Author Interview!

I want to give a warm welcome to a fellow Mississipian Author, Patricia Neely-Dorsey. Her book of poems, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia, is a celebration of history, heritage, culture and community. And we're practically neighbors! I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Patricia, so sit down with some sweet tea or coffee and enjoy our conversation.

Deborah: Hi, Patricia. Thanks for stopping by to answer a few questions. Can you tell us a little about your latest release?

Patricia: Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems is "a true celebration of the south and things southern." There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. I try to show that there is much more to Mississippi and the south than all of the negatives usually portrayed .I invite readers to Meet Mississippi (and the south) Through Poetry ,Prose and The Written Word.

Deborah: Sounds very interesting. What or who inspired you to write it?

Patricia: I must say that the inspiration for my poems is love: an overwhelming/overflowing love of the south , love of family, and love for the beautiful relationships that I have been blessed to enjoy in my life .

Deborah: How long have you been writing, and did you know at a young age you wanted to be an author?

Patricia: Oh my goodness! I am a very late bloomer in this writing game!
I really had no inclinations of wanting to be a writer or author a book.
I wrote my very first poem on February 14, 2007 at the age of 43!
I woke up on that Valentine's Day with this poem swirling around in my head. I quickly got up and scribbled it down. It was the first of many more to come, in much the same manner ,fully complete title and all.

Deborah: We have something in common. I didn't start writing until I was in my 40s also. Do you have a special place in your home where you like to write? If so, what does it look like?

Patricia: I really have to laugh at that, (LOL) because as I state in the foreword of my book, I never sat down to intentionally write any of the poems in the book. They just all came to me like gifts ,as I say, neatly packaged.
Actually I have probably written 80% of the poems in my car.
While driving along, a poem will just come to me and I have all kinds of scraps of paper, envelopes and receipts with poems scribbled on them.
My car seems to be my own personal "think tank " (LOL)

Deborah: Okay, it’s time for a list of your favorites.

Patricia: Color : Black (since I was about 15)

Number : 5 (since forever)

Food: Oh my goodness..Where do I begin... You will see in my book that I am obsessed with food! ..aren't all Southerners (LOL)
Readers we see that I make lots of references to food in my book.
OK where do I START or END???
Love southern cooking,lots of fried stuff ..
fried okra(a big favorite) fried pork chops, fried pies (pies period)
pizza, chocolate, nut fanatic, fruit (cherries, watermelon) Drink: Iced Tea, Lemonade, FuzeMusic: Lots of different kinds Neo Soul, Old School , Blues, some rap

Author: Me of course! (LOL) No seriously, I love Margaret Walker, and Maya Angelou. I would have to say that I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings has been my favorite since I was in junior high school.
I have read it SO many times.

Actor/Actress: Hmm I love Angelina Jolie movies, and how can I not say Denzel Washington?Movie: SO MANY...The Color Purple, Malcolm X, Godfather I, II, and III, Good Fellas, Gone With The WInd, My Dog Skip, Love and Basketball ....

Deborah: If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have only one person there with you, who would it be, and why?





Patricia: Of course spiritual sense I would want God/Jesus always with me
I would want to have my son and my husband there but also not because I wouldn't want them stranded. I would always want to know how my son was and how he was doing and being taken care of.



Deborah: What advice would you give someone just starting out in this business?



Patricia: You must be very Persistent, Patient and Positive.



Deborah: And last but not least, is there anything else you would like to tell your readers? Perhaps something that no one would guess about you?



Patricia: Hmm...I have a tattoo and I got it at age 40..But, that's no secret because it's in the book (LOL)
Hmm..how about..I am a southern woman..who loves good southern cooking..but can't cook...but that's no secret either 'cause it's in the book.
I give up! (LOL)
My LIFE is an open book...Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia(LOL)
READ THE BOOK!!.....Please (smile)





Deborah: I had such a blast having you on my blog. It seems we have alot in common, the love of Mississippi, southern cooking and a tattoo. I have one of tinkerbell. It's been fun.






SOUTHERN LIFE If you want a glimpse of Southern life, Come close and walk with me; I'll tell you all the simple things, That you are sure to see. You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees, Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees, Caterpillars on the step, Wooden porches cleanly swept; Watermelons on the vine, Strong majestic Georgia pines; Rocking chairs and front yard swings, Junebugs flying on a string; Turnip greens and hot cornbread, Coleslaw and barbecue; Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes, Fried pies and pickles too. There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet, And cool, green grass beneath your feet; Catfish nipping in the lake, And fresh young boys on the make. You'll see all these things And much, much more, In a way of life that I adore. Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems
BOOK AVAILABLE: www.reeds.ms/book.asp
or www.Amazon.com AUTHOR WEBSITE: www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com


To purchase Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia, go to: http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Mississippi-Magnolia-Life-Poems/dp/097962942X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251520724&sr=8-1



Take care ya'll,
Deb