It can be said with near certainty that Luke Murphy didn’t follow the path of the average writer. As a child, he never dreamed of writing a best-seller, never aspired to write the next classic novel, he wanted to be an NHL superstar…period. Read about Murphy's Hockey Career |
Luke Murphy was born on November 15, 1975 in Shawville, a small rural community in Western Quebec.
From a family of avid readers, even as a child, Murphy had a passion for books. Whether it was reading novels on road trips or writing assignments in school, literature was always part of his life.
In the winter of 2000, after sustaining a season ending eye injury in hockey, Murphy took up a new hobby. After reading novels by his favorite authors: Greg Iles, Michael Connelly, Harlen Coben, among others, Murphy realized that he wanted to be like them - entertain readers and allow them, like when he read, to escape reality and for a moment be in another place and time. One day, with an idea in mind, he sat down at a computer and began writing. Murphy wrote a little everyday, around an intense rehabilitation schedule, and before he knew it he had completed his first manuscript.
He continued to hobby write through the years, honing his craft, making time between work and family obligations. He constantly read, from novels in his favorite genres to books written by experts in the writing field. He continually researched, reading up on the industry and process. He made friends (published and unpublished authors), learning what it took to become successful.
In 2006, after 10 years away, Murphy retired from hockey and moved back to his hometown. He instantly integrated himself into the community. He coached the local junior hockey team, giving back to the game that gave so much to him. He wrote a weekly sports column in the local newspaper, the Pontiac Equity, reliving his playing days, sharing his experiences, and relating his knowledge of hockey.
But his true love was fiction.
In the winter of 2007, Murphy began work on DEAD MAN'S HAND. It took him over two years (working around full time jobs) to complete the first draft.
He then worked with editors and joined a critique group, doing anything he could to learn, to improve his writing, and make his novel the best it could be.
Murphy hired the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency, and his dream was realized in May, 2012 when he signed a publishing contract with Imajin Books.
Murphy lives in Shawville with his wife, three daughters and poodle. He is a teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Education (Magna Cum Laude).
He is currently working on his next novel.