Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Interview and Book Giveaway with Dvora Waysman

 Today I’m interviewing Dvora Waysman. She’s a multi-published author as well as a syndicated journalist, who lives in the ultimate city: Jerusalem! Her newest book, “Autumn Blessing,” an e-book published by Prism Book Group, is available now. After the interview, I’ll post a blurb about it. If you leave a comment, you’ll be included in the drawing for a free copy of “Autumn Blessing!” So, here we go!

Hi Dvora! I’m so enjoying getting to know you. Let me start the interview by asking what inspired you to start writing fiction books?
I have always been a writer - short stories, articles, poetry - anything that invoves the written word. I also love reading, so novels were a natural progression for me.
I’ve read that you began writing at age 7! What age were you when you began to write fiction novels? What was your first novel, and how long did it take you to write it?
My first novel was "The Pomegranate Pendant" now a movie titled "The Golden Pomegranate".  It came late in life - in1995 - when I was 64. "The Pomegranate Pendant" is a historical novel set in Jerusalem over 100 years ago (in 1882, when the first Jewish Yemenites arrived in the Holy Land to escape their persecution).  I had to do a lot of research, and especially about Yemenite jewelry as my heroine is a silversmith.  It took me 9 months to write.
“The Pomegranate Pendant” was made into a movie. What was it like to see something that began as an idea in your head actually fleshed-out into reality?
Having it made into a movie was very exciting.  It is fairly faithful to my book although certain things were added for dramatic reasons.
I’ve heard some authors say they wished they hadn’t let go of creative control when their book was made into a movie. Did you feel that way? Was it hard to let other people take control of your story?
I had the right of veto and was present on the set for much of the filming - in fact I appear, like Hemingway, in a cameo part - but if you blink, you miss me.  I exercised my veto on a rape scene they wanted to include. It held  up the filming for a while, but in the end they agreed to delete it.
You’ve certainly had a very interesting life so far, and I can see that some of your books incorporate your experiences into them. After I read “Autumn Blessing” I found myself wondering how much of it was based on your own life. Care to expound on that?
"Autumn Blessing" is pure fiction, except for the name Dorothy which was my name in Australia (Dvora is the Hebrew version).  Thankfully I am not a widow and have been married 59 years.  But I think all fiction must represent emotions the author has experienced from time to time, or it would not be realistic.
I really enjoyed the way you describe Dorothy as if she were a flower herself, coming out of a dark, dormant phase and gradually responding to light and new growth. Was this a familiar process for you in your own life?
In my long life, I have lived in many places and travelled the world,sometimes on book tours  When I was young, I lived a few years in London and Youth Hostelled  my way around Europe; I have spent time also in the Far East - Hong Kong, Bangkock and Singapore.  But my life took on a new dimension when we came to the spiritual city ofJerusalem.  It is a great privilege to live here.
A large portion of American women (the baby-boomers, as we call them) are now around the age of your main character Dorothy. What advice would you give on how best to navigate this stage of life known as the golden years?
The golden years are really a misnomer, for they can't replace youth where every day is a new exciting experience.  But if you keep your heart young and take time to look for the dewdrop in the heart of the rose, you will go on finding life to be beautiful.
What is the main idea you want to convey to the reader through Dorothy’s story?
I think that when one door closes, another one opens.  We shouldn't cry because it's over, but smile because it happened.  Memories should be cherished.
What do you like most, and least about being a writer?
I love everything about being a writer. The joy never leaves me.  I am in love with words!
What are you working on now?

A new novel called "Searching for Sarah" set in Jerusalem.  It is about a portrait of a young woman found abandoned in a studio and the search for the artist.  I am 83 now, so this will probably be my swan song.  It is both prose and poetry and I aim to make it memorable if God grants me enough time to complete it.
I pray that He will, and more besides! Thank you so much for doing this interview, Dvora. I'm honored and thrilled to know you. I pray for blessings and safety to you in this challenging time in Jerusalem. May God's protection cover you and all of Israel, and may there soon be peace. 

Now, here's a short  blurb about "Autumn Blessings."
Autumn can be a desolate season. For Dorothy, after losing her husband, the autumn of her life stretches before her lonely and uncertain. But a change, a new hobby, and new friends prove this new season to be bountiful with blessings.
Be sure to leave a comment, and you'll be entered in the drawing for a free copy of the "Autumn Blessings" e-book.
To visit Dvora's blog, click on: Dvora's blog
To learn more about Dvora, click here: Learn about Dvora 
To read about and purchase her books, click on either of these: Dvora's books on her websiteDvora's books on Amazon

17 comments:

Peggy Trotter said...

Wow, Dvora, you are one interesting woman! You've been so many places! It would be wonderful to use those experiences in writing. I loved getting to know you better. Thanks for being with us at the Diamond Mine!

Erin Unger said...

I love what you say about doors closing and looking on the experience with a smile instead of tears. That really touched me. What a nice interview.

Suzanne said...

Thanks so much for this entertaining and enlightening view into Dvora's life and work.
She is such an inspiration.

Amryn Cross said...

Dvora, you are definitely an inspiration! I loved this interview. :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Dvora! One of our Diamond Mine members just moved and hasn't been able to get on the internet. Her name is Renee Blare, and she asked me to tell you she loved the interview, and also to say this: I think it would be awesome to see the words the Lord gives us come to life. I'm sure she's speaking of your movie, which I also think must be a huge thrill! I'll have to see if I can watch it somehow and spot your appearance. Which scene are you in?

Sharon McGregor said...

Hi Dvora!. I loved your interview and I'll bet the current work in progress isn't your swan song yet.

Terri said...

I visited Israel and Jerusalem. Being in the land where Jesus walked was so special.

Lisa Lickel said...

Hi, Dvora. It's nice to meet you. Blessings on your work.

Testing said...

Testing

dvora waysman said...

Thank youm Peggy, for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. Dvora

dvora waysman said...

Thank you Suzanne, for your kind words. I will treasure them.
Dvora

dvora waysman said...

I really believe this. Not everything turns out the way we wamt it because when life touches us, poems appear like bruises. Often it turns out for the best, and certainly every experience helps us as writers. Kind regards Erin Dvora

dvora waysman said...

You are very kind. I will treasure your comments. Thank you.
Dvora

dvora waysman said...

My cameo part in the movie "The Golden Pomegrante" based on my novel
"The Pomegranate Pendant was as a guest at a Yemenite wedding. Like Hitchcock, first you see me, then you don't.Please thank Renee for her kind words. Dvora

dvora waysmn said...

I've already had the 3 score years and 10 the Bible tells us is our fate and am grateful for the extra 13 years so far. I just want to live longer if I stay in good health - and don't lose my marblss. Dvora

dvora waysman said...

Thank you Terri. Am glad you share my love of Jerusalem and Israel, still fighting every day for its existence against Hamas terrorism God is helping us. Dvora

dvora waysman said...

Thank you for your kind words. Dvora