Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, as you may have noticed with all the library posts. Our Tuscaloosa Public Library is one of my favorite places in town. Finding books that uplift and inspire is a joy that I love sharing with others. Now my children love to carry their stories around with them everywhere. If they are not reading, they are drawing and creating new comic styled stories. That is why this interview is such a pleasure to share with you! I’m so excited to introduce you to local author Leigh Murphree. She is a Tuscaloosa native, now residing in Birmingham. But I’ll let her share the rest.
🩰Tell us a bit about yourself.
“My name is Leigh (Richey) Murphree, and I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL. Many of my family members still live there, and I LOVE coming home. I graduated from the University of Alabama with a major in Language and Performing Arts. Ro-o-o-o-l-l-l-l Tide! I spent many years performing in Nutcrackers and local theater productions, and twirling with the Million Dollar Band before moving to Chicago and joining a professional dance company.
In general, I have followed my heart and taught dance my whole life. Having to move around a bit with my husband's job, I have owned three studios around the south. My very first studio, Under the Willow Productions, was located in Tuscaloosa. It was a magical place because of the wonderful families and kids involved. We had so much fun together, and it will always hold a special place in my heart!
I now live in Birmingham, AL, with my husband, Andy, Lorelei and Lillian, my two college-age daughters, a small terrier named Mistletoe, and two hermit crabs! I teach Pre-Primary Ballet at the Alabama Ballet School and work as a costume assistant.”
 Author- Leigh Murphree |
🩰Please, share a summary of Under the Willow. I did see you have a brief sample of chapter 3 on your site.
“Dancing comes naturally to 10-year old Olivia. She had always dreamed of becoming a ballerina. However, when Olivia gets the lead role in the ballet, her confidence is shaken, and things begin to change. First, she experiences the jealousy of her friends, who begin to leave her out of conversations. Secondly, Olivia has to find the courage to perform again after a devastating mishap at the dress rehearsal. She fears making another mistake and wonders if she will ever win her friends back. Olivia is all but ready to give up on her dreams when Faith shows up in her backyard under the willow tree.
Written in allegory form, the tiny ballerina who visits Olivia represents the virtue of faith. The Gentle Wind in the story represents God (Holy Spirit). So while on the surface it is just an enjoyable story for kids, it does have a deeper meaning. It offers an excellent opportunity for adults to share personal insights about trusting God in their own way.”
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🩰What are some lessons children can learn from Olivia?
“Olivia teaches that it will take a LOT of courage to follow your dreams. But, if you trust God by having faith, you can face your fears confidently. She learns that she doesn't need to have success or the approval of others to feel special. She is EXTRAORDINARY!!!”
🩰What inspired you to write Under the Willow?
“The art of Cheryl Lee initially inspired me to start on this creative journey. I purchased a print of "Faith" to hang on my dance studio wall, and I ended up meeting Cheryl in person only a few weeks later. We have been friends ever since!
I began working on a plush ballerina doll to give to my dance students and then decided the ballerina needed a story to go along with it. I became inspired to write Under the Willow because I genuinely want children (of all ages) to know that they are EXTRAORDINARY! I want everyone to know that the dreams in your heart are important, and faith will give you the courage to pursue them.”
 Illustrator- Cheryll Lee |
🩰How/ when did you know you wanted to be an author?
I didn't set out to be an author, but all along, it just seemed like I was being nudged to write a story. So for years, I have ended my pre-ballet classes with a creative story that we make up on the spot. That makes my brain work creatively, not only with movement but also with words.
My love for literature came from both of my parents. My father, now in his 80's, was a writer and contributed significantly to Under The Willow. So our family home was brimming with lots of literature, poetry, and creative thinking. Not to mention clutter, scattered papers, and laundry, but somehow we survived!!
🩰If families see potential in a young writer, what are some ways they can help them prepare?
“Let them READ! Take them to the library. Visit bookstores. Watch sunsets!! Listen to music! Absorb nature, cultures, and people. Be intentional about noticing all the beauty in the world and pointing it out to them. Let them write, doodle, and make books right now. Print them in full color and distribute them to family and friends. They will see that writing is a way of expressing how they feel. They will always have something to write about!”
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🩰 I see you have a new book in the works. When can readers anticipate it's arrival?
“OOOOH !
This last one took me several years to write.
We are super excited about the next book though and have already started designing some of the art. I plan to start on "Hope" this summer and see how it goes, and I would love to have it ready for 2023!”
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You can get your own copy of Under the Willow by Leigh Murphree by CLICKING HERE. She also has lots of great resources on her website.
If you would like to meet Leigh in person, she will be at “Cottontail’s Village Arts and Craft Show” at the BJCC in Birmingham, AL March 4-5, 2022. Check our event calendar for more information.
