Journey of The Running Waves

I got 99 problems, but affording The Running Waves ain’t one!

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2011-09-07T09:33:55-04:00

“Ninety nine cents? Really?”

“Why so cheap?”

“Is the book not doing well?”

“Do you guys don’t ever care about making money?”

“Have you given up?”

Since putting our book on Kindle these are some of the constant questions that have been asked to us. Writing this book was never about making money. Primarily, this book was written to remember good friends that had passed before their time. We wanted to give something to a community that has given so much to us. Ted and I feel thankful and blessed to have grown up on Cape Cod where our blossomed friendships and unique experiences have truly defined who we are today.

When we were writing this book we were in agreement that it was imperative to put all our effort in making The Running Waves known to the world. We wanted this story to be a guide for our younger generations on how not to mourn the loss of friends and loved ones. Death is reality, yet we are never fully prepared to deal with it, especially when we are naive teenagers who think the world is a perfect place.

Pricing the book at ninety nine cents will make The Running Waves affordable for schools across the country to buy and teach in their curriculum as well as college kids to download. I did many, many years at college (haha) and know how expensive it is to survive. Everything can put a hole in your pocket, so we do not want to add to those headaches.

We said from the very beginning that our goal is to make this story global and we feel pricing it at ninety nine cents is a good start. We still need your help. Please continue to spread the word and we thank you all for your continued support and love. The letters, emails, and phone calls have meant so much to us. They really do keep us going whenever we hit the wall of negativity so again, thank you! If you have time please write a quick review on Amazon. They are a huge help to spreading the word of this story to people of all ages.

Be well - Seton and Ted

A Night to Remember

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2011-03-18T16:20:33-04:00

Last summer, shortly after The Running Waves was released; Ted and I were strategizing ways to
promote the book. We wanted to try some unconventional methods in hopes of gaining people’s
attention. Since music is its own character in the story, Ted came up with the entertaining idea of
having “Behind the Music” of the book night. Our good friend, Pat Bellavance said he would play the
songs, with Ted and me (who both lack any musical talent) giving brief summaries of why we chose each
song performed. The venue would be none other than The Quahog Republic Dive Bar, owned by friends,
Erik Bevans, Tom Hughes, and Jason Wallin. Things got even better when Pat said that his cousin Damien
Palanza, a friend of mine dating back to Morse Pond School playground, would be joining him in singing
the songs.

Ted and I were really thrilled and all we needed now was a date. All our weekends had already been
booked in advance with signings and other events, so it had to be a weeknight. With me working up in
Boston, the only time it could really happen would be my vacation week at the end of July. Ted spoke
with Pat and Erik and then called me.

“We’re all set with a date, bro. It’s going to be Thursday night, July 22nd.”

“Ah, man.” I exhaled. “You know, that’s the anniversary.”

“Oh, shoot. ...I forgot.” Pause. “What do you want to do?”

“I don’t know yet. Don’t commit. Let me think and I’ll call you back.”

And man did I think. Anniversary? God, I pondered the cruel irony. I normally associate anniversary with
celebration and cheerful occasions. Would it be right to promote a book by singing and laughing on
such a solemn date? July 22nd to me and to many others is what Good Friday is to Christians. I try to
spend that day in a quiet, peaceful place, still asking God, “Why?” And wondering how different things
would be if the inevitable never happened. I didn’t know what to do. I needed some answers and I knew
I could only get the right ones from Eric Steele.

After telling Eric our dilemma, he put my mind at ease. He said we should go through with it, stating that
it shouldn’t be a day of mourning, rather a day of celebrating Marc and Pete’s life. “Isn’t that why you
guys wrote the book in the first place?” He said and then followed with, “I think Marc and Pete would
want you to do it.” Eric had been in our corner from day one and having his approval was all we needed.

I told Ted my conversation with Steele and said to book the event.

The night came and people walked through the doors to support Pat, Damien, Erik, Tom, Jason, Ted and
me, but most of all, our community. Marc and Pete were connected to all of us and if you didn’t know
them personally you knew someone who did or you knew loss of your own. It turned out to be a lot of
fun, especially watching old friends reconnect. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves and each other.

To spend the anniversary surrounded by family, friends, and supporters was refreshing and we are so
thankful to all who made it possible. Going forward, maybe, just maybe, I along with everyone else
from that night will not think about the sting of 1993 on July 22nd and try to focus more on the love and comfort that congregated inside that affectionate bar room in 2010. To read about the songs and
reasoning behind why they were chosen click here.

Song of the Day - Pieces of the Night by The Gin Blossoms

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2011-03-08T22:50:16-05:00

During the summer of 1993, I listened to the Gin Blossoms album New Miserable Experience with the girl I was dating at the time. We played it over and over as we drove around town. In 1994, I listened to the album alone. I had been dumped. The lyrics of all the songs on that album had a far greater meaning to me that second summer. In a strange way they were almost more enjoyable. It's funny how music can get you through bad times

Song of the Day - Red Hill Mining Town by U2

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2011-03-08T22:44:18-05:00

When you read The Running Waves you'll see that Dermot has countless mixed tapes. The song Red Hill Mining Town was on my Crew Mix. I'd play it early in the morning right after I'd open up the gates at the Island Queen parking lot. A couple of cars would pull in and by the end of the song the cars would be bumper to bumper going past Dr. Fitch's office.

Murphy Brothers sign with acclaimed agency!

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2011-01-18T10:56:31-05:00

Can you believe seven months ago, The Running Waves was released? At our kick off party at The Beach House in North Falmouth, we were so blessed to have our family, friends, and even Facebook friends there to support us. That night was extremely special for us, but it was just the beginning of what has been an extraordinary journey. We had a very busy summer thanks in part to our hard-working publicist Marci Tyldesley, who booked signings, talks, and other events where we were able to promote our novel. The Cape Codders and Facebook friends are also a major reason TRW has done so well. From store owners selling the book to even strangers suggesting it to family and friends, we want to thank all of you! The emails, and letters are way beyond anything we would've ever dreamed! Some of you even took on the reviewer of the one vindictive review we received in a rival town fish-wrapper. It's amazing to know that this book moved you to the point of writing your many thoughtful reviews on our site, and in essence having our backs. You have all been so encouraging while sharing in our uphill quest to make TRW known to the world.

Well, we are happy to report that all of your hard work has paid off. Four days before Christmas, we got some wonderful news. The Running Waves now has a big-time agency looking out for us. We just signed with agent Esmond Harmsorth of Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Literary and Entertainment Agency. This signing has changed the game! Mr. Harmsworth loved the book and understands what the Murphy Brothers are all about. We want this story to entertain (and in some cases help) people far beyond our region. With Esmond's vast knowledge and experience, we hope to put The Running Waves on the national map. We will continue to update all of you on the progress of that goal, and we ask that all of you keep spreading the word. What truly has been the best part of our journey is having all of you aboard this crazy roller coaster ride with us. We hope you keep riding! Thanks for everything! You guys are the best!

~ The Murphy Brothers

Don't Settle

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-12-08T18:30:36-05:00

Ted and I first want to thank all the people who have sent emails, phoned, or even stopped us in the street and expressed their pleasure in The Running Waves. It's not easy to convey how good it makes us feel that our peers have enjoyed this story, which to me proves that we are all connected. Time and time again people have told us that this book would make a great movie. We wrote it with that intention in mind. I give Ted a lot of credit because he said if we write it as a book first, then screenplay, we may have a legitimate shot of actually making it into a movie someday.

Well, my friends the process has begun. We both feel it's going well and hope to be done sometime in January. It's a tough time of year with Ted finishing up his fall semester at Boston College, as well as pushing his Christmas book Saving Santa's Seals, but we are making it work. Of course writing the screenplay is easy. The hard part will be pitching it to Hollywood. But hey, you only live once. We want to keep you guys informed because you have been so loyal to us. Thank you for your reviews and your memories of lost loved ones that you have posted. It is so important to always keep those who have gone before us alive in our hearts and on paper for others to know how special they were. Please continue to spread the word about TRW. And remember, "Love one another and stick together."

~Seton & Ted

Thank You Sarah

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-11-18T06:48:19-05:00

Two weeks after we lost Marc and Pete the confusion and anger really began to set in. What I once knew of my life was now vastly different as I tried to prepare for my last year at Falmouth High School. Senior year is supposed to be the paramount year for high school students, but the accident in the summer of 1993 would change that notion for my friends and me. Right before my sister Sarah headed back to Bridgewater State College; she made me a mixed tape filled with bands and songs I had never heard before. Just like any good mixed tape it brought me solace on some of my most painful days. Listening to each song I was reassured that I still had a very big support group that cared about me and wanted to help ease my pain. The song Vapour Trail by Ride was on that tape. This song was chosen to be part of The Running Waves as a way of saying thank you to my beautiful sister. We love you, sis.

To an old friend from Arkansas

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-10-20T13:42:02-04:00

Not all the songs made it into the book. Unfortunately, Alone was one of the songs that was cut out of the manuscript, but we hope to write it into the screenplay. I'm sure a lot people might ask "Why even include this song if it wasn't in The Running Waves?" As Ted and I have said before, this book is a tribute to friends that have passed and to artists and bands who have had such a large influence on our adolescence. Even though the song was taken out, we felt it imperative to pay homage to them.

I was introduced to Blues Traveler's self-entitled album by my good friend, Michael Forns. After listening, I was instantly hooked. I loved all their tracks and felt John Popper's harmonica skills were not only impressive, but extremely beautiful.

As I said, I loved all their tracks, but the song Alone struck me on a personal level. At that time, I had a crush on a girl, whom I was also good friends with. Sadly, I didn't have the nerve to tell her how I really felt. Spending time with her was bittersweet because she was the funniest and most beautiful girl I had known, yet I was fearful to share my true feelings. It was a very complex and distracting quandary to be in when you're seventeen years-old. This experience helped me write a scene where Colin is trying to persuade Eric not to make the same mistake as him and ask out Natalie from Coffee Mania.

The song Alone was used symbolically due to Dermot's pain from being dumped by his dream girl and Colin for simply being alone. Unfortunately, this song gets cut off. I couldn't find a decent video on YouTube. Maybe this will inspire someone to put one up. Enjoy, my friends.

-Seton

Song of the Day - Little Guitars by Van Halen

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-10-16T06:20:30-04:00

This song is from the album Diver Down so again there was a well thought our reason we picked this song for our book. It's also about a beautiful woman getting into a guy's head. And finally, we believe every book should have a little VH!

Song of The Day - Here Today Gone Tomorrow by Dada

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-10-13T21:06:30-04:00

There is a scene early on in our book when Dermot and his boys are heading to a party. Seton and I picked the song Here Today, Gone Tomorrow by DaDa for this scene for a couple of reasons. In 94' DaDa was a band that Seton and I both loved (which was a rare occurrence for us to like the same band) and we naturally wanted to give them a shout out in the book. But the title of the song is just another sign right in front of Dermot - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow. Colin is not the only one who has lost friends. This is an early sign from the airwaves for Dermot to look at what he's lost - the boys and his girlfriend. Also, Dermot is wasting another night not writing but partying and time is slipping away for him to go for his dream. The final reason is this is just a cool song and if you knew it back in '94 you couldn't help but sing it even if you were in a carload of guys.

THANK YOU, JOHN HUGHES

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-10-12T10:36:24-04:00

It was quite a summer for Seton and me! The love and support for the book was way beyond our wildest imaginations and has kept our spirits up while we continue to promote with the hopes that ALL bookstores will someday carry our book. There has been some roadblocks along the way - the uphill battle to get the book in all stores, but it is a journey and as long as you guys keep telling your friends to request and BUY the book (“I loved your book so much I lent it to a dozen of my friends who lent it to their friends.” That’s a crushing backhanded compliment for a writer) from their local store I know we’ll get there.

Speaking of journeys, we are completely guilty of ignoring our blog Journey Of The Running Waves, but now that the fall is here we hope to be a little more disciplined with our posts so please email us any questions you have and we will try to answer them.

So to start off the fall posts, I would like to talk about a major influence in the book that may get overlooked by some - the great writer and director John Hughes.

I remember when Seton and I inked the publishing deal with Publishing Works, Inc. On the ride home we were flying high with excitement. We were mostly excited about the pop culture shout outs that secured the time period, and how those people may actually someday may read them (well, everyone except for OJ!). The person I was really psyched to read the book was John Hughes. If he could see the impact his movies made on me it would be the icing on our creative cake.

Back in the 80’s, his innocent and hopeless romantic movies spoke to me like they were friends whispering in my ear. I was Keith in Some Kind Of Wonderful and I wished I could be Ferris and have the guts to “take a day off.” Obviously, I was not alone with those feelings of connectedness to Hughes’ movies, and this summer some of my favorite feedback came from people who talked to me about how much they loved the John Hughes references. These readers got what we were trying to do in our book.

Both Brennan brothers want to desperately recapture their innocence (and without giving away a spoiler here) Seton and I thought using that John Hughes inspiration with our own twist on it would be the perfect way to go. Due to the subject matter, our book is much darker than any of his movies were but the humor and quest to stay young and hopeful comes from what his writing taught us, and I think by adding that flavor it gave our book that perfect balance.

So when we drove home that day from New Hampshire after signing the deal, I vowed somehow someway I would get a book into his hands as a thank you. Well on August 6, 2009 (9 months before our book was to be released), I learned that wish would never happen when I read that John Hughes had passed away.

But our book is also about signs and when I bumped into Andrew McCarthy from Pretty In Pink (A John Hughes classic and mentioned in our book) this summer at Coffee Obsession and told him how much that movie entertained the Murphy family growing up I had to think somewhere John Hughes was also hearing my words. Thank you, John Hughes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvmVYNr0lk0

AND

It Takes a Village

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-06-24T14:01:26-04:00

Ted told me that getting the book published was just the beginning. He explained that the battle continues even when your name is in print. Now, I understand what he meant. The books don't sell themselves. We constantly have to promote. It's imperative that we treat this just like a business. Marketing ourselves is necessary.

Right now, the time is crucial. We have to strike while the iron is hot. In order for The Running Waves to be a success in our eyes, we want it to go national. It will take time, but we have faith that we can get there. If we want to accomplish this goal, we must first succeed on Cape Cod. This book should be in every bookstore on the Cape. It's a no-brainer. It's a story based on Cape Cod. If we can thrive here, we can then ride that momentum across the bridge and hopefully continue to grow. Please urge your local bookstore to carry The Running Waves, if they are not already doing so.

Our family, friends and fans have been amazing. You supported us even before the book came out. If that's not loyalty, then I don't know what is. We are starting to get some incredible feedback from people who have read the book and the feeling is astounding, but we still need your help. We have recently added a review page to our web site. If you liked the book, we ask you to please write a quick review. It doesn't have to be lengthy, just a summary of what you thought or how the story made you feel. These reviews are vital.

We have also added a memorial page. The book was written to keep the spirits of our friends alive. This page is for our readers who would like to do the same thing. Writing is the best therapy. We would like to thank everyone who has had our backs. Your support means the world to us. God bless.

-Seton and Ted

Strictly for Pete

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-22T19:32:48-04:00

I think some of my fondest memories in life consisted of my years at Mullen Hall, Morse Pond and Lawrence School. Alcohol and drugs weren’t even a thought and innocence still prevailed. One of my best friends during that time was Peter Hurd. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Pete loved his bright smile and infectious laugh.

Now, driving around Falmouth as an “adult,” I often think about the miles Pete and I put on our ten speed bikes, riding freely around town as kids. Our route was pretty basic. Usually, we would stop off at Smitty’s Variety Store and stock up on penny candy before heading to Ryan Family Amusement to spend our loose change on Karate Champ and Rampage. And if the weather didn’t permit bike riding, we would hunker down at Morgan’s, Goldman’s or Simpson’s house for a day of movies that always included either Fletch, Caddyshack, Jaws, Porky’s and Revenge of the Nerds.

After Lawrence School, Peter attended St. Georges in Newport and I didn’t see him as much. I regret that a lot because a short time later he died, along with another friend. It was the loss of these two boys that inspired The Running Waves. Fortunately, I still have great memories of both of them that will last a lifetime. Today, May 23rd, Peter would have turned thirty five. Wherever you are I hope you’re smiling and laughing. This song is for you, my friend. Happy Birthday.

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Love,
Your buddy

Song of the Day - The Last Goodbye by The Jeff Buckley Band

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-21T20:55:27-04:00

A critic recently went off on us for mentioning too many songs in our book. This was not an unexpected criticism. Going into writing the book, Seton and I talked a lot about how music back in '94 was so prevalent in our lives. We listened to it at parties, summer jobs, family cookouts, etc. We also listened to it as a coping device as we reflected on losing loved ones to tragedy and/or breakups. When you are young what is being played during that time period becomes a part of who you are (and were) because a song is indeed a time capsule holding that memory. As you age, not so much. Time for the classical...

For example, I recently heard "I Love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and I was instantly back in the sixth grade at the Morse Pond School on the playground. In my mind, I could see my friend Mike Gomes holding his "boom box" in the air while the song played. I also saw the class bully coming over to me and bloodying my nose (not for my lunch money because he stomped on my brown bag) just for the fun of it. Mike jumped down, ran over, and protected me - he was that kind of kid.

So when Seton and I talked about using music we wanted it to be an actual character in the book. We knew not everyone would know all of the songs and to us that was ok because when you read a book you go into the characters' lives. You become them. But we also thought wouldn't it be cool for the book to live on in the virtual world by having the back stories of each song. So if we briefly mention 20 or so songs in the book people could then go to our site and get twenty or more stories and also hear the songs themselves enhancing the experience. As far as we know, this is a new approach, but it is also a fresh one. With Ipads etc we will not be surprised if they'll soon be links to buying the song mentioned in the book you are reading. If it's not already being done.

The story of choosing The Last Goodbye by the Jeff Buckley Band is one of those "meant to be" moments. The character Dermot (who makes mixed tapes for everything) has decided no longer to make them (we don't want to spoil the book so we won't say why). Anyway, he is down Cape and decides to put on the radio. Well, talking with Seton we naturally thought of WKKL - the Cape Cod Community College station that always entertained us when we were downCape. Dermot needed a song he had never heard before since it wouldn't be on a mixed tape and it also had to be hauntingly beautiful. Seton and I couldn't think of anything and then it happened. I woke up in the middle of the night humming a song trying to remember what it was and then it came to me. The Last Goodbye by the Jeff Buckley Band. I immediately hopped out of bed and ran to my computer to search for when that song had come out. I knew it was the early to mid 90's but was it before '94? I googled it and couldn't believe it. It had been released in August of '94. The scene we were working on was the end of August of '94. Then I scanned down to see something that made me stare at the screen for a good ten minutes. Jeff Buckley had passed away a couple of years after the song was released. But it was not that he had died, but how he had died. It was the same way that our character Colin lost his two friends. I listened to the song and down to the guitar that sounded like a wailing gull, I knew it was a "meant to be" moment for the scene. I called Seton at 6 a.m. and played it for him and he was speechless.

"That's it, bro." was all he said.

So, again, the music in this book does not apply to the Beethoven crowd, but those are not the readers we are going after. If we were going after them we'd probably write about Beethoven. Just a thought. We want good readers who are willing to jump into the time period we created with our use of music. In the case of The Last Goodbye it's late August 1994 on Cape Cod in the middle of the night on a lonely highway known to Cape Codders as route 6.

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-Ted

Song of the Day - Nightswimming by R.E.M.

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-20T21:08:57-04:00

I remember "back in the day" being at a party at Stephen Kapulka's house. It was late at night and the party was winding down. On cue, my buddy Pat Bellavance took out his guitar and began playing Nightswimming. The few remaining party goers immediately stopped talking and listened as he played a song that was known for its piano on his guitar. It was truly a beautiful moment; one that you actually reflect on as it's happening. I remember thinking I wish I could stay young forever laughing and partying with my friends for the fall was coming and we were all going somewhere. My reflection ended after Pat finished playing the song because something that I only noticed occurred. It was an extremely funny moment that Pat and I still talk about. For all of our local friends who will buy (no sharing you cheap etc...) and read T.R.W. the quick scene that features Night Swimming is all Bellavance. That's how our boy played his game. God love him!

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-Ted

Song of the Day - Every Little Counts by New Order

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-17T06:18:09-04:00

I always liked this song because it sounded like the lead singer even knew he was sounding a bit pathetic for singing about the control his girlfriend had over him = a broken hearted foul. Obviously, to us that meant it was perfect song to be on a mixed tape that Dermot is listening to while thinking about his ex girlfriend.

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-Ted

Song of the Day - Far Far Away From My Hear by BoDeans

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-13T06:17:41-04:00

There were a couple of reasons we chose this song. We knew we had to have a song as a shout out to the BoDeans in honor of our older sister Joanna who introduced us to their music back in the day. But we wanted to also pick a song that captured what was going on with both main characters - Colin and Dermot. This was the perfect choice.

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-Seton & Ted

Happy Mother's Day

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-11T17:02:18-04:00

An unruly sorrow drove me to ramble
Shadowed roads and lifeless faces
Years of compounding mistakes and indefinite floundering
And like a fish out of water I begged to breathe again
The loving touch of a mother’s hand
Told me who I was
Hope, once extinguished, was feverishly ignited
“Remember son. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

Love,
Seton

Song of the Day - Bonzo Goes To Bitburg by The Ramones

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-09T08:02:55-04:00

It's nice that today's youth like to wear Ramones' tshirts, but they should at least know the songs the band sings. I've asked more than a few questions about the Ramones, and it's clear they bought the shirt 'cause it looks real cool. So today's song of the day goes out to the old fans out there.

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-Ted

Song of the Day - She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-07T08:32:30-04:00

I remember when I first got my license and popped in a mixed tape and blasted this song while flying a good 56 M.P.H. on the highway. Such a rebel...

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-Ted

"On Seton’s Thirty Fourth Birthday"

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-05-04T05:50:27-04:00

“On Seton’s Thirty Fourth Birthday”

Well-traveled you are, my son.
Not always obstacle free, your journey.
Over-sharp edged stones and stinging
thorns painful and restless you hid in
darkness and despair.
But now you travel to a place of budding
flowers and cleansing waters.
I will always see you where you stood,
where generations stood before you.
You tasted family history, a much stronger
brew than the one you held in your
hand that day.
Even as your father, I knew my place
was silence to respect your wandering.
It is sweet-scented spring, the moment
of your birth.
It is a time of renewal. Your journey is complete.
You have come home, my beloved son.

Love,
Dad

Respect your Elders

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-04-28T06:18:13-04:00

My respect for “oldies” really blossomed when I moved off Cape Cod. One of the downfalls of growing up in Falmouth, Massachusetts was the limited music stations. Before Internet, I-Pods, and I-Tunes, the greatest media outlet for music was radio.

I remember when I first started living in Boston. As I made daily trips to Massachusetts Bay Community College in my 1984 faded red Nissan Sentra, I quickly wore out the bag of tapes I kept in my back seat. Buying more cassettes seemed silly because they were becoming archaic and purchasing a CD player was only a pipedream for a broke college student. My only option was to surf the Boston radio stations. I was already a fan of 104.1 WBCN, 101.7 WFNX, and 100.7 WZLX, but my ADD wouldn’t allow me to listen to commercials, so I soon became an avid listener of 105.7 WROR and 103.3 WODS.

I was familiar with the artists played on WROR and WODS and their more popular songs, but I soon discovered additional ones. Smoky Robinson, Tommy James and the Shondells, The Animals, Chicago, Steely Dan, it was all beautiful stuff and quite refreshing, even though it was music from decades earlier. What I love about listening to music from the fifties, sixties and seventies, is hearing the influence it has on today’s music. History does repeat itself.

Donovan became a huge favorite of mine. His song, Sunshine Superman was a must to add to our soundtrack. In The Running Waves, Colin, an ex-lifeguard, was once called Aquaman. We try to make little connections throughout the book, especially with the music. There is more to it, but you will have to read it yourselves.

As for the Grass Roots Live for Today, I always loved this song. The scene where we use it, Colin is hitting rock bottom. He isn’t living for today, he actually isn’t living at all.

I hope you enjoy these classics.

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-Seton

Song of the Day - I'm Allowed by Buffalo Tom

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-04-17T08:15:48-04:00

Back in 94, on spring days when it couldn't even decide if it was going to rain, I used play this song while driving around town wondering if I was going to work in a parking lot for the rest of my life (No disrespect to PL attendants. Some of my best friends are parking lot attendants etc.) I knew I wanted to be a writer, but I was afraid to write. So on those rainy days, I wore this song out (and the whole Big Red Letter Day album). Seton reminded me of that fact and also how much this song relates to both main characters. We decided we had to give a shout out to it in TRW. After all, Buffalo Tom is also a BOSTON band. Thanks Buffalo Tom!

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-Ted

Song of the Day - An Ode to Hip Hop

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-04-08T21:25:19-04:00

People who know me well, understand my appreciation for music. I’m not exaggerating when I say I listen to everything. Like my brother Ted, music motivates me in all aspects of life.

One of my favorite brands of music is hip hop. I especially love what was produced in the early 1990’s. Critics of this musical genre are quick to point out the tension and violence that erupted in that decade between east and west coast rappers. Fact is, outside of personal “beefs,” there were legitimate artists and groups making some amazing music. Originally in chapter three I wanted to use a song from Biggie Smalls or Tupac Shakur, but stayed away from east and west and opted for the south.

During that controversial era in hip hop, something unique was brewing in Atlanta, Georgia-Outkast. This band’s debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik brought a new and distinct sound in the spring of 1994. My good friend, Wayne Rose, introduced me to Outkast and I was instantly hooked. I loved all the songs, but was particularly fond of “Git Up, Git Out.” I loved the beat, but it was the lyrics that really drew me in. This song bleeds positivity. It’s about being in a rut, or having a habit that can be detrimental to becoming the person we are capable of being. This song is a reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s up to us to make the right choices in order reach that light. This song sums up Colin Brennan’s struggle.

For this jam Outkast teamed up with another group from the “Dirty South,” Goodie Mob. So sit back, close your eyes, and listen to the message.

Further along in the book, I came to the conclusion that it was imperative we pay tribute to another hip hop band. I’ll never forget being fifteen years-old and hanging out with friends, Dave Romiza, Gilbert Mendoza, Damien Anderson, and Damien’s cousin, David from New York. As we chilled in Dave Romiza’s car (I believe a maroon Hyundai) David, from New York, pulled a tape out of his pocket and handed it to the front to be played. He smiled at me and said, “You’re gonna like this.” It was A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory.

He was right. I sat back and let it wash over me. The beats, the lyrics, everything appealed to me. I had never heard anything like it before. Along with the Beastie Boys, Tribe was who ignited my love for hip hop music.

Because The Running Waves is a period piece, we give a shout out to Tribe’s follow up album, Midnight Marauders, which dropped in November of 1993. It was another musical gem that defined the group as a hip hop power house. Here is “Electric Relaxation,” off Midnight Marauders.

I would like to dedicate this post to three of my friends who are holding it down in Baltimore. Big Rod, Dorian, and J Spot. I can’t wait for Fantasy Football 2010! Thanks for supporting the Murphy brothers and The Running Waves. God Bless.

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-Seton

Cape Cod Style

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-04-05T06:27:59-04:00

With each passing year, styles and trends change as much as the erratic New England weather. When I was young, I felt comfortable in a pair of stone-washed jeans and a Champion “hoodie” sweatshirt. For a more formal appearance, I chose a Polo shirt with pegged Bugle Boy slacks and a fresh pair of Buckskin shoes, smooth like butter. Nevertheless, casual or conservative, I had something tucked into my back pocket; my baseball cap.

As far as I can remember I always wore a baseball hat. One reason was to hide my overgrown hair, but another was to imitate my childhood idols, Dwight Evans, Jim Rice, Mo Vaughn, etc. When baseball’s magnetism would emerge during the cold months of February and March, my older brother Ted and I would head down to Burt’s Sporting Goods to purchase new baseball gloves and hats. For the next several weeks, both hat and glove would endure lengthy and grueling break-in rituals.

Unfortunately, as I got older I didn’t produce into much of a baseball player, but my skills at breaking in a hat were unprecedented. My expertise rose to an all time high when the “master breaker” and high school friend, Matt Arnold, shared some of his secrets with me. Armed with this new found knowledge, I became sought after by friends and strangers alike to lend a hand breaking-in their hats. As you will read in The Running Waves, the sculpting of a hat is particularly significant.

So let’s take a ride back in time to the early nineties and relive the steps of properly breaking-in your hat. First thing was to soak your hat in warm water with a little detergent, this would loosen it up. I usually left it soaking for several days, but because I was also obsessive, I changed the water every twelve hours. After the soak session, I would throw it in the washer machine for a couple of cycles. This process was potentially dangerous. It’s very important to know how tough your washer machine is. I had some hats fall apart on me, thus, jeopardizing my “business.”

I soon learned an alternative way that would solve this problem- the dishwasher. Since there is no spin cycle, this process is gentler on the hat. For first-timers I would advise using this method. Repeat this procedure several times. Now it’s time to work the brim. Roll the hat between your hands over and over; shaping it. If the brim is plastic, go easier than if it were cardboard. The last thing you want to do is snap it in two pieces, then all you’re left with is a Salvation Army donation.

Let the hat air dry. Your enemy can be a machine dryer. I have melted many hats in my day. Once your hat is dry, rubber band the brim and shove it under your mattress on its side, just like a baseball glove. Leave it there for a couple of days. This will help mold your brim. Fortunately, for Cape Codders, there is one last thing you can do. Take your hat to the beach and sink it into the ocean, letting the saltwater work its natural magic.

Now, many years later, thankfully, I no longer dress in stone-washed jeans or Bugle Boy trousers, and the old Buckskin shoes have been replaced with Rockport and Timberland. However, when I’m not working, I still wear a baseball hat. And even though I’m not as compulsive and using a dishwasher or the weight of a mattress, I still break it in. I have to admit, I cringe when I see today’s youth sporting the straight off the shelf look, but just as the volatile New England weather, styles and trends do change.

Song of The Day - Tears by The Chameleons (UK)

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-04-02T14:33:40-04:00

As mentioned in many previous posts, we chose every song for the book for a reason. It may be symbolic and it may just be a shout out to the time period and then there are times it is both. Seton and I picked this song because it's about dealing with losing someone you love, but the other reason we chose this song is because our sister Sarah used to put it on all of her mixed tapes. Sarah made some great mixed tapes back in the day! I remember a spring day like this one (the Sun finally coming out after a long winter) and I was cleaning out the shack (which is called The Shanty in TRW) and I was listening to one of Sarah's tapes. This song Tears came on and it stopped me in my tracks. I was flooded with so many memories of a couple of friends I had lost over the previous few years - one to cancer and one to a car accident. The lyrics spoke to how I had felt. It then hit me that Seton was now going through the same thing after losing his friends, and I realized how I wasn't able to help him deal with the pain. All these feelings and thoughts came to me from just pressing play on my walkman. Is there a happy ending to this post? I was later to find out how much Seton also loved the song Tears and listened to it often because it swirled up many emotions he normally kept hidden. This song Tears is one of the many little connections that brought us together to write a book that we hope will help other people who have to face losing a friend or relative especially at an early age. Of course, you can't give a shout out to The Chameleons UK without adding Swamp Thing! Enjoy who you are and have a wonderful holiday weekend with your family and friends!

Reading this on Facebook? Visit the original post to watch the videos.

-Ted & Seton

Song of the Day - Cannonball by The Breeders

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-04-01T08:57:08-04:00

I needed a song for a party scene in Chapter three. Ted and I discussed it for a while. We kicked around a lot of ideas and then remembered a great jam from that time. "Cannonball" by The Breeders. This song was everywhere during 1994. Every time this song was played, it got people jacked up to party. I still hear it on the radio and am instantly reminded of parties behind the Nickelodeon or at the Creek, the power lines, Coonamessett Pond, and countless other places. Enjoy this one. It's a classic.

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-Seton

Song of The Day - Left Of The Dial by The Replacements

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-30T18:14:00-04:00

The worst part about editing is when you have to cut out something that means a lot to you. In The Running Waves, Seton and I had to cut out our mention of one of the greatest garage bands ever - The Replacements. Our publisher made the correct observation that it seemed our mention of them singing Left of The Dial was just a shout out and slowed down the scene. We argued a bit before we had to face the realization that she was a hundred percent correct. But it seemed almost like a sin not to mention a band that meant so much to not just us but to other family members and friends (Sarah, Joanna, Tim Simpson, David Cohen, and Sean Keating) in a book that glorifies music from the eighties through the mid nineties. So even though Left Of The Dial didn't make it in the book, we are putting it on our site as our Song of The Day. We are also including some other Mat's songs for your listening pleasure. In our opinion, Paul Westerberg is one of the best song writers of our generation and should be recognized for that fact. Maybe, if this book takes off Ben Affleck or some director with talent like him will decide to direct the movie and put this song in or any of the other songs listed below (especially Here Comes a Regular which is such a Colin Brennan song)!

-Ted

Song of the Day - Blackhole by Beck

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-24T20:26:48-04:00

I was so happy that I could use my favorite artist, Beck, in The Running Waves. I was torn though. Originally I wanted to use the song “Loser” because it really was the anthem of “Generation Xers” back in 1994, but opted for “Blackhole.” This song has a very personal connection to me and it is used in a scene that was very difficult to write because it brought me back to place that caused a lot of pain for me and many of my friends. I figure I might as well give you both songs. Ladies and Gentlemen, off the album Mellow Gold, here is “Blackhole” and “Loser.”

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-Seton

Song of the day - Leave Me Alone by New Order

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-22T11:11:35-04:00

As you'll read in the book, this is quintessential Dermot Brennan wallowing-in-his-depression music. We could've picked many New Order songs to illustrate that point, but the ocean references in this one were just too good to pass up. We figured since it is a foggy morning on the Cape (Yes, people off Cape the foghorn in the harbor is moaning its lonely tune) that this should be our song of the day. Enjoy and embrace your John Hughes' inner child!

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-Ted & Seton

Song of the Day - The Day I Tried to Live by Soundgarden

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-21T06:46:55-04:00

I’ll never forget when I was fifteen years old and seeing the video Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana for the first time. I sat, hypnotized, in homeroom at Falmouth High School. My peers were in awe too. It was very refreshing and such a contrast to what was being played on the radio during that time. That band and song definitely shook up the music scene. I have a lot of love for Nirvana, but at the same time they overshadowed plenty of other great bands with their popularity. For this reason alone, I picked bands like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden to be in The Running Waves. A couple of months ago I posted Nutshell by Alice in Chains. Today, I give you Soundgarden. Enjoy, my friends.

Reading this on Facebook? Visit the original post to watch the videos.

-Seton

Songs of the Day - The Beastie Boys

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-20T07:56:00-04:00

I’ll never forget when my sister, Sarah, came home from Bridgewater State College for the summer in 1994. It was early June and she had all of her CD’s that I loved, but with them she had the new Beastie Boys album, Ill Communication. I remember how psyched I was and I immediately made a copy on tape. That same night there was a party at the power lines and I brought the tape with me. We played it in my friend’s car, Bob Fox, who had a booming system, and we blasted Sabotage over and over. Later that summer I saw the B-Boys perform at Lollapalooza. That was an “interesting” day. The Beasties have always been one of my favorite bands and I was so happy that we included them in TRW. Here are two songs off Ill Communication. Enjoy!

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-Seton

Beastie Boys - Ricky's Theme

Songs of the Day - The Waterboys

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-17T12:49:25-04:00

Many would think that we would spotlight U2 on St. Patrick's Day, but Seton and I decided today to give a shout out to another Irish band that we loved while growing up - The Waterboys. I remember playing the tape This is The Sea so much that the ink faded from the tape so it was just a white tape. In the book, we mention the song Medicine Bow because in the scene there is a storm brewing but it's not just the weather - it's Dermot's feelings about his ex girlfriend Francessca. Thank you Mike Scott for writing songs that were so meaningful to us back in the day. They will always stay with us! Here's a few for everyone to enjoy. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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-Ted & Seton

Song of the Day - Sea Shanty by the Pogues

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-14T08:34:21-04:00

In the book, we call the converted garage where Dermot lives the Sea Shanty as an ode to the Irish band the Pogues. In honor of the St. Patrick's Parade up in Southie today, Sea Shanty is our song of the day. I must warn you it is not a great version of the song, and as you listen some of you may ask, "Is there a great version of any Pogues' songs?" I will admit, that the Pogues are an acquired taste almost like drinking whiskey or eating broccoli. Or maybe even more acquired like drinking whiskey while eating broccoli! haha!

NOTE: IF YOU'RE READING THIS ON FACEBOOK YOU'LL HAVE TO VISIT OUR SITE TO HEAR THE SONG.

Slainte!

-Ted & Seton

Song of the Day - October and Tomorrow by U2

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-13T06:05:58-05:00

The lyrics in these songs match so perfectly how Mrs. Brennan is feeling about her boy Colin. They also match what Colin is feeling about losing his two friends, and what his brother Dermot is feeling about his ex girlfriend Francesca breaking up with him.

NOTE: If you are reading this on Facebook visit our site so you can hear the song. Enjoy.

- Ted and Seton

Song of the Day - I Burn for You by The Police

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-03-12T14:54:27-05:00

Our dream was to have an iTunes tie-in with our book so people could download The Running Waves Mix and experience the music while also reading the book. The music plays such an important role in our novel. It really is a character. Anyway, at least for the first printing it looks like that is not going to happen so instead Seton and I decided to do a SONG OF THE DAY. It will feature one of the songs that we use in the book. Today's song is I Burn For You by The Police. We have two versions. The album version by The Police and the live version by Sting. We hope you enjoy.

-Ted & Seton

Stone's Barber Shop

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-02-23T16:41:28-05:00

In elementary school, there were two things you could call me that would cause severe distress. The first was “stupid,” which always prompted me to give a quick and sarcastic retort. The second was “girl.” This insult angered and embarrassed me even more and instantly provoked a fight on the playground.

For reasons I sill cannot fathom, my mother and four older sisters believed I looked handsome with the “Dutch boy” haircut. Unfortunately, around town I was often mistaken as being the youngest Murphy girl. My mother told me not to pay attention to the comments, while my siblings thought it was comical.

After a skirmish landed me in the principal’s office, resulting in a phone call to my parents, my mother, with advisement from my father, finally let go of the “Ricky Shroeder” hair-do and gave the okay for the “boys regular.” My prayers had been answered. I was ecstatic. My older brother, Ted, knew there was only one place in Falmouth that could give me my new look.

On a brisk autumn day, Ted and I made the lengthy bike ride from the Heights all the way up to 210 Main Street, which was originally Stone’s Barber Shop and Beauty Salon. I walked into a room full of smiling faces. With shears in hand, all the barbers appeared eager to get a shot at transforming my appearance. That day, Phil, the older of the Stone brothers, received the honor.

“Alright, my boy. What are we doing today?” Phil asked.

I answered grinning from ear to ear, “Boys regular please!”

“Okey dokey, smoky.”

He started snipping with precision. My metamorphosis had officially begun. For the next twenty minutes, our conversation ranged from the slumping Red Sox, to the amazing Doug Flutie, to how “gross” math is. I gazed at my appearance in the mirror and was now able to see my ears. I couldn’t have been happier.

Once Phil finished, I got up from my seat and noticed a mass of golden locks piled around the chair. It felt great knowing soon that hair would be swept up and thrown in the trash, along with all the annoying insults. As I was leaving, Phil handed me a lollipop. “Hope to see you again, kid.” he said with a wink.

Following that day, Stone’s was the only spot I would go to get my “ears lowered.” If it wasn’t Phil cutting my mop, it was his younger brother Dickie, or the entertaining Augie. On behalf of all the men and boys in Falmouth, Massachusetts, I would like to say thank you to Stone’s Barber Shop for being more than just a place to get a haircut. We love you guys.

-Seton

Holding Onto O Positive

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-02-11T16:25:24-05:00

Some will argue how I discovered the legendary Boston band O Positive back in the mid eighties is truth literally mixing with fiction. There are many versions, and many family and friends claiming that they were the ones who introduced me to one of my all time favorite bands.

This is how I remember it. It was either August of 85’ or 86’ (hence the fiction) and I was heading to the Falmouth Heights Beach for a late afternoon swim when I bumped into my buddy Mark Penta (the “tan man from Framingham” we used to call him) returning from his day on the sand.

He grinned and handed me a mixed tape. On the back of the case in black marker were names I had never heard before – New Order, General Public, Echo and The Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs, etc.

I opened the case and on the black and gold Maxwell tape written in cursive lettering – Progressive Mix.

“What’s progressive?” I asked.

“I’ve heard some of it before. It’s pretty good. I think you’d like it.”

“I don’t get it. Can’t you give me a better description since you made the tape.”

Mark smiled. “That’s the point. I didn’t make it. I just found it lying on the bench down at the beach. Someone must’ve lost it. So, do you want to come over and listen to it tonight?”

That night I went over to Penta’s patio and we drank Slice soda and listened to this new music (to us) called, “Progressive.” Song after song spoke to a part of my soul. I knew the main reason was that these songs had real lyrics that told stories I could relate to. In my head, I pictured the videos I would make if I were a director (my dream at the time). But of all of those amazing songs there were three (the most by one band on the tape) by O Positive. Mark and I played them over and over. The songs were:

“With you”

“Say Goodbye”

Listen on their site!

“Up, Up, Up”

After that night, there was no turning back for me. I had to find out who this O Positive was. In a world before Google, this wasn’t an easy question to get answered. But one day that fall, I was listening to WUSM (which was the radio station for what is now UMass Dartmouth) and I heard the DJ talking about the Boston band O Positive. I couldn’t believe my new favorite band was from Boston!

Armed with this information, I soon found more of their music up in a record store (yes, record store) in Cambridge as well as friends who listened to it (My sister Sarah’s friend Brooke Aldrich who proudly owned the album, Jen Jensen, Kim English, Todd Humphrey, to name a few).

There now was a group of us at Falmouth High School that continued to grow into our own little nation of O Positive followers and we tried to see them at any underage venue they played.

I remember coming out of Mr. Cali’s English class and finding out that O Pos (as we liked to call them) were opening for the Psychedelic Furs at Great Woods. Christen Nelson packed about ten of us in her powder blue Volkswagen station wagon and drove us to Mansfield (which was usually an hour trip that took us about four hours!). The Furs were great but OUR band O Positive stole the show that night!

A few months later, Todd Humphrey, Jane Smith, and maybe Paula Soares told our parents we were going to study late at the library so we could see O Positive have center stage at S.M. U. (now UMass Dartmouth).

When I got home at 1:30 that morning my Dad was sitting in the darkness and said, “Library closes pretty late, huh?”

I confessed to him where I had been, and he said, “Never lie to us again. OK, pal?”

I apologized profusely and agreed to always to tell my parents the truth… Well, most of it.

Before my father headed for the upstairs he stopped and said, “Were they any good?”

“Yeah, Dad. They’re the best.”

“Ted,” he sighed, “I won’t claim to understand your music but I do know that feeling you get when music moves you. For me, it was Bing Crosby. Every time I heard that guy sing… Wow! It sent chills up my spine. Of course, now that I know he beat the crap out of his kids it’s not quite the same listening to the bastard. Goodnight, buddy.”

It is those memories and many more that occurred - seeing them play back to back shows at the Paradise or meeting lead singer Dave Herlihy before they played at Conte forum that will always make me love O Positive. The other great thing that happened was I was able to get my little brother Seton into them. That is why it was a must to give O Positive a brief shout out in The Running Waves. Our ultimate dream is when the book comes out May 30th and ever does take off and later becomes a movie they would actually use the music we loved. That’s a lot of ifs but we can dream, right?

The song we picked in the book is “Holding Onto You.” It is important in the book as it was important to Seton and me in real life. We would listen to the song while thinking of our friends who had gone before their time. I wanted to post a video of the song but I couldn’t find one so I contacted band member Dave Martin, who in one day, graciously made the video you’re going to see below. That also tells you how classy these guys are! It was our hope that this post would be our way of thanking all of the members of O Positive for the impact their music made on us, our friends, and family, but that won’t completely happen because on October 20, 2009, O Positive’s drummer Alex Lob passed away of diabetes. I hope you when you view this video you do it as a tribute to him and all of the bands known and not known who have moved you over the years.

Please check out Dave Martin’s solo music! Great stuff!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davemartin

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davemartin2

-Ted

Sail Away from Falmouth...

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-01-31T19:43:33-05:00

If you’re a true New Englander you can’t help but finish that sentence by singing, “sail away on the Island Queen.” Some people love the jingle. Some people hate it. But all remember the song that draws thousands upon thousands of tourists every summer to Falmouth Harbor to take the ferry to the Vineyard. And isn’t that what a great commercial is supposed to do?

Living around the corner from the I.Q. (which is located on Falmouth Heights Road), I would ride my bike by hoping that someday I would work there.

My dream came true when I was 15. I was interviewed by the owner, Mr. Bardelis, a genuinely good man, and also by the affable Arthur Ratsy. They drilled me with questions and before I knew it, I was hired as a parking lot attendant.

My dream had come true.

But the first day I was given a duty that wasn’t in the job description. Arthur wheeled out a rusty, red lawn mower and instructed me to mow the overflow parking lot (behind John’s Liquors and 7-11) dubbed “Siberia”. Back then the lot wasn’t paved like it is now.

No, it was chest-high grass that hid broken bottles, baby diapers, and who knows what else. It took me eight hours to mow the lot, and at the end of the day, I was seriously considering quitting my “dream job”. That changed when Arthur pulled in and inspected my work.

He handed me a Coke, smiled and said, “Great work, kid. You passed the test. You’re an official employee. Go to Puritans tomorrow and pick up your uniform.”

Inside, I was beaming with pride but instead admitting that fact, I just grabbed the soda and drank it down in two gulps.

My plan was to work at the IQ for a couple of summers and then move onto a more lucrative summer job like bartending where the tips would help pay my college tuition big time. But as one summer lead into the next, I realized what I was receiving from the Island Queen was something much more than big money – it was laughs, life lessons, and friends who would become family to me (the Kozens brothers, Jay, Bails, Miller, Callahan, Wheeler, the Etlers, the Driscolls, Katie, Stoney, the Samples, Cam, Moore, Mansfield, Roc, Conners, Ray Paltz, Chauncy, Scotty, Rick R., T.K., Colin P., the Vallees, Lopesy, Mary, Gags, Olson, Alvesie, Jason B., Rebecca P, The Fitchs, Jessica M, Judy, M.D., Anthony, Gretchen, Hunter, and the list goes on and on.) - a dysfunctional family but it was a family hahahaha.

I ended up working at the Island Queen for 14 years because of those workers mentioned above and so many more (I didn’t even mention the regular customers who became friends).

But a working experience like the one I had happens because it starts from the top. I will always admire and be grateful to Mr. Bardelis and (now) his son, Charlie Jr. for the way they run the IQ. They gave me so many fond memories, and a few of them made it into The Running Waves, and then some are just fiction. At least, that’s what I will tell you if you ask. Haha

Want to take the family to the Vineyard…

Check out http://Islandqueen.com

Below is the McDonald’s commercial that talks about the Island Queen. What it fails to mention is when the IQ horn blows when it enters Falmouth Harbor it’s really a signal for the parking lot attendants to stop playing video games or eating that big sub (Craig) because they have about 12 minutes before the lot becomes an absolute zoo. When I heard the radio version of this commercial I almost drove off the road having flashbacks of the stampede of tourists rushing down Falmouth Heights Road for their cars.

Maybe the McDonalds’ people can have a question –

“Two brothers on the Cape who wrote a book?”

“T.M. Murphy and Seton Murphy.”

-Ted

Educating Our Youth

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-01-19T19:02:38-05:00

My mother always told me life was a journey.

"You will experience good times and difficult times," she explained, "but it is how you respond to them that will shape you into the man God intended."

Being a rebellious teen who thought I knew more than my mom, I chose not to listen.

Growing up, I was very fortunate. I came from a home that was filled with unconditional love and constant support. My parents instilled in us at a very early age that we could do anything we set our minds to. Surrounded by this type of positive reinforcement helped us live without the pressures many kids struggled with, allowing to experience fun, carefree lives.

All of that changed for me on July 22, 1993. On that day, two friends died in an unthinkable accident. That fun, carefree life I had taken for granted was now replaced with confusion, sadness, and most of all, anger. This was one of the difficult times my mother warned me about, and it is how I responded that lead me down a path filled with alcohol and drug abuse.

For many years following the deaths of my friends, I self-medicated to ease the pain. Trying to grasp why God took two beautiful souls from people who loved them so much was too difficult to deal with. Drugs and alcohol soon became habit, and any painful emotion that surfaced was buried by substance.

In 2004 I surrendered. I finally accepted that I needed to make permanent changes in my life. It was time to start living as “the man God intended.” Fortunately, Falmouth is such a wonderful community, especially in terms of recovery, so I had a lot of assistance and guidance.

My goal then was to write this book. It was a very cathartic process. Now, I want to share my experiences with young kids who are at a crossroads in their lives. Ted and I would love to give talks, in a realistic manner, at high schools and colleges. Everyone has suffered an overwhelming loss, but you do not have to suffer alone. There are healthy ways to overcome these tragedies.

If you are a high school, university, or organization and would like to have Ted and me come and speak to you, you can start booking us now.

R.I.P. Art Clokey

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-01-15T08:42:48-05:00

A friend recently asked me why there is an action figure on the cover of TRW, and I told them that it is a symbol of a more innocent time in the main characters' lives. When you read the book you'll experience their time of innocence in many flashback scenes, and also from pop culture references from their childhood. One of the references is to the Davey and Goliath show. When we were kids, all six of us would get up at the crack of dawn and watch the claymation show while eating our Cheerios (Cap'n Crunch with crunch berries on those special mornings). Well, today the creator of Davey and Goliath, Art Clokey passed away. Mr. Clokey will be remembered by the world more for creating Gumby, but for me, he'll be remembered for creating a show that every Saturday brought all the Murphy kids together.

Read more on Clokey at Wikipedia.

-Ted

Gone, But Never Forgotten

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-01-10T20:49:34-05:00

Growing up, music was a staple in the Murphy house. While my mother prepped meals for eight people, she either sang along with the melancholic lyrics of Dan Fogelberg, or danced to the uplifting tunes of John Denver. If you traveled to the second floor, Nina and Joanna were most likely jamming out to U2 or The Police and if Ted wasn’t joining his two older sisters, he was probably in his room, sulking about some girl he had a crush on, while blasting Echo and the Bunnymen and New Order. Then, a little further down the hall, with the help of bands like The Cure and The Smiths, Sarah spent hours scribbling down beautiful poetry. Finally, at the other end of the house, Courtney and I usually had our own radio battles. The screeching voice of Bon Scott and the hard guitar riffs of Jimmy Page usually beat out her pop diva Madonna and the lighthearted tone of James Taylor. All of this was going on as my father escaped to the silence of the basement to write in peace

Music is everything to us. For me, I need it in the car, at the gym; while I take a shower, clean the kitchen, etc. So when Ted and I first began this book we both agreed that music was going play a significant role. We wanted to use songs that were important to us during 1994, but soon realized that we had too many and needed to cut some from the manuscript. It was not an easy task considering how much we adored the songs we had chosen.

We have explained that this book is a dedication to friends of ours who have died young. Many of the songs are dedications to artists who have died young too. Here are two we needed to keep in TRW. Enjoy.

-Seton

Wiffle Ball Dreams

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2010-01-06T08:52:27-05:00

It is January 5, 2010. The current temp is 32 degrees, and Falmouth is covered in icy, dirty, old snow that will taunt me in some variation for the next six weeks making this the boringest place on earth to live. I know I’m being a little dramatic, and I also know that boringest isn’t the proper use of “boring” in the English language, but it sure as hell is when it comes to the Cape Cod vernacular.

When dealing with this process, the Patriots will help me a bit since they’re in the playoffs. At least for this week, I can grab a cup of Midnight Rebel from Coffee O, park at Trunk River, turn the heat up in my car, and listen to Dale and Holley (followed by The Big Show) dissect the upcoming game against the Ravens. But, God forbid, if they lose it will be a long winter.

As I write this, I have just changed that thought. The Sox have just signed Adrian Beltre, and Dale and Holley’s heated discussion on WEEI about signing him has just ignited the hot stove! I have hope now that the news segment of the Red Sox equipment truck being loaded and then heading to Florida is not that far away. I will survive another winter on lonely, Cape Cod.

As in The Running Waves, baseball has always played a big part in my life. Like most New Englanders, my Dad raised Seton (my brother and co-author) and me to root for the Red Sox and love the beauty of the game.

Being a drama director, Dad would always tell us that, “Baseball is the best theater around.”

At early age, I agreed with him and how I would act my baseball dreams was playing wiffle ball games with Seton in our backyard. Of course, Seton was much younger than me (7 year difference) so I would always let him gain a big lead before I tried for my last inning heroics. After I sent him in tears stomping off our field a few too many times, I realized I was being a cruel big brother and decided to pick on someone my own size.

Enter my best summer buddy Mark Penta (http://MarkPenta.com)

Penta (who years later would go on to be my cover illustrator for The Belltown Mystery Series, and then write his own entertaining books, but his biggest claim to fame in my opinion was he played at Framingham South with major league utility great Lou Merloni) had a very small backyard so the style of wiffle ball we played was fast pitch. So the games didn’t end on towering home runs. They ended usually with the pitcher pumping his fist in celebration and pointing at the batter. It was on this field, Penta dubbed me, “The Strikeout King”, a nickname that haunted me for several years until we were able to move to the Heights’ ballpark.

It was at the Heights’ field we changed our rules. More space meant it to strictly become slow pitch wiffle ball. It was also homerun derby. No singles, doubles, or triples. Hits only slowed down the game and by this time in my wiffle ball career the whole neighborhood was lined up to take on the winner. There was only one other way to get on base. We used a beach chair for the strike zone. 8 balls was a walk and if you hit any part of the chair with your pitch it was a called strike. That gave that added tension of 7 and 2 counts. Why did we play eight balls and not four? The field was across the street from the beach, and as you’ll read in The Running Waves at times the winds were tough to deal with.

Anyway, after being embarrassed by Penta by playing his “small ball” (interesting description), I found my game and began to dominate the Heights’ field. Well, at least I can say that when I discuss Penta. There were some visiting teams that fared pretty well. John Gagnon who came from the land of Greengate and Sean Keating who’d journey from Fisherman’s Cove are certainly a couple of names that come to mind.

Occasionally, I would go on the road to play at other friend’s houses. Every house had different obstacles so that meant different home team rules (“If you hit the third level of the house it’s a grand slam” or “If you hit it in the thorn bush it’s an automatic two outs because it’s a pain-in-the-ass to get the ball”).

But one of the most interesting obstacles was at Harding’s house. Anyone who played wiffle ball in Falmouth in the eighties and early nineties will remember Ethan Harding’s Park. Ethan had an actual moving foul pole. Yes, a moving foul pole. When he was up at bat it was in one place – the place that allowed his ball to be fair for a home run. When I would hit the ball in that same area (sometimes the following inning) it always seemed to move –

“No, it’s not that tree.” He’d bark and point, “It’s that one!”

“But when you were up it was that tree.”

“No, man. You’re looking at the wrong tree. That’s a foul, man!”

Ethan is now a Major in the Marines and whenever we get a chance to talk we still argue about our wiffle ball games. We instantly go back to that time.

And that is the greatest part of playing wiffle ball in the summer -having memories that will keep you warm on a 32 degree day.

HERE’S SOME WIFFLE BALL INFORMATION YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiffle_Ball

http://www.newazone.com/xnationallinks.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxVjDz1uFqw

-Ted

The Night I discovered SKA

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-12-31T15:42:19-05:00

As Seton and I have written in previous posts music plays a big part in The Running Waves. Every song or band that is mentioned in the book has a back story for us, and that is what is so fun about having a blog. We can actually go into to some of those back stories. The other night my good friend Vals sent me a text message from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones show at the House of Blues in Boston. I was already jealous of Vals that she was at the show considering I love the Bosstones, but she wrote - You'll never guess who's opening for them.

I didn't have to guess but I wrote back - Bim Skala Bim?

Her text back was one word - Yup.

I was tempted to hop into my car and fly to Boston, but I knew it would be a futile trip. Bim Skala Bim was the band that got me into loving Ska and also loving the Bosstones. I'll never forget the first time I heard them. I was 16 years old, killing time with friends on the wall in Wood's Hole when someone came up to us and said, "Hey, there's a bunch of people dancing at the MBL club. We should go."
We were too cool for dancing and laughed the kid off.

"No," he protested, "It looks like fun. There's a Ska band playing. We should check it out."

I didn't want to admit that I had no idea what Ska was so I followed the crowd of kids down the street. I will always remember seeing the silhouettes of people dancing and the sound that came from the MBL club instantly brought a smile to my face. I had discovered Ska! I sprinted ahead of the group, paid my 3 bucks, and danced the night away. I would go on to introduce Bim Skala Bim to my friends, coworkers, and siblings (Seton and my sister Sarah became big fans) via my mixed tapes. Eventually Bim's music would then lead me to discovering the Bosstones. I have seen both bands numerous times, and I always wonder what joy I would've missed out on in life if I hadn't walked into the MBL that night!

Below are two of the songs mentioned in The Running Waves (coming out May 30,2010).

The first one is the fast version of "Wise Up" by Bim Skala Bim. In the book, the main character Dermot actually listens to the slow version of this song (my personal favorite version which I couldn't find on YOUTUBE), but you'll get the point.

The second song is "Where'd You Go" by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. BTW, if anyone has a connection to Dicky Barrett, the Bosstones, or Bim Skala Bim please pass on this post. Seton and I would love to get them to give us a blurb for the book! Thanks everyone who is passing our blog on!

-Ted

The Running Waves Book Launch Party

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-12-29T12:22:15-05:00

We are happy to announce that the date for The Running Waves Book Launch party has been set! It will be Sunday, May 30, 2010 at The Beach House Restaurant. We'll begin signing books at 5 P.M. and we hope to be signing for several hours while everyone else parties the night away! We want to thank the owner Pat Bonzagni for giving us that prime time Memorial Day Weekend slot so we can celebrate this book with all of our family and friends. Everyone is invited so bring some cash and buy a book or two. Please pass the word to everyone you know. Thanks!

-The Murphy Brothers

Homecoming

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-12-25T21:12:07-05:00

"Has he come? Has he come?" That was the question my father would call out to his children who remained huddled together in anticipation at the top of the stairs every Christmas morning. We would then wait for Dad to inspect the living room to see if there was any evidence that Santa had squeezed his way down our chimney the previous night bearing gifts and holiday joy. Continuing to be good boys and girls, the Murphy six kept quiet, waiting for a signal. Then in a disappointing tone, my father would call out again, "Nope. Sorry, guys. Looks like Santa didn't make it this year." With our shoulders hung low, we dejectedly headed back to our rooms with frowns smeared across our faces.

Deflated and exhausted from tossing and turning the night before, nobody uttered a sound. And, then, like thunder, my father's voice broke the silence, "Wait a minute...wait one minute." Stopping quickly, we turned around and hurried back to the stairwell, clenching one another in desperate hope. "I see something. Wait...Yes! Yes! Santa has come!" he would shout. And then, resembling a scene from Black Friday, we dashed down the stairs, skipping a step or two on our way. Turning the corner, we saw the tree that hovered over piles of boxes and packages dressed with beautiful wrapping paper and dazzling colored bows. The sight was pure Heaven. Christmas always brought us a smile.

Five months ago my father, Jim, had triple bypass surgery. I remember the first time I saw him with Ted after the operation. It was a rainy and windy day, which seemed appropriate considering our frame of mind. As we walked in, I saw my Dad, my mentor, unconscious, bloated and discolored. His body was inserted with dozens of tubes connected to various machines that beeped and clacked. I broke down; even after the nurse assured us that he was doing "great." My brother stayed strong, as an older brother should. Dad looked nothing like the man who threw the football in the front yard or shot baskets with me at the Heights when I was a kid. I was afraid I was going to lose him and I wasn't prepared for such a loss.

A week later he awoke and soon began a difficult and remarkable road to recovery. He went from bed ridden, to a wheelchair, to a walker, and now to a cane. He's risen, and thanks to all the incredible doctors and nurses at Cape Cod Hospital, RHCI in Sandwich and JML in Falmouth, my father will be there when Ted and I sign our first copies of The Running Waves. This Christmas the Murphy kids know that Santa has come. We love you, Dad. Merry Christmas.

-Seton

R.I.P to the Voice of Top Cat

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-12-23T21:51:11-05:00

Just a shout out to TC. Growing up, Sunday mornings were filled with sly adventures of Top Cat and his crew. He was an OG. Ain’t nobody rolled like him. He paved the way for all the hustlers out there. R.I.P. Top Cat. We’re pouring .40’s out in your honor this holiday season, dog. Oops, my bad, I meant cat.

Seriously though folks, one of the great character actors and the voice of Top Cat himself has passed. Arnold Stang, you will be missed. Read more about his career in this piece from the New York Times.

More on Top Cat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Cat

More on Arnold Stang
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_Stang
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822205/

-Seton

A Shout to some Local Friends

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-12-23T11:56:59-05:00

If you’re on the Cape running around trying to figure out what gifts to buy and nothing comes to mind. Have no fear. Just go to www.go2536.com and check out the cool attire that is available. Great stuff for all your loved ones and trust me you’ll have a good laugh while you shop. But if you’re out just chillin in the 02536 and you’re “Marvin” like my friend Erika would say, then hit up The Burrito Place and see Damien, Rich and the rest of the gang for some damn good chow at 420 East Falmouth Highway. And if you don’t know, now you know…
If you’re not on the Cape and in or around Plymouth, go see the boys at Quahog Republic. Great clothes and cool knick knacks for stocking stuffers. You can always check them out online too at www.quahogrepublic.com. Don’t be cheap during the holiday season. It’s only once a year. Make it work. No room for cowards.
C-Dog & Bundy

Our Publisher's Catalog

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-11-27T10:03:03-05:00

The PublishingWorks spring/summer catalog for 2010 is out! The Running Waves is on page eleven. If you’re a bookstore, library, school or University you can begin ordering now. Please feel free to get in touch with us because T.M. (Ted) and I would love to come to your establishment for a signing or talk. Thanks.

-Seton

Thank You

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-11-27T09:27:11-05:00

This past weekend I was a guest speaker in my brother’s creative writing class at Boston College. Not in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I’d be a guest speaker, especially in a classroom. Growing up school didn’t come easy. I had a lot of problems focusing and retaining what was being taught. After high school, I was diagnosed with ADD, which definitely answered a lot of questions I had as a student. What I found so frustrating was that there were many times I was trying my best and my teachers thought I was just a “slacker.” Once I began taking medication and using the proper tools my grades in the college level increased and I actually enjoyed learning. This is when I really started to love writing.

For me, writing was not only therapeutic, but it allowed me to be my own boss. I looked to my father and brother as my mentors and found my own style. So last Saturday, I walked through the doors of Boston College, the same doors I walked through eleven years ago when I took a Saturday morning math class. It was a very emotional feeling to be back because this time I was a published author.

The class was great. They were a fun, energetic group who were eager to learn about writing. I gave some advice. It was the same advice that has been handed down to me by my father and brother and I hope that it helped and inspired them. What I stressed to the BC students is that you can’t let anyone’s negativity get in the way of your dreams. Always believe in yourself. So many people told me I was crazy when I was writing this book with my brother. They said that I should be realistic and that I should put my energy into something that will pay off. I chose not to listen and happy I didn’t because now The Running Waves is a reality.

Other than our parents, teachers have the greatest influence on us growing up. We spend most of our time in school and we look to these men and women for guidance and validation. At a very young age I was told by some teachers I would never amount to much. I never forgot those people and what they said.

Fortunately there were some amazing people in the Falmouth school system that believed in me and helped me every step of the way and I would like to thank them now. Mrs. Coyle, Mrs. Goodman, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Andrade, Mrs. Hampton, Mr. Hill, Mr. Hale, Mr. Kozens, Mr. Montiero, Mr. Laquidara, Ms. Anes, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Funfar, Ms. Twitchell, Mr. Rainnie, and Jim O’Brien. These teachers gave me hope and hope is the foundation for all success. Happy Thanksgiving.

-Seton

The Running Waves Cover

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-11-18T21:48:59-05:00

I was around nine years old when my dad's (James F. Murphy, Jr.) first book came out. It was called Quonsett - it shocked, entertained, and even horrified some of the people in our town. I remember how excited Dad was when he got the call that his book had arrived at the local bookstore (because he still hadn't seen the cover). Dad, Mom, and all six kids jumped into the station wagon and we headed to the store. On the way there, Dad pulled some of the punches of what the book was about. "It's about a crazy guy who causes a lot of trouble for a town," he told us. A few years later, I was to find out that he left out the part about the "crazy guy" having an operating table in his van and.... well, you can figure out the rest. Anyway, all of us speculated what that "crazy guy" would look like on the cover. I imagined him to be a cross between a werewolf and Frankenstein. He was far from it. The cover shot was of an average looking guy in a white tee-shirt and jeans running from exploding fireworks in the distance.

After seeing it I said to Dad, "This guy doesn't look scary at all."

While probably biting his lip, Dad responded, "I know he looks like he's running from a cookout to get more ice for the party. This has to be the worst cover I've ever seen!"

We all felt terrible for him. He had worked so hard on that book that would be judged by its cover.

He was constantly reminded at signings too.

"Too bad you don't have a better cover." or "God, that's dreadful." They would say to him as if he had drawn it himself.

Fortunately, his page-turning thriller overcame the bad cover and the novel was a success, so when it became a paperback the cover changed. This time he got the first copy in the mail. On the paperback cover was a van parked on a beach. A lifeless arm dangled from the van's slightly opened door. The lifeless arm set a tone that totally creeped me out (and also made me wonder who really was the guy who drove me to little league practice haha). Now that was a cover!

So with that backstory constantly banging my mind every time I get a book deal I worry about the cover. Fortunately, over the years, for my kids books I have had great illustrators - Doren Ben-Ami, Mark Penta, and Adam Taylor. But this was going to be my first novel for adults and Seton's first book! When Publishing Works told us that they were going to use photography for the cover I said to Seton, "I hope they don't screw it up." We both then got our friend Ben Allsup involved (please check out Benshotme.com) because he is one of the best photographers on the Cape. Ben was willing to do the cover, but we really had overstepped our boundaries by asking before getting the go ahead from Publishing Works. P.W. said that, although, they loved Ben's work (which they gushed about) they already had a photographer/designer on their payroll. She was their logical choice due to that reason, and that she was also pretty damn talented.
Ben totally understood our situation (us jumping the gun without knowing we shouldn't have made any promises) and diffused it with class that is Allsup, "Just keep me in mind to be your still photographer when this becomes a movie (Your words to God's ears, Ben!)."

A couple weeks ago, I got an email from Jeremy Townsend President of Publishing Works. The subject title of the email - COVER FOR THE RUNNING WAVES. I was so nervous I could barely click it open. Would it be the "guy running for more ice for the party" or "the lifeless arm dangling out of the van?"

I studied the cover for several seconds.

"Yes! Yes!" I pumped my fist and ran for the phone to call Seton.

"Open up your email from Jeremy now!" I ordered.

He clicked away on the keyboard. "Oh, no. It says it's the cover. Is it any good?"

"Just open it!"

"Alright, man! Hold on!" He snapped back.

After a few seconds he yelled, "Yes! Yes! She nailed it! Oh, man, she got the whole tone of our book in that one picture!"

"And the symbolism of the action figure is in there too!" I added. (Readers will understand that symbolism, but we don't want to give it away here. We had suggested they use an action figure and that was what was so cool! Publishing Works heard us!)

"You got your first cover, bro!" I said to him and it felt great.

"Thanks, man. This means a lot. Not just to me but to all my boys. You know what I mean?"

"Yup! Well, we can thank Anna for that!"

"You said it! We wrote a book!" Seton said and I think it really dawned on him that all of this is really happening!

That was a really special day to share with my little brother. It was even more special when we brought a color print and showed my Dad who was (and is) recovering from double bypass surgery in the hospital. He studied it and said one word to us, "Yes!"

I'm sure we'll have critics for the cover as well as the book, but we love it, and on behalf of my co-author Seton Murphy, I would publicly like to thank Anna Pearlman of Publishing Works for designing a truly awesome cover!

-Ted Murphy

Sean Kelly of The Samples is the man!

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-11-10T15:29:43-05:00

Seton and I just got word from lead singer of The Samples Sean Kelly that we could use his lyrics to Feel Us Shaking in TRW. This is wonderful news on many levels. The first being is using the song lyrics (we are only using a few but they are so timely) will enhance a major scene near the end of the book. But I also hope if our book has any success it can help put the spotlight back on Sean Kelly who is such an amazing singer and lyricist. I was first introduced to The Samples back in 1993 by my summer friend Mark Penta. He brought the CD The Last Drag down to Falmouth during a cold, February week. Over the years, it had become a tradition that Mark would come and stay at our house for several days, and during that time he'd try to introduce me to what the next hot band was going to be. There were many times I said, "No, thanks. Turn it off." But when he played The Last Drag I was hooked! I was a fan for life! So when Seton and I began working on TRW I knew I wanted to get a Samples song mentioned, and when I was listening to my favorite one - Feel Us Shaking (the live acoustic version which you can buy on their website) - one day as I was driving over Falmouth Heights' hill looking out at the sparkling ocean, I knew that was the one. I raced home and played it for Seton (who had never heard the song before), and his eyes lit up and he said, "This sounds so much like us as kids growing up on the beaches of Falmouth." Then a few months later I was at a show at The Paradise and Sean Kelly said to the crowd, "I wrote this next song when I lived in a town called Falmouth one summer." It was Feel Us Shaking. It absolutely blew me away! He did know us (Cape Codders) and how we felt. The song was so inspirational to Seton and I when we would hit a snag while working on the book. So Seton and I would like to publicly thank Sean Kelly and The Samples for unknowingly helping us complete this project! Now if we ever could only get Sean with his guitar to the Cape for the Book Launch Party at The Beach House in May to celebrate with all of us..... We can dream. Can't we? Here are the lyrics and a more upbeat version of Feel Us Shaking.

Feel Us Shaking by The Samples

Gentle thoughts meander through the sand
as the ship made currents reach the land
the omniscient sun paving through the sky
and when it's done all the seabirds fly

I'd like to stay but I couldn't stay with you
I have to go, but I have a lot I want to do
pleasures be waiting by the sea
with a smile for all the world to see

diamond waves through sunglass days go by
so beautiful to be here and alive
though I've built sometimes so hard did I survive?
CAN YOU feel us shaking?

beneath the sea another world exists
it's tugging me by the ankles and my wrists
the morning wind come and pull me away
out to where the dolphins play

diamond waves through sunglass days go by
so beautiful to be here and alive
though I've built sometimes so hard did I survive?
CAN YOU feel us shaking?

pleasures be waiting by the sea
with a smile for all the world to see

Ted's View

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-11-04T20:08:58-05:00

Seton and I have received numerous emails from people asking why we haven't posted anything since Seton's post on October 21st. That's a great feeling knowing that there are so many friends out there supporting this journey! To answer that question, we left Seton's first post up before posting again because we wanted as many eyes to read that post - it hopefully answers the question of why he wanted to write this book, and also clear up any assumptions of what this book is really about. What was alluded to on his post, but I wanted to answer is why I wanted to write this book with him. At a young age, I have also had to experience losing friends and loved ones. I have a loving family, but as a young man I also didn't know how to deal with those deaths and didn't go to my family. Unfortunately, young people face tragedies all of the time and this tends to be standard behavior. We thought if we were able to tell our story and not sugar coat it, young people might pick up this book, read it, and feel they are not alone. When someone feels they are not alone then they can begin to deal with their situation. At least, that is what we like to believe. As for me, I also needed to get my old feelings of losing friends and relationships on paper to close the door of my past. This is a book of fiction, but I did put so much of myself into it. At times, it was extremely difficult to write because it was like I traveled in a time machine to 1994 and was relieving those painful experiences of losing friends or breaking up with who I thought was "the one". But by writing it all down, I realized it was worth it! The final reason that I wrote the book is simple - my brother is my best friend and this project meant so much to him. It meant a lot to me, but I never realized how much it did until we read the final chapter out loud to my Dad ( our in house editor, a novelist, and Professor Of Creative Writing for over 50 years), and with tears in his eyes said to us, "I'm so proud of my boys."

That says it all!

To back track a bit, when it was decided we'd write the book, Seton and I decided to symbolically give "shout outs" (if you will) to all of those friends and loved ones we have lost and also friends and loved ones who have been there for us over the years! When Cape Codders read the book they might be able to find those shout outs..... But I want to make something clear. This book isn't just about dealing with death 'cause right now I sound a little bit like Debbie Downer! This book is also about celebrating life! There is a lot of "guy" humor in TRW (and admitedly the humor might not be for everyone), but we hope we have found that right balance of humor and sadness that will make this book a realistic and a fun read for people on the beach, airports, or just lounging on their hammock when the book comes out in May 2010! So now that we have both addressed why we wrote this book, please check back often because the posts will be coming fast and furious from now on! Also, thank all of you who have told family, friends, co-workers, etc. about The Running Waves and our web site. Believe me, we don't enjoy having to constantly promote on Facebook or Twitter to check out the site, but since we don't have a big advertising budget it's a necessary action. Fortunately, we have some great people in our lives who are passing the word on, and with a little luck maybe next May we'll get the exposure we need to make The Running Waves a household name!

-Ted Murphy

How It Began

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-10-21T22:12:30-04:00

Right now Ted and I are working on the edits for The Running Waves. It has been a fun and novel process for the both of us. This being my first book and this being Ted’s first co written one. This experience has been such a blessing in many ways and has brought the Murphy brothers even closer together. We are about six months away from having our story on the shelves of bookstores and the feeling is indescribable. I wanted my first blog to answer questions that are often asked.

This story first took form in 2001 as a screenplay originally titled “Undertow.” We never finished and put it down “for a while.” We always promised one another we would get back to it someday and then in 2007 we decided to write it as a book, using the screenplay as an outline. I was nervous, yet excited. I knew I wanted to write, but I was afraid of failing. As a kid I never tried because of those same fears and missed out on so much. I couldn’t allow myself to do that again. Life is short. Taking chances is necessary. We both felt this story needed to be written for many reasons.

Numerous people have asked “How do two people write a book together?” In The Running Waves the two main characters, Colin and Dermot Brennan have their own chapters. Ted writing for Dermot and I writing for Colin, but the whole time discussing what we thought should happen in their chapters. We were in constant communication with one another, sometimes talking on the phone five times a day. Our discussions always prompted more ideas, so in the end it is really safe to say we wrote the whole book together. I was fortunate not only to have my first book be with a published author, but also my big brother.

This book was therapy for both of us because even though it is fiction, we put a lot of personal experiences on paper. We love Falmouth, Massachusetts and are happy to have grown up on Cape Cod and have the friends we do. It’s those friendships we had as children and young adults that helped Colin and Dermott Brennan come to life.

A lot of people have asked me if I am Colin Brennan. My answer is yes…a little. But it’s everyone who has experienced loss and fear of not ever reaching their full potential in life. Not to sound corny, but there is a little Colin Brennan in all of us. It is also anyone who experienced the pain of 7/22/93. Ultimately this book is a tribute.

I thought of many people as we wrote this book and would like to name a few; Ricky, Amy, Bob and Brenda, The Hurds, The Swains, The Doctor, Gumby, Downsy, C.J., Sushi P, Goldman, The Pearsons, Morgan Smith, John Little, Dan W.W., Matt Arnold, Lindsey, Erin, Becky, Kristen, Danielle, Megan, Ashley, and of course my best friends growing up; Furf, Seth, Fornsy, Jake, Stack, Jay Lively, Corey…and my dog, Wayne Rose. There are many more but these folks will always have a connection to me for the rest of my life. God Bless all you guys and I really hope you enjoy The Running Waves…

Seton Murphy

Coffee in the Hole

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-10-16T16:08:11-04:00

Today I grabbed a cup of coffee at the Coffee O in the Hole, and then I went to Stony Beach and took this pic with my iPhone before working on TRW. Seton is coming down and we'll go over our notes after I teach creative writing at B.C. tomorrow.

The Editing Begins

therunningwaves@gmail.com — 2009-10-16T12:06:53-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Seton and I are really excited to be working with Publishing Works! In future blog updates we'll tell you how the project came about, but now we have to work on the first round of edits of The Running Waves so we can release it in time - May of 2010!

Thanks,
Ted Murphy