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 website, Dvora's books on Amazon
17 comments:
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!
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.
Thanks so much for this entertaining and enlightening view into Dvora's life and work.
She is such an inspiration.
Dvora, you are definitely an inspiration! I loved this interview. :-)
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?
Hi Dvora!. I loved your interview and I'll bet the current work in progress isn't your swan song yet.
I visited Israel and Jerusalem. Being in the land where Jesus walked was so special.
Hi, Dvora. It's nice to meet you. Blessings on your work.
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Thank youm Peggy, for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. Dvora
Thank you Suzanne, for your kind words. I will treasure them.
Dvora
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
You are very kind. I will treasure your comments. Thank you.
Dvora
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
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
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
Thank you for your kind words. Dvora
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