A Love Letter to Classic American Literature
Time eventually erases most art. What remains, what endures, what stands the test of time — those are the classics that deserve a spot in the American literary canon. We should celebrate them!
The Reviews Are In: Here’s What the Critics Have to Say About Autumn in Wolf Valley
Drumroll please… the reviews are in! I am flattered and humbled by the many positive words various publications had to say about Autumn in Wolf Valley.
Pub Day: Autumn in Wolf Valley is FINALLY Here!
Today’s the day. Autumn in Wolf Valley is officially out in the world!
Sneak Peek: An Excerpt from Autumn in Wolf Valley
Please enjoy a sneak peek of my new novel Autumn in Wolf Valley, available everywhere books are sold June 3rd.
You Will Love Autumn in Wolf Valley if You Loved These Books
When Booklife by Publishers Weekly reviewed Autumn in Wolf Valley, they compared it to two acclaimed novels: Jeffrey Eugenides’s The Marriage Plot and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Booker Prize Winner The Remains of the Day. Talk about humbling… (and dare I say undeserving). Self-promotion has long been my weakness as an author. And yet, here I am comparing my…
Enter to Win a Free Kindle Ebook of Autumn in Wolf Valley
A Goodreads giveaway contest for a FREE Kindle copy of Autumn in Wolf Valley is open now!
Announcing My New Novel: Autumn in Wolf Valley
Over a decade in the making, I am thrilled to FINALLY announce that my newest novel, Autumn in Wolf Valley, is coming June 3rd! Both the Kindle version and paperback are available to pre-order today.
King James Strang and His Forgotten Chapter in American History
Shortly after the assassination of Joseph Smith, James Strang and his Mormon followers settled on Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan, declaring it their kingdom. It is one of the most fascinating chapters in American history. But most people have never heard of it.
5 Movies About Authors That All Writers Should Watch
As a writer, you should focus on reading books. But sometimes you just need to watch a good movie. Here are the five best recent films for writers.
Write Your Memoir, Before the Story Ends
I want to be clear: All life stories are worth telling. Are you ready to finally tell yours?
Jim Harrison Always Comes Through When I Need Him
Whenever I’m in need of a creative reset, I turn to Jim Harrison. Here’s why.
The Only Addiction You Shouldn’t Try to Break
Addictions are usually bad things. But what if there’s one that we should actually encourage?
Recommendations on Personal Finance from The Sensible Merchant
It’s time, now more than ever, to prioritize your personal finance. Kevin Hall from TheSensibleMerchant.com offers his advice.
How Busy People Can Find More Time to Read
Every year, we vow to find more reading time. Every year, it doesn’t happen. Here are some tips to finally get back to the pleasure of leisurely reading.
Why I Started Subscribing to Physical Magazines Again (And You Should Too)
Remember physical magazines? They’re making a comeback in my household. And they should in yours, too.
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Publishing Your Book
Making the choice to publish a book is an exciting and frightening time. Be sure you are prepared by asking yourself these questions first.
How Meeting Colson Whitehead Changed My Writing Mindset
During my senior year at Michigan, author Colson Whitehead made a surprise visit to my English class. It was the turning point for my writing career.
How the 5-Paragraph Essay is Still Thriving (And We Didn’t Realize It)
The five-paragraph essay isn’t just useful in high school classrooms anymore. It has taken over the online writing community.
7 Best Short Books to Read in a Day
It can be difficult to squeeze a good book into our busy lives. If you find yourself with a free Saturday, here are the best short books to read in a day.
Why Yellow Journalism Today is Rampant in the 21st Century
What began more than 100 years ago in a battle between major New York newspapermen, yellow journalism now seems tailored to the digital age.
Should Authors Read Book Reviews Left by Readers?
Book reviews, whether good or bad, can leave a lasting impact on writers. Let’s discuss if authors should be reading these book reviews at all.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing About Real Historical Figures
Is it okay to write about real historical figures in a fiction book? Here are 4 questions you should ask yourself if you want to go down that road.
Ranking the 10 Best American Authors from the 20th Century
American history is packed with legendary writers, particularly in the 1900’s. But who were the best American authors from the 20th century?
What Makes a Book a Great American Novel?
The elusive Great American Novel. You’ve heard the term. What does it mean to you? And, in current American culture, is the term becoming outdated?
What Are the Pros (and Cons) of Using a Pen Name?
Some of the best authors, such as J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and Mark Twain, have used pseudonyms. But why? This calls for a pros and cons list.
5 Books About Writing Advice For Becoming a Better Writer
Reading about writing can actually make you a better writer. Start with these 5 books about writing to help hone the craft of writing.
Never Pass a Pub With Your Name On It: An Irish-American Story
According to Pete McCarthy, the late comedian and travel writer, you never pass a pub with your name on it. My wife and I traveled to Ireland to prove it.
Book Review: Mitch Albom’s Book ‘Finding Chika’ Tells Heartfelt Story
Sometimes, the people we least expect to enter our lives have the greatest impact. It’s a lesson we learned in Tuesdays With Morrie, and it’s extremely evident in Mitch Albom’s newest book Finding Chika.
Ranking the 5 Best John Steinbeck Books
Both brilliant and controversial, it’s hard to argue John Steinbeck’s place near the top of classic American literature. But of his most famous books, which is his crowning achievement?
Ernest Hemingway’s Enduring Connection to Northern Michigan
Ernest Hemingway is one of the greatest American authors. But the tale of his childhood in northern Michigan goes largely untold.
Ranking the Top 11 Best Mitch Albom Books
One of the greatest writers of his generation, Mitch Albom has mastered the “magical realism” sub-genre. Let’s count down the best Mitch Albom books.
Ranking the 5 Best Ernest Hemingway Books
Ernest Hemingway was one of the greatest authors in the history of American literature. Let’s countdown some of the best Hemingway books.
Ranking the 10 Best Authors from Michigan
As a native of the great state of Michigan, and as an avid reader and writer, here’s a look at my countdown of the best authors from my home state.
How Much Do Celebrities Make From Writing Memoirs?
They say everyone has a book in them, but apparently not all of those stories are created equal. And the (financial) disparity can be alarming.
Honoring the Fallen Means Feeling the Pain Again
There are very few days from elementary school that I remember with such clarity. That day was different. That day was September 11th, 2001.
Why J.D. Salinger Would Be Disappointed With His Biopic
There’s a new biopic about J.D. Salinger’s life, and he wouldn’t be pleased about it.
Ernest Hemingway vs. William Faulkner: The Literary Celebrity Feud
The clash of the literary giants. Ernest Hemingway vs. William Faulkner. The real question is, who won this epic showdown?
ED A. MURRAY 