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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