Made It Moment: Rick Murcer
Rick Murcer is having real success navigating the unknown waters of authordom in this brave new publishing world–much as his hero navigates the Caribbean waters of Rick’s exotic setting. I’ve recommended Rick’s novel in a cruise ship mysteries thread, one on travel mysteries, and on several that involve cops. Today Rick talks about that line between being a “real” writer and not–sometimes it’s thinner than we think.
Obviously, Made it Moments are a tad objective; everyone’s moment will be unique. But after reflecting on the question Jenny presented, I boiled it down to two no-brainer answers–my favorite kind. (Because we all know authors never overthink anything. By the way, is my picture good enough? How about the cover to Caribbean Moon? How about the blurb? Does this article make my butt look too big?)
Alright, enough of the fooling around, for now…maybe.
Back in 2002, my best friend died of a heart attack. Big Herb had some genetic problems, but my large buddy loved food more than his mortality and he left us far too early. A few months later, I wrote my first short story ever, Herb’s Home Run, trying to resolve my grief with his destiny. The story was published in Writers’ Journal Spring of 2003. At that point, I thought maybe I had something to offer. But work and family took precedent, so the writing became a Sunday morning ritual.
I was about halfway through my first novel, Berserker, when I lost my job. It took a few months to find another ball and chain, but during that time, something happened and I decided to see how I would do in the suspense/thriller genre. I wrote the first draft for Caribbean Moon in less than four months. Then another real job got in the way. I picked at writing for a few years, and then, surprise, I was out of work again! Crazy stuff here in Michigan.
I decided I’d better do something, so I finished Caribbean Moon. My wife and I edited it eight times (she does that stuff for a living) and then we were ready.
The first week we sold 35 books, the next week, 77. A couple of five-star reviews later and I floated away from my computer embracing that euphoric state that makes life worth living. I told my wife, “I think I can do this.” She smiled and said, “You already have.”
I remember saying to God that I hoped He wasn’t joking.
So far so good.
I live in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. I’ve been married longer than my wife likes to admit, and have two grown children, three (almost) grandkids, and a blind black Lab named Max, who serves as my “writing” dog. He pushes me hard to get to the writing room each morning so he can snore on his rug while I do all the work!
Rick, my comments in order of priority:
1) So sorry about your friend, but his spirit put you on a good path.
2) Caribbean Moon will be the first book I buy when I get my Kindle (yeah, yeah, I know, I’m stuck in a time-warp). Lots of luck with it.
3) Now, about your butt. Can’t really tell unless you turn around.
Comment by Nancy Morse — June 23, 2011 @ 8:46 am
Touching post, Rick. And I am so glad for your success. Caribbean Moon is next up on my tbr list – I can’t wait! When is the next book out?
Comment by Karen Cantwell — June 23, 2011 @ 9:24 am
From page one, you know you’re really going to love the book and Rick’s cast of characters. I devoured both books,and await the next one with bated breath:) Glad to have both books, on my favorite books list.
Comment by Linda Pearl — June 23, 2011 @ 10:08 am
Thanks, Karen. Emerald Moon should be out in early Sept.
Comment by Rick Murcer — June 23, 2011 @ 12:42 pm
Rick…loved the article here on the blog and adored the book Caribbean Moon. Have you written anything in the humour genre? You certainly have a strong and great sense of humour. I agree with Nancy Morse…you need to turn around! lol Keep up the great work!
Comment by Amy Marsters — June 23, 2011 @ 3:11 pm
Thanks Linda and Amy. I appreciate the kind words and the support for the books. I’ve not written any humor….but I’m thinking about something a little cozy, down the road.
So little time and so many books to write!
By the way, I just turned around.
Rick
Comment by Rick Murcer — June 23, 2011 @ 10:16 pm
And I’m sure your butt looks lovely…
Great post, and an inspiration to other writers. Good luck with your books!
Comment by Lauren S — June 23, 2011 @ 11:58 pm
The cover is fantastic and I’m sure the lighting is what makes your butt seem so..well as round as the moon.
Turning the loss of a friend into someting more lasting is truly a great tribute to him.
Comment by Karyne — June 24, 2011 @ 8:45 am
Emerald Moon sounds way cool. I have to second the motion that you turn around and show us all your butt.
Comment by Savvy — June 24, 2011 @ 12:17 pm
Very moving, and funny. Now on to Amazon! Have fun, and good luck.
Comment by Lil Gluckstern — June 24, 2011 @ 2:09 pm
It always amazes me what we can achieve when we put our mind to it.
Comment by J.L. Campbell — June 24, 2011 @ 3:23 pm
Thanks for all of the great support and comments. It helps all of us writers keep on doing what we love to do.
Jenny, thanks for having me here. It’s greatly appreciated. I pray your continued success. See you on the Wheel.
Also, a picture of my butt may appear on my website, at some point!
Rick
Comment by Rick Murcer — June 25, 2011 @ 9:10 am
Hey Big Brother – you are absolutely fabulous! I love the interview, I love your voice, and the pic ROCKS.
Comment by Shari Murgittroyd — June 28, 2011 @ 11:00 am
I just received a Kindle from my husband for our 26th wedding anniversary, on July 13, 2011. The first book I downloaded and read was Caribbean Moon. That book was so awesome that I couldn’t wait to read Deceitful Moon, yet another amazing thriller. I just now, only moments ago, finished that e-book and have been searching the Kindle Store for Emerald Moon, which I found has not yet been released. I am now an official Rick Murcer and Manny Williams fan. Keep up the GREAT work, Rick! I am a contract technical writer who also goes through long periods of unemployment and employment. I have always wanted to write that great American novel, and your story has given me the little push I needed to venture into writing my own book, based on my Italian heritage and – ahem – “family.” Hey, you never know …
Comment by Laurie Giordano Love — August 6, 2011 @ 11:13 pm
Loved your books (Carribean Moon & Deceitful Moon) can’t wait for Emerald Moon. I will be a fan for life.
Comment by Diane — August 8, 2011 @ 4:38 pm
LOVE your books — can’t wait to make my daily commute when i’m reading about Manny. Hurry up with Emerald Moon, and hope Manny gets a dose of happiness. thanks for the enjoyment!
Comment by Jody — August 9, 2011 @ 12:00 pm
Can’t wait for emerald moon. I had to change search enjgines as goggle does not recognize that there will be a new book .they keek trying to sell me another persons book but ,no sir e . I. Wait for emerald moon ( not so patiently.) I read at night in bed, my husband does not like the light on so family bought me kindle & I purchased the cover with light now we are both satisfied but I do seem to read awfully late especially on deceitful moon, until 3:00am..
Comment by Carlyne — August 10, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
Hi!
I love your books, and just finished Deceitful Moon. I noticed that Emerald Moon is due out in early September. Can I pre-order it for my Kindle?
Thanks,
Kathleen
Comment by Kathleen — August 10, 2011 @ 7:01 pm
Hey Ladies,
Just wanted to thank you for all of the kind words and
compliments. I’m still trying to figure out this writing gig, but it’s nice to know that people are enjoying what we’re doing, and that encourages me to no end.
Thanks again…and of course, thanks to Jenny for having me here!
Rick Murcer
Comment by Rick Murcer — August 11, 2011 @ 7:54 pm
I love your books, just got done with Deceitful Moon. When is the next one coming out.. Can’t wait..
Thanks
Brenda
Comment by Brenda Welle — August 16, 2011 @ 7:33 pm
I got to this site looking for Emerald Moon. I’m hooked. I love your sense of humor and fast pace. On a side one of my best friends brother is having his first book on Amazon Sept. 27. His name is Thad Nodine and getting great reviews.
Comment by Ron Perdue — August 20, 2011 @ 7:56 am
Loved both books and the teaser for Emerald Moon. Can hardly wait for it to become available. I really enjoy your writing.
Comment by Ron Sarasin — August 20, 2011 @ 4:21 pm
After reading the first 4 chapters of Emerald Moon I shopped at he Kindle store and typed in Emerald Moon by Rick Murcer bought it and got some stupid book by Ann Something. What happned to your Manny thriller? Gary
Comment by Gary Kolod — August 28, 2011 @ 8:25 pm
I was preparing to go to St. Thomas for vacation so I wanted to load up a book on my Kindle. I ran across “Caribbean Moon” and I thought “How appropriate!” I couldn’t put it down for too long; I was hooked on Manny Williams. I finished that one and hurried and loaded “Deceitful Moon”. I just finished it and I’m anxiously waiting for “Emerald Moon”. I absolutely loved both books! I love all your main characters; Manny, Sophie, Alex, Josh. I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s death. His friendship left you with something great; the ability to sit down and write a great book(s). Keep going! You’re a new favorite author of mine!
Comment by Ruth — September 2, 2011 @ 1:28 pm
Rick loved your books, your my new favorite aurthor! I would love to have a signed first edition. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Kelvin Washington — September 4, 2011 @ 10:12 pm
Didn’t know who you were before my 74 yr old mom introduce me to your books, now I’m hooked FOREVER! Love your style, I would love to purchase your next book, Emerald Moon, SIGNED by YOU, for my mom 75th Bday. Keep up the GREAT writting.P.S. I was born in southern Mich. and been to Lansing several times!!!!
Comment by Delia A. Perez — September 5, 2011 @ 9:14 pm
Rick,
I stumbled upon Caribbean Moon by accident and was hooked! I love Manny, Sophia and all the other great characters in your story. I quickly read Deceitful Moon in a day……..am anxiously awaiting Emerald Moon. Have been a fan of murder/mystery/thriller books and must say that along with some of the other reviewers…you are now my favorite author! Keep the stories coming as you write so well!!!!
Comment by Dawn Pumain — September 7, 2011 @ 2:04 am
Hey Brenda, Ron, Ruth, Kelvin, Delia, and Dawn. Whew!
Thank you all for taking time to comment on Jenny’s blog and for the very kind words. It really helps to encourage authors like myself that are still kind of new at the game. You make me want to write better!
For those of you asking, I’m close to a print deal and I’ll let you know when that happens. Kind of weird to say print deal, but I’ll take it. Also, EM will be out in a couple of weeks or so, so I’ll let you know about that, too.
Thanks again and GOd bless you.
Rick
Comment by Rick Murcer — September 9, 2011 @ 5:20 pm
I also stumbled on Carribean Moon when I got my Kindle this Aug for my birthday. It was the first book I purchased and I loved it, Have read all of them. CAN’t wait for Emerald Moon I was born and raised in Lansing, Mi and I work at MSU, so I love all the referrences to my home town. Keep up the good work.
Comment by Patty — September 24, 2011 @ 7:13 pm
Still waiting for Emerald Moon. My husband and I are leaving for Aruba in a couple of weeks, and I was hoping to download it onto my Kindle for the plane ride. You are such a good writer that I’m now having trouble finding new, good, fun books to download.
Comment by Lisa — September 27, 2011 @ 11:14 pm
[...] Rick’s Made It Moment appears here. [...]
Pingback by Suspense Your Disbelief » How to be an Indie Sensation, and also Have a Sensational Life: by Rick Murcer — July 16, 2012 @ 10:21 am
I loved both books and can’t wait for the next one. Keep them coming. I have been a fan from the beginning and
will continue.
Comment by Joyce — July 18, 2012 @ 4:27 pm