Nushape Publication    March 2004

Dora is the author of "The Seventh Coven". 
It's about 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've never read a book about witches and spells before. I tend to stay away from the Supernatural and the spell casting. The Seventh Coven was a eye opening experience for me. I pick this book up one evening and stayed up the entire night reading it. It was intriguing! Spellbinding and bewitching. I laughed at times too. I thought witches have power-struggles too. 

It was well written and I would like to hear more from Dora. Kudos to Dora. Can't wait to read your next book. 
Rashun 


Where are you from?

I was born in the South, I'm a southern girl thru and thru. My family moved to Illinois in 1978 I finished high school and went to college there.


Tell us your latest news? 

Ive been working on a screenplay to submit to the "2004 Screenplay Competition" that's held in Chicago each year. The winner gets their project shopped to major studios. While my first love is novels, the screenplay seems a good way to get some recognition, if I win of course.

I am also putting some finishing touches on my novel The Movie Star's Girlfriend. When its finished I'll start looking for a publisher for it. I like this novel because its about an everyday girl, who meets the famous guy we all fantasize about, and then finds herself fighting for her identify while living in the shadow of his. Plus, I get to create interview scenarios and deal with the paparazzi the way I'd want to if I were in her place. And, there is that added grin I get when I picture my favorite actor in that role. 


When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I saw the cover of my first book, and turned it over and saw me on it. I remember thinking, oh my God, its me! I wrote a book, its been published, I am a writer! Although I have been writing for almost 13 years, the actually finished product made it real.


Who influenced your writing and in what way? 

My mother. My mother, a retired nurse, didn't quite understand how she raised this daughter who would study psychology in College, in preparation to be a social worker, then decide to become a writer. But, whenever I'd get rejection letters, she'd tell me not to worry, and if "You want something bad enough, go out and get it and stay right there until you come back with it. You will make it and you always make me proud." When your ego has taken a little pinch, that kind of support is priceless. Then there are my sisters and my friends. My sisters Susan and Cassandra are strong, smart women, of whom I've based several of my characters on. They are supportive when I need it, and they kick my confidence in gear when its down. My friend Kate has the spiritual edge, and her belief is that there is a place in the Universe for all of us, and that creatively speaking, my place is that of a writer. Then Michelle, who reads my works and Nicole who just stands there, ready to take up arms or lend a hand of support. I have no doubt that at any time, if I needed them, they would come. Literary wise, I'd have to say Stephen King and J.K. Rawlings. King because when he wanted to give up on writing he didn't, and J. K. Rawlings, because when told her her work was too long, etc, etc, she kept trying. I admire their tenacity.


How did you come up with the title of your book? 

It was originally A Circle of Women, then one night, after I had completed the binding spell, it was like ok, that's the binding spell for The Seventh Coven, I changed the name in the header and that was it. So, it just kind of came to me. I get the titles sometimes before I get the story, then as I sit down to write it, I find out what the book is about, odd I know. My brother Don tells me my style is strange but as long as it works, its a good thing. The Seventh Coven title seemed to fit the story. Also, the characters are all reborn, and this only happens in a Coven when its formed on a millennium. I started this book late 99 and ended it on the millennium, so essentially this Coven was formed on a millennium. Just a bit of trivia for you. 


How much of your novel is realistic?

The fact that there is such things as Covens, magic does exist, Wicca is good magic and there are binding spells. A Seventh Coven is possible IF its formed on a millennium, that's the end of any realism within this book. None of the spells work, although I have a great one on my site, The White Candle Protection Spell, (I dont mind sharing it, if postage is sent to cover the cost of the mailings of course). Its a fun little spell and its harmless. Other then that, the rest of the novel is pure fiction and for entertainment purposes only.


What books have most influenced your life?

The bible. Oddly enough, I cant think of any others that have had a lasting effect. I remember during a rough patch in my life, reading this scripture about betrayal and sobbing because it was so fitting in connection to what had happened to me. Its an awesome book, and totally surpasses anything I could come up with.


What are you reading now?

You're Late Again, Lord! The Impatient Women's Guide to God's Timing, by Karon Phillips Goodman. I am the most impatient person I know, I am in constant motion and never sitting still for a long time, so I thought this book was perfect for me.


What new author has grasped your attention?

Unfortunately, I haven't been reading anything much, besides Karon's book, so I don't know what's out there in the case of new authors.


Do you feel more African Americans are reading?

Yes I do, now we need to make sure that mainstream publishing houses know that, and that there is money in that readership. In the entertainment field more then anywhere else, its not about the color of your skin, its about the money you can earn them, its all about the green. The biggest obstacle I am running into regarding The Movie Star's Girlfriend is that its not in the general theme of drugs, prostitution, gun play and drugs, so most publishing houses aren't sure what to do with it, consequently they don't option it. I know I am not the only writer who has experienced it. But I do believe that as more and more African Americans read and make their preference known, the large houses will sit up and take notice and give those writers a chance to show them that they can write other things besides things that are usually connected with African Americans. 


How does your family and friends feel about your writing?

They are wonderful and supportive. They provide that voice of calm when panic is setting in and they don't hesitate to assure me that I am in the right place, I am doing what I was meant to do, and I will have the career I want. When I get discouraged, they encourage me, when I doubt, they assure me, and when I despair they give me hope. I'm very lucky.


Do you see writing as a long or short term career?

Absolutely. It remains to be seen if I can make a living with it, but yes, I do eventually see me doing this for a living. Its my passion, and it would be fantastic to actually do the thing you love and not worry about financial issues.


If you had it to do all over again, would you change anything? 

Yes, I'd take more chances. The Universe isn't going to give you anything until you are ready for it, that's true. But, it also rewards you for risks. I would start writing sooner, pursue publishers sooner and not worry about the right way to do something and just concentrate on my way of doing it.