Author Spotlight: Stephanie Murray

After publishing her first book and memoir The Coronation of Love, local author Stephanie Murray took some time to recommend a few of her favorite titles and share her writing journey with The Curio Cabinet.

Murray grew up here in Colorado and now with a family of her own, has no plans to move anytime soon. “It’s beautiful here, yet it’s innovative, dynamic and I believe if one finds a community here it will feel like home,” Murray said.

Murray’s writing career has developed significantly with the release of her first memoir, The Coronation of Love. As a lifelong writer, this release is an immense accomplishment and was a very personal journey for Murray.

“I began writing in school like most children, writing short stories, poems, research papers and speeches. I distinctly remember a poem I wrote being published in a book along with some of my classmates in elementary school. And although I didn’t win, I remember entering a contest to get a personal book published. I would use a journal on and off growing up, but then I began to be fearful it would be found and read. 

After that, writing mostly became academic. As the years went on and I left college and an abusive relationship, I began writing again mostly in the form of journaling. Then when I began teaching children and adults at church, I began writing lessons. Over the years I have come to realize that I process ideas and my life while I’m writing, and it has become cathartic for me.

Being an author was a calling. At first, I was writing a self-help book, then I felt God speak to my heart to, ‘write our story.’ This is one of the hardest yet triumphant experiences of my life and I’m so grateful to have become an author. It was an offering of love so that’s this book means to me, a gift of love to God, my family and anyone who is compelled to read it.”

A few titles stuck with Murray along her many years of reading:

The Garden Within

by Dr. Anita Phillips

“While reading this book I received healthy language for emotions that brought more emotional, spiritual and relational healing to my life.

For anyone who wants to find knowledge and understanding when it comes to faith, emotions and mental health, this is an invaluable tool. I honestly think about or reference this book weekly. The fact that Dr. Anita and her family experienced so much pain and she processed that pain and produced such an amazing book is truly inspirational and has been a gift to me.”

Fast Like a Girl

Dr. Mindy Pelz

“Anyone who wants to balance their hormones and heal their bodies in a more holistic way, this book is definitely for you. Dr. Mindy Pelz was driven by her love for women and her desire for them to live healthy, abundant lives and even though this is an information heavy book, I felt her care and that’s incredible.

I noticed friends and family of mine experiencing sickness in our early 30’s that was alarming and mostly hormone related. With this book, I learned about hormones, food, stress and menstruation in a way I’ve never heard and it was so helpful.”

Every Breath

Nicholas Sparks

“This book was one of the most interesting, non-predictable romantic novels I’ve ever read. [This book is for] anyone who wants to be surprised and challenged by a story that exemplifies love in a unique way.

At the beginning of this book, Nicholas Sparks talks in detail about how he came to write this book, finding a stranger, lots of investigation and even traveling to Africa several times. His connection, dedication and commitment to the story is admirable.“

Stay tuned to see our next author spotlight and what we are reading these days.

Are you interested in sharing book recommendations with us? Contact us at [email protected].