305: How writing can build a life you actually want (with Peter Murphy)

Season 3, episode 5 is here!

In this conversation, Peter William Murphy shares his winding path from growing up in Kerry to teaching abroad, then diving headfirst into writing without a safety net.

We talk about his love for Substack, why humor and vulnerability matter online, and how he’s channelling his earnings into building a school with his wife.

Peter also opens up about writing his first novel, the pull of Ireland as a setting, and why being open to unexpected opportunities is at the heart of his writing life.

What we covered:

Peter’s journey from teaching English in Turkey to becoming a writer and creator on Substack

Why he values having a small but engaged community more than chasing huge subscriber numbers

The role of humor, performance, and honesty in connecting with readers online

How his personal experiences with mental health shaped his writing and outlook

The vision he and his wife have for building a school and why he wants his writing to help fund it

The long road of writing his first novel, why it will become a trilogy, and what it’s really about

His advice for aspiring writers: be open to every form of writing and stop worrying about what others think

Make sure to subscribe to Peter’s publication before you go!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe