Heather Murphy Capps shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Heather Murphy, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Great question, and I am going to fudge my answer by saying it’s a tie between integrity and intelligence. As a tiebreaker, I expanded the question for myself to ask this: what is more important to me in a *friend* – intelligence or integrity?
Hands down, the answer is integrity.
Integrity in friendship is a theme that comes up frequently in my writing — now more than ever. I value friendships that are “ride or die” and sometimes–in this current deeply personal social-political climate we’re in– those friendships are tested. Unfortunately, some friendships don’t survive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Heather Murphy Capps, and I am an award-winning author of Upper Middle-Grade books about history, social justice, science, & magic.
I am a mother of two, an education equity supporter, and a language and leadership instructor for Federal employees.
I’m biracial and passionate about supporting diversity in publishing. My critically acclaimed debut novel Indigo and Ida received a gold medal Moonbeam Book award, a Social Justice Literature award, and the Outstanding Book Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. My second novel, The Rule of Three, received an SLJ-starred review and was also received an Outstanding Book Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I’m lucky to have made many good friends in my life–people who will always be important to me. I value loyalty, and that’s one thing I know is true about friendships that surive–there’s mutual deep respect and loyalty. But, sadly, I’ve had friendship losses too–I geuss you can’t reach my age without discovering along the way that some friendships perhaps were only meant to last a season and weren’t the “true” friendships that last a lifetime. Ruptures happen when someone isn’t able to remain committed to the values that were foundational to the friendship or isn’t able to nurture the connection (Showing up, showing empathy, listening). I think friendships can sometimes–but not always–be repaired by honest conversation and trying to give grace.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Most recently, I nearly gave up writing. The current environment for creators and people of color (and creators of color) is toxic, and it feels dangerous to write honestly about the things that are most important to write about. I had to recenter myself, lean on my circle of supportive friends, and realize that, as feminist poet and scholar Audre Lorde said, my silence was not protecting me. (not the exact quote), and my reluctance to speak my truth was slowly destroying me.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
They’re pretty close. Certainly, there are parts of my story that only my closest friends know, and I am more comfortable being me when I am with my closest inner circle. But the outgoing, outspoken person most people see in public really is who I am.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I was brave, pursued big dreams, and persisted in talking about hard things even when it wasn’t safe or politically palatable to do so. I hope my children will tell the story of a mother who loved them fiercely, was willing to take a deep breath and face tough challenges, and made and kept friends for a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heathermurphycapps.com
- Instagram: @HMCWrites
Image Credits
Author Photo Credit: Jody McKitrick
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
