An Interview with Dita Dow

Dita Dow is a best-selling and award-winning author who enjoys crafting stories that sweep you into thrilling adventures. With over three decades of experience in law enforcement, private investigations, and consulting, she possesses a deep understanding of the human psyche, which she skillfully weaves into her narratives.

Her passion lies in all things: mystery, thriller, and the supernatural, where she takes readers on mesmerizing journeys into the unknown.

Beyond her writing, Dita’s adventurous spirit propels her along rugged hiking trails, discovering archaeological wonders, and on globetrotting adventures. She calls New Mexico home, which she shares with her family, a plump feline, a pampered horse, and a tortoise.

To uncover more about Dita and her enthralling storytelling, visit www.ditadow.com.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I came up with the idea for Mirror of the Damned from my love of antique shopping. I’ve always been curious about the stories that old items could tell if they had the ability to speak. Coupling this with my fascination for the supernatural and mysterious, I imagined a haunted mirror as the perfect centerpiece for a story. I chose Victorian London as the setting because my love for the city enhances the mysterious and eerie atmosphere that complements the tale beautifully.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I spent twenty years as a police detective and the past fourteen years as a private investigator and consultant.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Finding the right title for the book was quite a journey—it definitely didn’t come easily! Initially, I had named it “The Curse of the Time Bound Mirror,” but it just didn’t feel right. Ultimately, the title Mirror of the Damned emerged from a productive brainstorming session with my editor.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

Seeing the cover of my book for the first time always gives me an adrenaline rush. I have an incredible cover artist who really understands what I want and how to convey the essence of the story visually. It’s thrilling to see their interpretation and how it brings the book to life even before the first page is turned.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

The main thing I hope readers take away from my book is that they find it thoroughly entertaining.My perfect reader is someone who loves the supernatural and enjoys a good mystery. They relish diving into stories that transport them into eerie, otherworldly settings where anything can happen. They’re the type of reader who seeks out entertainment and escape in the pages of a book, delighting in the thrill of the unknown.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding part of publishing my book is seeing the connection it creates with readers. Knowing that the characters and worlds I dreamed up could evoke real emotions and spark the imagination of others has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s profoundly meaningful to hear from readers who have been entertained, moved, or even changed by what I wrote. That connection is truly the heart of why I write.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’m currently working on several paranormal short stories that are in the editing phase, and I’m also writing a sequel to one of my stories, The Unholy Script, which was featured in the Women’s Thriller Writer’s Association ThrillHers Anthology. This suspense thriller centers on an archaeologist who makes a chilling discovery in Egypt’s Saqqara necropolis. As she delves deeper into ancient secrets and dark magic, she faces increasing dangers and must stop powerful forces from being unleashed.

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