Today’s interview is with author Doeliza, whose debut novel, The Shape of New Beginnings, is set to release next week. She shares her inspirations, her background, and what she is currently working on.
My curiosities inspire me.
Starfish City Publishing: How long have you been writing?
Doeliza: I’ve been writing and storytelling since elementary school. I’ve always enjoyed the process of creating new worlds.
SCP: What inspires you to write the stories you write?
Doeliza: My curiosities inspire me. When I am curious about something, I want to learn everything about it and share that knowledge in my own way. So, I write.
SCP: Interesting! What is your book about?
Doeliza: The Shape of New Beginnings is about a young black woman who wants to join a sorority. But there are so many options, and she changes so much that the dream sorority she wanted to join before college doesn’t reflect the new her. The novel explores sexuality, self-reflection, and black sisterhood.
Misogynoir is guaranteed to be in the life of every black girl and woman, whether they notice it or not.
SCP: Why did you write this book?
Doeliza: I feel like there aren’t many collegiate coming-of-age stories—black ones at that—and I wanted to write one. Life really slaps you in the face that first year in college. For most people, it is their first time being away from home for an extended period, and with that freedom comes different responsibilities, experiences, lessons, and enlightenment.
SCP: New experiences like misogynoir?
Doeliza: Misogynoir is guaranteed to be in the life of every black girl and woman, whether they notice it or not. So, I wouldn’t say misogynoir is a new college experience as it is very probable to have experienced it in childhood. Misogynoir should be talked about more so it could be easily identifiable.
SCP: I agree; it should be talked about more. But are we not at the point where we can easily identify it?
Doeliza: Not at all. People are trying to silence black women due to misogynoir. Megan Thee Stallion just released a song called Cobra, detailing the depression in her life, and it received a lot of backlash due to being too sad when sad songs from others get praised. And I don’t even want to get into what’s going on with Jada Pinkett Smith and her memoir. I just want people to recognize the backlash these women are getting is rooted in misogynoir.
SCP: Does your novel provide a guide on how to recognize it?
Doeliza: My novel covers a few areas in which black women experience misogynoir. Misogynoir can show up in many different ways and can be as explicit as outright hatred to as subtle as a dog whistle. So, I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all way of recognizing it. You just have to ask yourself if the situation would be different if it involved someone of another gender and race. But even then, some cases require a bit of nuance.
I looked at my characteristics and the characteristics of my total liberation friends, which inspired some of my characters.
SCP: That’s a great question to reflect on. Going back to your novel, a few of the characters are vegan. Were they difficult to write?
Doeliza: Writing vegan characters was not difficult to write, especially since I live that lifestyle. As a black vegan, I wanted to show a different side of veganism that many people don’t really get to see because of the stereotypes in mainstream media. I looked at my characteristics and the characteristics of my total liberation friends, which inspired some of my characters.
SCP: So, will there be vegan characters in your future novels?
Doeliza: Absolutely!
SCP: What are you working on now?
Doeliza: I am working on a literary fiction series. It’s a lot of research, but I am very excited about it and can’t wait to share it with the world. It’s a little weird and complicated, so I’m trying to get it to a place where it reads well. But I am up for the challenge!
SCP: Can’t wait to read it! Anything else you would like to say?
Doeliza: As a new author, I feel so supported, and I just want to thank everyone for taking a chance on my debut novel. I love the feedback I get and hope to continue this great relationship with my readers in the future.
To learn more about Doeliza or connect with her, use the following links:
Purchase The Shape of New Beginnings
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