Meet Denise McMurray, the author of the perfect book for the digital age
The author and entrepreneur is on a mission
Almost every creative can agree that the biggest obstacle standing in between them and their goals is often themselves. As children, we pursue creativity unapologetically, but as adulthood creeps in, so can self doubt. Denise McMurray, a writer and entrepreneur from Gary Indiana, stood at this crossroad as well. When negative elements pulled her away from her love of writing, she temporarily put her talent on hold, convinced that she wasn't good enough. What stood out to us though, is her ability to overcome.
Denise is now the author of a book entitled "The Infamous Twitbook Snapgram Monster vs. Me". The book details her navigation of this new social media age, and all the ups and downs that come with it. It is a timely read in a time where so many are controlled emotionally by the apps on their phone. Denise allows herself to be vulnerable, pulling from her own experience to help readers. With a published book on her resume, Denise now feels unstoppable and has channeled that energy into a jewelry collection, poetry book, and a nonprofit organization via her brand, intrinsicZone. Denise and I spoke on her journey below, read up!
1. Let's start at where you were raised, Gary, Indiana. It's home to the Jackson 5 and countless other talented acts, but as you've told me, it's not prosperous financially. Can you tell us how being raised there helped stimulate your creativity?
I like to think that living with less than taught me how to be resourceful and humble. When there is scarcity in funds, toys, tv, etc. (as a kid), you learn to keep yourself entertained with what you have. I learned very quickly that if I couldn’t have it in real life, I could at least have it in my imagination. So, I don’t like to speak negative on how I grew up because if it weren’t for my childhood, I don’t think I would be the creative person that I am today. As a kid, I loved reading and writing because it was an escape from reality. I could visualize each story and go on an adventure with the characters. I saw my mother read a lot as well. She encouraged all of us to excel despite our circumstances. To put it simply, the combination between my parent’s love for me and my drive to make them proud has nurtured this creativity that I have today. I believe that Gary is full of talent. The reason why some us never truly get to cultivate it is because we allow others and circumstances to taint who we are. If I were constantly occupied with tv, videogames, clothes, shoes, and other people’s opinions, I wouldn’t have time to think about the things that haven’t been thought about.
2. After your initial dreams of being a writer, you mentioned letting them dwindle, and doubting whether you could make it in that field. What do you think contributed to that self doubt? What eventually got you out of it and back on track?
Self-doubt creeped in during elementary. It seemed to have come in intervals, ultimately pushing me away from writing. I discuss these things in my book. From being bullied to criticism, I just wasn’t prepared for the opinions of others. This followed me all the way into my adult life. After hearing no and feeling outcasted for years, you start to actually believe that you’re not worth it. The only thing that got me out of that deception was God himself. It took years but honestly, He was patient with me. There were people praying for me and I didn’t even know it. Some people I knew, and they would tell me little things here and there about God and faith. I got curious and started reading the Bible and it was like a flood of light rushing into my entire life. I know it sounds weird but that’s the best way that I can explain it. There would be people at church (strangers), coming up to me telling me to keep writing, or they would say, “Your freedom and what you need to be doing is in your books”. I was always shocked but thankful because I knew it was God. These people didn’t know me that well, some didn’t even know my name. So, God made it clear for me and I got back into it. I didn’t want to be disobedient and honestly, it was the push I needed to get my love for words back.
3. Congratulations on your book "The Infamous Twitbook Snapgram Monster vs. Me". We'd love to know more about it. For those who are unaware, can you give us an idea of what the book is about?
The Infamous Twitbook Snapgram Monster vs. Me is my personal opinion on social media and how I learned to navigate all of its ups and downs. Everything about the book reflects me and how my brain processes the events that happened in my life, that led to the making of the book. I sugar coat nothing in it. It is the raw, honest truth on very personal things that I never talk about openly. I discuss things that I’m sure everyone agrees with, yet, no one likes to say. In the end, I’m giving advice, but not really. The book is supposed to help you reflect on your own life through my lens. It’s not a how to, or a 10-step book. I share my mistakes and why I think they occurred in an attempt to help someone who’s probably going through the same thing. The choice, however, will always be the readers.
"When writing this book, I had to keep reminding myself that I’m not saving the world."
4. Two part question: What was the toughest thing about completing a book? What is the most rewarding part?
The toughest thing about writing the book was getting over the fact that not everyone is going to like it. Hahaha, I know, but I’m a people pleaser. I like to make sure everyone is good and feels comfortable. I like to fix things for everyone and when I can’t do that, I start to feel like I am letting everyone down. When writing this book, I had to keep reminding myself that I’m not saving the world. I am using words to create a story and I am sharing that story with whoever wants to hear it. I had to constantly stop and remind myself that some people will hate and critique the book harshly. It was like brain exercises to help my ego and self-esteem. I mentally prepared myself for the worse as a coping mechanism for all my past failures. It’s true, creatives are sensitive about their stuff. I had to make sure that I wasn’t going to crumble just because one Sally or 3 Jason’s didn’t find the book interesting. With all of that taken care of, the most rewarding part as actually completing it! For years upon years, I wrote incomplete stories because I felt like they weren’t good enough or I lost the passion behind the story. Being able to complete something you started from scratch is the most invigorating feeling ever. I don’t care if I sale just 1 copy. I have had this dream since the second grade and I finally accomplished it. This is a major win in my eyes. I don’t despise small beginnings; I don’t think anyone should. Everything starts off small. I simply love the fact that I wrote and published my first book. I did it.
"I am dabbling in beaded jewelry, working on a poetry book, and starting a non-profit organization. Why? Honestly, because I completed that first book, I feel unstoppable."
5. Along with your book, you have some exciting things in the works, including a new poetry book, a jewelry collection and a nonprofit. Can you tell us a bit about these ventures?
Writing isn’t the only thing I’m proud of. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a humanitarian at heart. I am dabbling in beaded jewelry, working on a poetry book, and starting a non-profit organization. Why? Honestly, because I completed that first book, I feel unstoppable. I’m literally taking all of my dreams off the shelf and moving full speed ahead. Besides writing, I’ve also always been good with hand creations. I love walking into boutiques and stores and seeing trinkets and accessories. So, I decided to launch my own. Now, more than ever, is the time to just go for it. I will be launching my collection soon and plan on sending proceeds to my non- profit organization. I created this organization as a constant way for me to give back. 100% of the money donated will go to declining cities and to individuals who need help getting back on track. Anything from helping a single mother pay her rent to helping a city rebuild a school or repair roads, the organization will rally people to be the change we wish to see and to stop waiting for others to take action before we do. Everything I implement will be founded on Honesty, Harmony, and Health. I’m not trying to “look” like I’m doing stuff. I actually want to be. Now that my first book is out, it is true that I’m working on another one. If I’m honest, I already love this book so much more and I think it is because it is a poetry book. This poetry book is centered around emotions and expressing them. I hope everyone can find something they relate to in it. There is no release date yet, but I will be keeping everyone updated on IG.
6. All of your projects that we've discussed are under your brand intrinsicZone. What is your overall vision behind your brand as an entrepreneur? What would you like for it to represent?
The overall vision for IntrinsicZone is worldwide encouragement. Everything I do, I want it to be a healthy example that others can do it too. My brand represents Honesty, Harmony, and Health. I believe that these 3 things act as a ladder to true inner success. I say inner because anyone can look successful on the outside but still be poor on the inside. I’m not about looks; I want people to actually feel important while being themselves. Honesty helps you grow. If you can be honest with yourself, you’re open to understanding and learning. If you can’t ever be honest, you’re just putting yourself in a loop. Harmony keeps things peaceful. We need this in times like this. People today are offended and ready to fight over any and everything. Some people are holding on to hate and lies just so they can fuel themselves and gas themselves up. I will say this, holding onto negativity as a way to propel yourself is dumb. On the inside, you’ll crumble. If you’re going to fight for anything, fight for peace and rest. When you’re in Harmony with the things and people around you, life is 100% better. My brand will always look for the brighter side and common ground. If there is none, I leave it be and love/pray from a distance. Health is the foundation of this ladder because if you’re not healthy nothing you do will be made to last. I’m not just talking physical health but mental and spiritual as well. What’s the purpose of building a legacy or empire, if you’re going to have a break down and destroy it all later? What’s the purpose of moving mountains and becoming unstoppable just to die abruptly? I believe that intrinsicZone is going to help people see from a higher perspective… if they want to. It’s about finding that authentic person inside of you and cultivating it, then sharing it with the world.
"I will say this, holding onto negativity as a way to propel yourself is dumb. On the inside, you’ll crumble. If you’re going to fight for anything, fight for peace and rest."
7. With all of these projects in the pipeline, you've come a long way from where you were creatively. What advice would you give to the Denise who dealt with self doubt in regards to being an author?
If I could talk to the younger me, I would tell her that life is easy but only if you continue to live your life and no one else’s. I would encourage her to only put the pen down to grab another one and never change her work just because someone else doesn’t approve of it. I would remind her that the world is full of naysayers and R&R but she is free to do as she pleases with her own words.
8. Lastly, where do you see yourself and your brand 10 years from now? Any goals that you're hoping to accomplish by then?
10 years from now, I see my brand flourishing (reaching millions). I would like to have a physical location for my jewelry collection and branch out into handbags, perfumes, colognes, and skincare, but I would be content with a website as well. I hope to have written a total of 5 books with at least 3 bestsellers, and 2 being international bestsellers. I would also like my non- profit organization to have helped at least 20 families or 5-10 businesses. I’m hoping to accomplish at least 5 home remodels in Gary, IN and Greensboro, NC. I am currently developing websites and products to launch these platforms and building a team to help create awareness and content.
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