Shades Of Romance Magazine: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Dorothy A. Atabong: I was born in Cameroon, West Africa. I received my Assoc. in Arts/Science from Highland Park community College in MI, and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Detroit. A chemist during the day, and an actress at night, I received rave reviews for productions such as ‘Angelique, and Love All.’ On the fall of 1999, I left my job, packed two big and green suitcases and came to New York to attend the well-known Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in Manhattan. I graduated with a two-yr degree in Dramatic Arts in May 2001. I have also performed in various films and commercials, including a spot for the cannon camera on the Dec 11 2000 issue of Newsweek magazine. 23/24, an independent film shot in Brooklyn in August of 2001, marked my film debut in a principal role. I received The Editor’s Choice Award for ‘Lonesome,’ a poem published by The International Library of Poetry. From Sadorian Publications comes my debut novel, "The Princess Of Kaya – A West African Saga," an intriguing complex love-story with 34 or so characters; a manuscript I started at 19. Look out for it in the March of 2002. I am currently working on her second novel.
SORM: Describe your current book.
ATABONG: (TPK) The Princess of Kaya, is a universal story with a complex, action-packed, and fast-paced plot. Many of us can’t relate to royalty, but we relate to love, jealousy, and betrayal, defeat . . . to name a few. TPK takes you on a journey into an Island of three kingdoms in West Africa, into a strict society where tradition governs the course of ones destiny. In this paradise Island plagued with war, Kaya, my heroine, battles her fate as future queen of Kaya in a man’s world. She is to marry Prince Anthony of the allied Christian kingdom of Bashir to establish a political alliance powerful enough to belittle the Muslim Teks. Kaya finds herself torn between her betrothed and her Tek lover. There are many holes to hide in, when an endless torrent of lies and secrets creep ashore. But the wind carries everything. Even the things that are buried deep in the ground.
SORM: Which character in this book, did you have the most fun writing about?
ATABONG: Kaya, my heroine. Most of the 34 or so characters in TPK do meet or have some kind of association with Kaya. Her spontaneity and complex behavior made her the most fun, and challenging character to write.
SORM: What process do you use in writing your novels?
ATABONG: I write when it comes to me. I usually get the best ideas experiencing life; be it visiting an art show or meeting everyday people for coffee. I sit down to write ideas I already have, not to come up with ideas. These ideas flourish into a scene, and into a story.
SORM: What satisfies you about writing?
ATABONG: There is a feeling of freedom (which Kaya feels she lacks) and content to be able to use words of your choice to tell a story of your choice.
SORM: What has romance writing taught you about yourself?
ATABONG: Romance writing has proved my love for love-stories.
SORM: What advise would you give to someone whose book is about to be published?
ATABONG: After everything, don’t forget to take credit for your work. You’ve earned it. Celebrate. It’s just as important.
SORM: What is the latest pageturner you read?
ATABONG: Like music, I have a diversified taste in books. I read romance – mainstream – mysteries – sci-fi and many in-between.
SORM: What is your opinion on ebooks, do you think they are the future?
ATABONG: ebooks are fabulous and ready-to-read. However, I don’t believe we would ever forego the luxury of turning the pages of a book.
SORM: What is something readers would be surprised you do?
ATABONG: I love cartoons. I just watched Disney’s Atlantis. Six times.
SORM: How can readers get in touch with you?
ATABONG: I can be reached at http://www.homestead.com/atabongonline Address too long? Just search the web using my name.
SORM: Can you give us a peek at what we can expect from your next romance?
ATABONG: My next romance novel is more challenging to write. It touches race, love, and sacrifice. This time, in Michigan.
SHADES OF ROMANCE MAGAZINE WOULD LIKE TO THANK MS. ATABONG FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DO THIS INTERVIEW, MANY BLESSINGS TO YOU.
