I thought I would introduce you to Stephen Murphy before handing my keyboard and the question answering over to the big guy. Stephen Murphy was originally intended to be a minor character in the “Haunted Series.” I thought it was a great way to show a bit of Mia Cooper’s past and gifts by her having a conversation with a hundred-some-year-old ghost. But it became very obvious that Murph was no one hit wonder. The caring relationship that developed between Mia and Stephen showed me as the writer that there was much more to be explored when it came to this axe-carrying farmer.
Murphy has quickly become instrumental to the success of PEEPs. Burt was quick to exploit having a ghost on the team, although there were some logistical problems in the beginning. If you wanted Murphy to travel beyond the farm, Mia would have to carry the cast iron head of his axe to the site and remember to bring him back to the farm when the investigation was finished. It wasn’t until Stephen discovered that it was he, himself who was tying himself to farm and not the axe that he was able to move about freely. The only traveling he does not enjoy is flying.
Okay, I’m going to turn this post over to Murphy. I would like to warn readers in advance that the questions and answers may contain SPOILERS. That being said: Readers, Murphy. Murphy, Readers.
Judith O’Hara asks:
Murphy, what has it been like for you to go from a very quiet and shy type of spirit to one that is very interactive with Mia and the peeps team?
That’s a very good question. I never thought of myself as being shy. Well behaved, yes, shy, no. I was raised to respect my elders, keep a civil tongue and follow the commandments. I spent my afterlife tending the farm, my trees in particular. For me, pruning out the deadwood was quite an adventure. Then along came Mia who seemed to need a friend. She swore worse than the gentlemen laying down the rails and had no manners. But still, she brought along adventure and gave me a sense of purpose. When you are faced with either sitting back and watching a disaster happen or rising to the occasion and helping out, well, this farmer from northern Illinois steps up. I like to get out and be helpful. I’ve made more friends and, in doing so, have a fuller afterlife.
Carolyn Tarrence asks:
Will you be at Brian's christening?
Mia has promised me that when she and Ted get around to it, Brian will be christened outside, maybe down at the river. The problem right now is that Mia and Ted aren’t sure what religion to bring the little lad up in. Cid, the other godfather, and I have discussed this. We feel that the boy should be exposed to as many religions as possible so when he is a man, he can choose for himself. Father Santos and Father Alessandro have other ideas, but I think Mia and Ted will stick to their guns.
Jeremy Kuehnau asks:
Do spirits feel the differences in weather and environments? Such as hot, cold, wet or dry? Besides seeing rain, do they feel it? Do they feel the heat of a warm home or the chill of snow in the winter?
I don’t feel the weather. It makes no difference whether it’s a hot day in July or a bone-cold one in February. Since I’ve become able to connect with physical objects, I now can feel rail drops. It doesn’t feel cold; it’s odd, kinda feels like soft little taps on my hand. There is more to feeling the atmosphere of a warm house than temperature. I see my rocker set in front of my television, and I feel the warmth of being at home. Oh, before I forget, I hate fog. It makes no sense. It messes with me. One minute I’m heading over to my seedlings and the next I’m walking through a hardwood.
Patricia Hannigan asks:
Dear Steven,
How are you doing? First I would like to thank you for keeping Alexie in line and on track with her writing. There are a lot of us Peepers that would have to go through withdrawal with out her wonderful stories. It gives us an escape from real life and yet she makes it feel like you are just being told a story about some crazy thing your friend did. That you could just call them up and say "you didn't do that did you". Sorry got off track there, my question for you is this: Will we ever be seeing Beth again? I mean in "Darker than Dark" Alexie did write that she had that black oily stuff cross her eyes. I mean, except for Mia's main squeeze, we have seen every one of the original peeps crew get help. Beth is like that girl in school that you tried to like but you just couldn't, and I definately don't want her back in the group because I love Audrey, but she should be helped. Now that I'm done rambling I'll say good bye till the next time.
P.S. Hows that new Godson of yours?
I’m doing fine, thanks for asking, Patricia. Alexie isn't lazy about her scribbling, but she does have a problem with me waking her up at five-thirty in the morning with ideas. I think Mia gets her language from that one. Will you ever be seeing Beth again? I imagine if you’re in Wichita, you may catch a glimpse. (Stephen, she means will Beth be in anymore of the “Haunted Series.”) How the heck am I to know that? Is she? (She asked you.) Beth’s got problems. If they’re paranormal, I’m sure Mia would help her out, but she has to ask her. Last I heard, she blames Mia for everything that has gone wrong in her life. Some people do that. Mike says the girl has to get her rear-in-gear, - actually he used a naughty word - and finish her PhD. He thinks, then she will stop making excuses and admit that she alone causes her problems. I don’t think it’s a flitch like Burt had. I do think she could have gotten into trouble at Lucky’s, but what really happened, I don’t know. I much prefer Audrey to Beth. Audrey is always happy, and she is respectful. Her mom and dad raised her right.
How’s my godson? Brian started off a quiet child, but as of late he’s been learning his vowel sounds. I believe he talks more than his daddy, and that’s saying somethin’.
Thank you for askin’
Stephen Murphy