very full circle when I was able to work with her on the Dumplin’ movie. Still pinching myself!
What is your favorite part of being a writer? On the whole writing and publishing process?
I love being able to connect with people I’d likely never meet otherwise. It’s as simple as that. It makes the world feel smaller and more connected in a very comforting way. As for the actual logistics of publishing. I love editing. Problem-solving comes very naturally to me, so I feel right at home.
What do you consider the most challenging part of the writing process, and how do you overcome that?
I think the most difficult part is letting go of a book when it’s time to publish it. At that point you can no longer change anything in the book in a significant way and you have to find a way to be at peace with the fact that other people are going to read this book and make judgements about it. But that’s just part of the job and it can be ultimately very rewarding!
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions, Julie!