Novelist D.A. Murray chats with me about her new dystopian book, Dominion: Ascension.
Bio:
D.A. Murray is an emerging voice in feminist speculative fiction who masterfully balances her roles as a tech executive, debut novelist, and influential digital content creator. Her debut novel, “Dominion: Ascension,” introduces a bold new narrative that reimagines gender dynamics in a post-apocalyptic world, challenging traditional power structures and exploring themes of female leadership and resilience. Murray’s work resonates with readers seeking stories that champion feminine strength, autonomy, and societal transformation.
Born and raised in California and now based in Chicago, Murray has cultivated a significant following on Instagram and TikTok, where she connects with audiences through her authentic storytelling and discussions on literature, women’s empowerment, and the creative process. Her popular #WritersInTech series documents her personal journey as a woman breaking barriers in both corporate and creative spaces, while her #ReadWithMe segments highlight works by female authors and stories centered on empowerment.
With an academic background in Economics and Japanese from UCLA and an MBA from Kellogg Management School, Murray brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her storytelling. In her professional role as a tech executive, she advocates for increased visibility of women’s voices in both technology and literature. A frequent speaker at industry conferences and podcasts, she offers insights into the intersection of technology, storytelling, and feminist narratives in the digital age. Through interactive writing workshops and storytelling sessions, D.A. Murray continues to expand her reach as a modern multi-hyphenate, committed to uplifting women’s stories across platforms. Find out more on the website: https://damurrayofficial.com/.
What inspired you to write this book?
Dominion: Ascension came from my desire to imagine a future where women are not simply reacting to power but redefining it. Creativity allowed me to ask bigger questions about autonomy and belonging in a world that constantly tests women’s limits. It’s meant to feel relevant, unsettling, and ultimately affirming for women living right now.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think I considered myself a writer long before I ever claimed the title out loud. Since high school, I was always examining my own thoughts, my challenges, and the systems around me. It took time to realize that this depth of internal conversation wasn’t just introspection—it was storytelling in its earliest form.
If you don’t write full time, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
During the weekdays and many weekends, I work as a tech executive helping Fortune100 companies navigate their digital transformation journey.
I don’t wait for large blocks of free time—I write in the margins. As a full-time tech executive, my days are structured and demanding, so I treat writing with the same respect I give my work: I schedule it, protect it, and show up even when the window is small.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I often write entire scenes in my head before I ever touch the page. By the time I sit down to write, the emotional argument has already happened internally.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be many things at once—curious, creative, and impactful. I didn’t know the language for it then, but that desire eventually shaped both my career and my writing.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I want to acknowledge how deeply readers have engaged with this book. The level of thought, discussion, and emotional response has been overwhelming in the best way. Seeing readers connect with the story’s timeliness—its core themes, and its intensity—has affirmed why I wrote it the way I did. Dominion: Ascension was written to provoke thought as much as it entertains, and I welcome the conversations it continues to spark.