J. Andy Murphy is a published author and a nationally requested conference presenter for her fun and interactive creative writing courses. Murphy is currently offering classroom writing courses through MSD Lawrence Township Community Education Programs (www.learningforyou.com ). Murphy spent 20 years working in the fields of public relations, special events and marketing. In 1996, Murphy left the corporate world to open her own creative agency, First Star to the Right. This successful agency soon developed a high profile base of Midwest writers seeking to realize their personal passion of becoming published authors. A sampling of her agency’s client list includes: Former Indy 500 racecar driver, Lyn St. James (The Ride of Your Life/Hyperion); Former CEO of Eli Lilly, Randall Tobias (Let’ Put the Moose on the Table/Indiana University Press); Deborah Paul, Editorial Director, Emmis Communications, which includes the LA Monthly, Atlanta Monthly, Texas Monthly, Indianapolis Monthly and Cincinnati Monthly magazines. (From Here to Maturity/Emmis Books); Dick Wolfsie, Morning News Personality, WISH-TV, a CBS Affiliate (Indiana Curiosities/Globe Pequot) and Chris Wright, the very popular Chief Meteorologist with WTHR-TV (Rockabye Baby/Guild Press). Due to the volume of requests for literary representation, Murphy now limits her agency clients to writers who participate in the WriteStuff Writer’s Conferences.

Murphy is the Founder of the successful WriteStuff Writers National Educational Workshops, which have been supported by the prestigious Writer’s Digest Magazine, Emmis Publishing (The Indianapolis Monthly), The Indianapolis and St. Louis Woman’s Magazines, Indiana University and AuthorHouse, the largest POD publisher in the United States.

Enjoying the craft that she teaches, Murphy is a published author of three books: Bloodless (Glenbridge Publishing), If You Believe, (Brzamo Publishing, LLC) and The WriteStuff Writers Little Guide Book (Author House). Look for her latest book, The Catty, Catty Ways of Women in the Workplace, co-authored with Marcia Ellett. The book, The Catty, Catty Ways of Women in the Workplace is a delicious look at the gene trait of Female Cattiness and told through the eyes of feline characters. A funny, tongue-in-cheek story about a serious subject matter is already getting rave reviews! The duo has just finished their first original screenplay, One Small Lie.  Andy has now added the art of screenplay writing to her conference curriculum and writing courses.

Murphy’s journey to writing was indeed unique. At the age of 38, Murphy suffered a life-changing illness that destroyed a large part of her memory. She had to learn to read and write all over again. She stands as an example that writers can acheive even when the odds are heavily against them.

Murphy, married for 44 years to her husband Jim, a retired newspaper executive. They have two sons: Ryan Murphy, television producer, director and creative writer and a 2005 Golden Globe winner for Best Dramatic Television Series (Nip/Tuck). Ryan also adapted, produced and directed Augustus Burroughs best selling book, Running with Scissors. Ryan is a graduate of Indiana University (School of Journalism).

Darren, her youngest son, is a successful attorney and a former Army Ranger who was injured in the 1989 Panama Invasion. Darren was recognized by former President, George Bush and his wife, Barbara (who included Darren in her autobiography) with a personal bedside visit and medal pinning ceremony at Brooke Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Darren graduated from Indiana University at Indianapolis School of Law and is busy raising three children, Brooke, Zachary and Morgan. Murphy’s last children’s book (If You Believe, A Christmas Story/Brzamo Publishing, LLC) was written with her grandchildren after the death of their mother, Penny, who lost a courageous battle to a rare cancer on February 24, 2002. It is for sale at WriteStuff’s Books for Sale on main menu.

Murphy has also created the “Small Voices” workshops, which are dedicated to helping minorities achieve their dream of becoming a published author. This program is accepting applications for sponsorships. If interested in sponsoring a Small Voices Workshop, contact us by email.