Book-signing in Morristown by home-grown author Lashone Murphy, Aug. 6

By Kevin Coughlin

Lashone Murphy, who joined the Morristown Neighborhood House  a decade ago, has just written her second book, The Last Leaf Left.

You can get your signed copy at the Nabe tonight, Aug. 6, 2015, starting at 6:30.

We asked Lashone about life as an author, and whether this book came more easily than her first one, The Day I Made the Sky Smile.

Morristown Green: What have you been up to since we last spoke in 2013?

Lashone Murphy:   Since we last spoke my  position with Neighborhood House has changed. I’m no longer in Morristown, but am now the director over the satellite after school programs in Dover.  In addition I am extremely excited about completing my second children’s book, The Last Leaf Left!

MG: What’s the premise  of The Last Leaf Left?   And who is your  target audience?

LM:  The message of The Last Leaf Left is to “hang in there” and focus on  your goal, whatever it may be. My goal is to encourage and  inspire readers to believe in themselves regardless of  whatever may be going on around them. My target audience is  children in first- through fifth grade.

MG:  Was your second  book easier to write than The Day I Made the Sky Smile?   What did you learn from that first  experience?

LM: I believe both  books required the same amount of hard work and dedication.  There were times when I struggled a little more with The Last Leaf Left because of the rhyming nature of the story. It had to not only rhyme but stay in line with the message,  it got a little tricky at times. From my first experience  I’ve learned that it is really important to not second- guess myself so  much.  Overall, I completely enjoyed writing both  stories.

MG:  We understand  that illustrators can be very temperamental.  What’s it been like collaborating with yours?

LM:  As you know, the  illustrator is also my fiancé, so it was a great experience for both of us with both books. I do have to say that Charles Caldwell is very consistent, meaning sometimes trying to get him to change his mind can be impossible. (Laughs.)

However, I have to say his work, once again, is phenomenal, the characters are fun,  the colors are vibrant and eye-catching.  We learn to trust and respect each other’s creativity.

MG: Talk about self-publishing.  Were you able to make money with the  first book?  Have you made any progress finding a  publisher?

LM: Self-publishing truly takes hard work, you have to be on top of every single aspect of your story coming to reality. Everything from writing your story,  copyrights, hard-cover or soft-cover, book dimensions,  pricing, finding the right printing company, promoting  your work, there’s no one doing it for you.

Passion, commitment and time are the main ingredients! I did pretty good with the first book, but with a stronger  promotions and marketing plan I could have done better, I  believe. I’m keeping my eyes open for a publisher.  I’m glad to have had the self-publishing experience, but  I also look forward to experiencing having a publisher who  believes in my work.

MG:  What advice do  you have for aspiring writers?

LM:   I would tell them to  keep writing, journal your thoughts. Always look for ways to grow and improve your writing. Research resources and  esteemed authors who can offer great advice to move you  closer to your dream. Believe in yourself and hang in there,  just like the “last leaf left.”

MG:  Is a third book  in the works?  What’s that one about?

LM: Absolutely! The Last Leaf  Left will actually be a series of books. The next two- to three books will feature the main character, but there will  be a different message and lesson to learn.

MG: Are you tempted to try another genre, or are you hooked on children’s  books?  Why (either way)?

LM: I feel more drawn to children’s books right now, I just have a really fun  experience with this genre. It takes me back to my  childhood. It is also an added bonus that I’m surrounded by children who inspire my writing.I have, however, written down ideas with inspirational messages which would be geared towards adults. This will definitely be a future project for me when the time is right.

MG: How / where can people buy The Last Leaf Left?  What’s the price?

LM: At the moment The Last Leaf Left can be purchased by contacting me directly.  I also have two book signings this week where books will be on sale for $15. They will be on Amazon.com in the very near future. My first book, The Day I Made the Sky Smile, can be found on Amazon.

MG: How long will you be signing books at the Nabe?  What other signings are coming up?

LM: I’ll be signing books at the Nabe from 6:30 pm until about 8 pm this Thursday, Aug. 6th. My next signing will be held this Saturday, Aug. 8, at 1 pm at the IHOP restaurant at 1212 Springfield Ave. in Irvington.

MG: Thanks, and good luck!

LM: Thank you!