Young Adult author Julie Murphy, noted for four books, including “Dumplin’” and an upcoming May release, “Puddin’,” will visit Bradford in April as part of the Bradford Area Public Library’s events for National Library Week.
Murphy’s four books follow strong female characters through life-changing scenarios, each a different insight into the struggle that comes with growing and learning about oneself — including sexual identity and finding self-confidence amidst struggle.
Murphy will be in Bradford April 11 — she will take part in a community forum titled “Who Am I?” at 5 p.m., followed by a “Fireside Chat” at 7 p.m. and an opportunity for book signing after that.
The events, at Wick Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, are free and open to the public. Topics will include self image, peer relationships, gender/sexual identity and body image.
Murphy’s writing career started off rocky but gained momentum when she found the right topic. Libraries were her main focus before she started writing books, but that focus did not grow as a result of her ongoing love for all things print and literature in general.
“Growing up, I wasn’t a reader and I wasn’t a writer,” Murphy said. “I have memories of going to the library and coming back with grocery bag full of books, but as I got older, I hit that slump that we hear librarians and educators talk about. I got tired of reading. Reading was homework and I wasn’t interested in doing it anymore.”
This disinterest continued throughout the majority of school. Once Murphy faced the completion of her schooling and prospective employment, the idea of a library’s value caught her attention in a more concrete manner.
“As I was graduating high school and getting a bachelor’s degree, I was more interested in what libraries could do for people. Around that time, one of my best friend’s sisters became a librarian, and that ignited my spark to read and appreciate libraries,” Murphy said. “She is now one of my closest friends. We have watched each others careers grow, which is really really cool. She now runs one of the biggest book festivals in the country.”
Along with her interest in a career surrounded by books, Murphy’s desire to write was present, but it took time for her focus and commitment to intertwine and successfully ignite the creative process.
“It was National Novel Writing Month, and that was the first tip in that direction (to start writing),” Murphy explained. “I was running a program with teens, and they said they wouldn’t do it unless I did it, too. So, I did it. I had tried writing before that point, but this was the first time I took it seriously.”
That foray into writing became “Dumplin’,” her second book and one that has been optioned to Disney for a movie. Her first book, “Side Effects May Vary” was written before that.
The young adult genre was fitting for Murphy’s work for a number of reasons: her regular interactions at the library and also her interest in topics that resonate with young adult readers.
“As a librarian, I spent a lot of time working with young adults,” she said. “When I started to write, it was a natural decision (to write young adult fiction).”
“Dumplin’” receives very positive feedback due to its positive spin on the challenges that face most teenagers during the difficult years leading to adulthood. However, for Murphy, the book has a deeper connection.
“I didn’t even consider the possibility of “Dumplin’” being so timely, as I have always lived in a bigger body,” Murphy said. “It didn’t occur to me that people would be more accepting or willing to read about it now. I always knew I wanted to write a book like ‘Dumplin’,’ but I wasn’t sure I was ready or would know how to write it.”
Murphy noted she suggested the book idea to her agent “in a moment of desperation,” after several pitches had been submitted and rejected. She made the suggestion, which was accepted with excitement. Then, it was time to write. The book itself has gotten very positive feedback, with Disney purchasing the options to make it a motion picture and various positive reviews coming in from readers and different groups. The subject matter of the book, according to Murphy, is such that it can be relatable on a number of levels.
“Whether it’s your weight or mental health issues, a physical disability or something small like having acne scars, there is always going to be something that makes people feel different,” she said. “For a lot of people that read ‘Dumplin’,’ replace the word ‘fat’ with whatever makes them feel different, it speaks to them in that way.
“It is sort of a wonderful thing that we are at a point in society where we are beginning to celebrate more that people are different, acknowledge who we are and challenge the status quo that society has set upon us all.”
Just before “Dumplin’” came out, Murphy decided it was time to pursue her writing on a full-time basis. She was balancing a part-time schedule at the library, but with upcoming commitments for her touring schedule and deadlines she would have to meet, Murphy saw a need to focus on her writing.
“I decided to leave the library world. I thought it would be too demanding ot try to continue working in the library and it would not be fair to my co-workers,” Murphy said. “I love writing full-time, but if something happens where I couldn’t do that anymore, I would happily go back to the library world.”
Meanwhile, Murphy hopes her tour events and visits to various locales will help encourage youth to follow the career path that suits them best. If creativity is a part of that path, Murphy hopes to help young adults recognize the careers that are out there.
“When I was growing up, I was not exposed to creators and authors,” she explained. “I didn’t know this was a possible job. With the internet and programs like this, kids now are more aware of the possibility of being an author, and kids have broader horizons because of it.”
