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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Maurice W. Dorsey, author of So Many Angels

Author’s Bio: Maurice is the author of five books: Businessman First, Remembering Henry G. Parks, Jr., 1916-1989, Capturing the Life of a Businessman Who Was African American, A Biography, 2014; From Whence We Come, 2017; Of Time and Spirit, a Tribute to My Father, 2020; Zelma's Aphorisms, Old School Wisdom, Instructive, Inspirational, Hilarious to Outrageous, 2022; and So Many Angels, 2023.


His books are biographical in nature, highlighting the lives of key protagonists in his life.  He is also a character in each of his books.  His writing goals have been to remember, honor, appreciate and to pay tribute to others and also to untangle and make sense of the dysfunctions and neuroses of his life.

 

Prior to these writings, he worked in the public and private sectors, concluding a professional career of forty-two years.  He retired from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This agency provided federal funding and program leadership for state land grant colleges and universities.

 

He is a graduate of the University of Maryland-College Park, earning a bachelor of science degree in arts and sciences (1970) and a doctorate in philosophy of education (1983).  He also earned a master's degree in arts and science from the John Hopkins University (1975) and a master's degree in education from Loyola University of Maryland (1976).

 

He resides in Washington, DC.

 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?


Maurice W. Dorsey:  I was inspired by an Oprah Winfrey's post regarding: "....surrounding yourself with positive people".

 

DL:  Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?


MWD:  Yes, Michelle Obama's book: Becoming; and Augusten Burroughs book: Running with Scissors.  These two authors' purity and honesty of writing styles influenced me in my writing to be open and honest without hesitation but with kindness and purity.

 

DL:  What are the keys to success in marketing your books?


MWD:  Showing up and being present in as many relevant platforms and venues as possible to advertise the value of your work.

 

DL:  What tips would you give to aspiring writers?


MWD:  Just write!  Just get started with an idea, brainstorm, your book will take a shape of its own.

 

DL: What are three books you will never part with?


MWD:  The Fountain Head by Ayn Rand; Caste, The Origins of Out Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, and The Razor's Edge (the story of a man who found a faith) by W. Somerset Maugham.

 

DL:  What's your favorite line from a book?


MWD:  "The real drawback to marriage is that it makes one unselfish.  And unselfish people are colourless" from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

 

DL:  What are three fun facts about yourself?


MWD:  I started writing independently at the age of 66, I have averaged one book every two years, I am so damn happy!

 

DL:  Would you like to share and excerpt from So Many Angels?


MWD:  Sure thing! Here you go:


The dean listened to all of my personal history and university woes and the treatment I experienced at the university during my freshman year.  Her view was racism was the same as sexism; neither is an excuse for holding on to hurts feelings and grudges that cancel out your dreams.

 

She said, "I would never have been dean of this college, Maurice if I did not have to stand up to men!"

 

DL:  What new projects are you currently working on?


MWD:  I just completed an article for the Harford County Historical Society, In Their Own Words, Harford in the 20th Century, Stories, Maryland Celebrates Harford 250, 1773-2023, a Harford Black History (featuring the Dorsey family) by Maurice W. Dorsey, Ph.D., page 41-43.  I also have two ideas for future books: on fate and endings.  Stay tuned!  

 

DL:  Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your books?


MWD: Readers can purchase my book on my website: http://www.mauricewdorsey.com or Google my name (Maurice W. Dorsey) in their search engine to purchase from other retailers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble etc.

  • Amazon maurice-w-dorsey or Amazon.com/author/mauricedorsey
  • Instagram@mauricewdorsey
  • Facebook Search: Maurice W. Dorsey 

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

 

MWD: Thanks again for the invitation!



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