Victoria Christopher Murray is an accomplished author but she does not just sit around and write books. She likes to tell stories and tackle important issues—and she did just that with her newest novel Destiny’s Divas.
Destiny’s Divas is centered on a female gospel trio that is at different stages of their lives and facing different problems. The Divas sing but they also give testimonies—however, readers will find that each one isn’t exactly practicing what she preaches. Although the storyline sounds like it’d be dramatic, Murray did not want to write a soap opera, she wanted to write something that is relatable and realistic for her readers. For instance, 25-year-old Sierra runs into a little cyber trouble, something that happens to twenty-something people every day.
“When I sat down to write this book, I wanted to talk about issues that women of each of those decades are facing. So, a 20-year-old in today’s time is really dealing with the social media thing so I always wanted to stay true to the characters and to the time so Sierra’s story, the 20 year-old, and being involved with something on the internet was something that was inspired by current events,” Murray said in an interview with Atlanta Black Star.
- Murray will be appearing on August 19 at 2:00 PM at the V103-FM Literary Series ‘Sip and Sign’ @ Lowes Atlanta Hotel (1065 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309)
Murray also delved into issues affecting older and more established women, using the two other singers, who are in their thirties and forties.
“When I was dealing with the 30-year-old character, I knew I wanted it to be something with a family and I started reading an article about female genital mutilation and once I read about that, I thought it would be wonderful to bring it into a book,” she continued. “For the [40-year-old] I knew I wanted it to be a pastor and his wife and I wanted everything to be not as it seems. I knew it was several ways I could go with that one. I didn’t want to do domestic violence. I didn’t want him to be gay but I knew I wanted him to have a secret.”
Although all of the storylines are riveting, Murray expected the 20-year-old’s story to be the most popular with readers since it dealt with the ramifications of social media, however, she got a pleasant surprise. “I thought Sierra was going to be everyone’s favorite,” said Murray. “It turns out that Rainebow, the 30-year-old woman, and the story of the female mutilation is the story that readers liked the most and that was shocking to me. I’m happy about it because it was the least drama filled story and I’m glad people gravitated to that.”
Murray has done a book series before, centering around one of her past characters. Although that venture was successful, she has no plans to turn Destiny’s Divas into a series.
“I always like creating new characters, that’s my favorite part of writing,” said Murray.
Although she might not bring back all three Divas for a second book, she is considering a different direction.
“One of the things I do like to do is sometimes I won’t do a whole sequel but I might bring Raine and her husband back or I won’t bring back all three of the women but I’ll bring Raine and her husband back for another story.”
Those interested in purchasing Destiny’s Divas can buy the book on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.
—Ashleigh Atwell
