About Me

Emily Murdoch

I’m a writer, a poet and a lover of books. I’ve been reading since I could read, and writing since I could write. I’ve always been in love with the magic of the human voice on paper, and with the powerful ability of words to enlighten, uplift and soothe.

When I’m not writing, I’m caring for my horses, dogs and family on a little ranch in rural Arizona. Here, the muse is everywhere I turn: in the tranquil beauty, the rich wildlife and the happy solitude of desert days.

 Emily Murdoch (LeftyWritey) on Twitter  

Read More Here — My Meme

Novels

My first novel,  The Bumblebee Project, is very dear to my heart. This novel was born from my hope to make a difference with my writing. An excerpt placed as a Finalist in the Glimmer Train Press Fiction Open.  

My second novel, the first novel in The Girl Next Door Series, Brave New Girl, is a NaNoWriMo 2008 winner and a complete change in genre, being a cross-over novel that fits comfortably in the YA, mainstream fiction, literary fiction and even fantasy categories. Not only was it fun to write, but I’m excited to continue the twists and turns in the next two books in the series.

My third novel, hollyrusken@yahoo.com, is a YA novel I’m working on for NaNoWriMo 2009. I plan for it to be as touched by the magic as its predecessor, Brave New Girl. You can read a mini-synopsis and the first two pages here, under Novel Info: HorsebackWriter | National Novel Writing Month.  

Every writer has an inner compass when it comes to their work; when writing contains the joy I knew as a child who loved to write, I know I’m right on track. I write to my own drummer, I won’t deny it, but I believe in following my writing heart, not in chasing popular trends. In the end, amazing writing is amazing writing, regardless of subject matter or genre.                    

My other passion is saving equines from slaughter. I use my writing to raise awareness of this inhumane practice, with the goal of ending the slaughter of America’s equines through transport to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. Here at Morning Star Ranch, I give sanctuary to abused and slaughter-bound horses and burros, who dazzle me every day with their forgiving nature and gratitude in exchange for security, consistency, food and love.   

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Our voices can be powerful weapons of change, especially when used in service of those who have no voice of their own.  

I also use my writing to bring attention to eating disorders. I lost a large chunk of my life to anorexia nervosa, becoming one of the five to ten million women in the U.S. to fall victim to an eating disorder. I’ve always felt that if my journey through anorexia or my experiences in recovery could help even just one person, then I’ll have made good use of this second chance at life.

All-in-all, I’m a lefty in a right-handed world, writing my way through life and smearing ink wherever I write.

Questions, comments?   EMurdoch@wildblue.net

 

2008 Recipient of the I Love Your Blog award!

Cloud and Mr. Bean, saved from slaughter.

 Photo by Emily Murdoch 

© 2008 Emily Murdoch      All Rights Reserved.