L. J. Murphy, a devoted stepmother of two and the proud wife of her hero, never considered herself a writer. During her pursuit of a Master's degree in counseling, she relied on her husband to meticulously proofread her papers before submitting them to her professors. While lacking confidence in her storytelling abilities, her imagination never failed to deliver captivating tales.From a young age, L.J. was drawn to the power of stories. Whether organizing plays with her sisters, sharing tales aboard her father's fishing boat, or taking part in school productions, she embraced the role of a storyteller. Despite her innate shyness, her deepest desire was to make those around her feel cherished and valued.Although The Weight of Red marks L.J.'s official debut as a novelist, the seeds of her creative spirit were sown long ago. At the tender age of eight, she penned a book—a heartfelt story about a young girl and her injured horse during a show jumping competition. Though completely unnecessary, she felt immense pride in her creation, and her mother lovingly helped bind the book, preserving it for posterity. To this day, L.J. treasures that childhood work.With The Weight of Red, L.J. Murphy embraces her lifelong passion for storytelling, inviting readers into a world brimming with emotion, love, and unforgettable characters. As she takes this brave step into the realm of published novels, she carries with her the spirit of that young girl who dared to dream, eager to share her heartfelt stories with the world. Read more about this authorRead less about this author