Dora Rosenthal

What is The Seventh Coven about?
The Seventh Coven is an 18th Century Witches Coven that battles a rival coven for the life of a child that was sired by a demon and raised by a priest. The battle begins in 1893, and ends in 2003. I started The Seventh Coven in late 1999, and finished it New Years Day 2000, so the Coven was formed on the millennium.

Do you have a personal interest or knowledge of magic?
No, the only knowledge I have is basic, as in spells and potions do exist, but I have no skill or interest in creating them. The story uses magic as a backdrop, but not the central focus, so little knowledge was needed, except enough to propel the story along. The most important thing about the Coven is their loyalty and their commitment to each other, and the belief that good will win, even if it has to work really, really hard to do it.

Is this your first book?
It’s the first one that was published. I’ve been writing for almost thirteen years, mostly for the enjoyment of friends and family. I usually write the novel, pass it around, and then move on to the next project. I wrote a screenplay for a contest in Chicago, Twilights Last Gleaming. I didn’t win, so it’s a good thing I prefer writing novels. 

What made this one different?
A bet with my sisters, Cassandra and Susan, and I wanted to win it. 

Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes I have, but I wasn’t sure how to go about getting my work out there. It became a vicious circle, no Agent would represent you unless you’d been published, and no publisher would look at your work, unless you had an agent, with few exceptions. But, after the bet was made, I took a self taught crash course in publishing and learned as much as I could. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve only made them once and I’ve learned from them.

What comes first in your books, the characters or the plot?
I am embarrassed to admit this, but neither. I have a title first; I don’t know what the book will be about until I am a third ways into it. It’s interesting to me, because I want to know what comes next and how it ends.

Are you working on a book now, or concentrating on 
The Seventh Coven?
Both. I am working on The Shell Game which appears to be a murder mystery with past life overtones, souls and spirit guides. I’ve been asked to submit the manuscript of my new novel, The Movie Star’s Girlfriend, and I am anxiously waiting on the response. Writing is hurry up and wait, editors will not be rushed, so in the mean time, I’m promoting The Seventh Coven, trying to figure out why the newborn baby in The Shell Game has no soul, and doing all of this with my fingers crossed that MSGF will get an offer. It’s a little hard to type with crossed fingers, but I find it a challenge. Seriously, it’s fast paced, but I can’t complain, writing is my passion.

What advice would you give potential writers trying to publish their work? 
Persistence is the key. Remember that writing is subjective, what one Agent dismisses, another might think its great. Remember, Harry Potter was considered too long and we all know how that ended! Some writers, frustrated with the system, self publish or they contract with a publisher who gives little support in marketing and find themselves with the frustrating task of marketing the novel themselves. Its important, whatever you decided to do, to be realistic in your goals. E. Lynn Harris is a wonderful writer who is an example of how to make self-publishing work for you. He marketed his novel so well, a publisher came looking for him. Believe that it can happen, work to make it happen and never lose faith that you deserve it. You will get frustrated; you will get tired, but don’t quit. The next query letter could be to the one publisher who might think your work is perfect for them. Most important, don’t take rejections personally, I’ve been down that road. Your writing is personal to you, so the rejections can sometimes feel that way. It isn’t. Agents or Editors don’t know you; it’s a business decision. 

How can I find out when your next book is available?
The next published novel will be announced here on my site.

A 2004 New Year's message from Dora