Introducing Writer to Writer

A Double Commitment

I can't recall when I didn't want to write. Although I tried to get published at age 16, I had nothing accepted until I was 38, and only after I learned a few things about the publishing industry.

After I had sold at least 20 articles, I made a double commitment to God and to myself. First, I promised that I would never stop learning and improving as a writer.

Second, I promised I would do whatever I could to help other writers. I've tried to offer help and to find more opportunities of sharing what I've learned.

This blog represents my commitment to continue to improve and shows the results of my learning that have enabled me to partially fulfill the second part of the commitment. The best statistics say only about 2 percent of writers make a full-time living at the craft. I consider myself greatly blessed because God has honored my double commitment and my writing income has supported me since 1984.

Why this blog?

For years, I've cringed when I read shoddy writing in print, especially in those instances that would take little effort to improve the quality. I assume that's because writers don't know better and want to learn.

I want to help you to become better; however, through this blog, you'll discover no easy path to writing success. Good writing demands discipline and constant learning. I hope you'll find this blog helpful in your growth.

I also confess that writing this blog is a defensive action. My assistant, Twila Belk, and one of my writing cronies Jim Rubart continue to urge me to share what I've learned about writing. Hence, the tag line supplied by Jim, "Lessons learned from a lifetime of writing."

I'm still learning. My goal is to send in manuscripts that make editors weep and tell me, "I couldn't find a single thing to change." In the meantime, I pass on what I've learned from my years of professional writing.

Who is Cecil Murphey?

Hi, this is Twila, Cec’s loyal assistant. Cec doesn’t like to talk about himself, so I get the job of answering the “who is Cecil Murphey” question. He specifically told me to write something nice.

Cec proudly refers to himself as the curmudgeon on writing loops because he often takes the contrarian viewpoint. Rather than being saintly sweet and orthodox when helping other writers, he prefers the honest approach. (They don’t call it the Cec fire for nothing!) But writers don’t always see him as curmudgeonly. Many have experienced his philanthropy and gift of his time. I remember Cec telling me years ago that he could think of no better way of investing in God’s Kingdom than by helping other writers. He has mentored countless writers over the years, many of whom are mentoring others today.

Cec is a well-decorated author, having won many awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, a couple of Silver Angel Awards, two Retailers Choice Awards, and three Author of the Year Awards from the Dixie Council of Authors and Journalists. The list goes on and on.

In April 2009, the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) honored Cec with the Extraordinary Service Award, one of their most prestigious awards. This award reflects the great respect the ASJA membership holds for Cec and his extraordinary service to other writers. In 2007, Cec received the first Lifetime Achievement Award from The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. He was recognized not only for his excellent writing but also for his selfless mentoring of other writers.

Cec has authored or co-authored more than 100 books, including the New York Times’ best seller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, which was made into a TNT-TV movie starring Cuba Gooding Jr. This month Cec’s 116th book will release.