Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia- A Life In Poems is a celebration of the south and things southern.Using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, the author attempts to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life  What would you like readers to take away from your book?There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. I want readers to see that there is a flip side of the coin. There is much to love about the southern way of life. I want people to know Mississippi in a different light and I want to introduce them. My slogan is Meet Mississippi Through Poetry, Prose and The Written Word. On a more personal level, using my poems, I want the reader to connect or reconnect with some of the more enjoyable, pleasant memories and experiences that they have had in their own lives. For Mississippians and the youth in Mississippi especially, I want to encourage them to be proud of who they are, proud of where they come from and proud of the lives they live. Why did you choose to write this book?
That’s funny. I must say, I didn’t choose to write the book, the book actually chose me (LOL). I woke up on Valentine’s Day 2007, with a poem swirling around in my head. I quickly got up and scribbled it down. So, I wrote my very first poem in 2007 at the age of 43, with no intentions for a book. After that, many other poems just started to flow in rapid succession. In a couple of months, I had well over 200 poems. A friend encouraged me to put them in print. I did and the rest is history, as they say. My book, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems was published In February 2008, exactly one year from the time I wrote my first poem, using about 75 of the hundreds of poems that I had written. What did you learn while writing this book?I learned how much I actually enjoyed and appreciated my life growing up in Mississippi, my childhood and the people who have played such a big part in my life. Also, in looking over the poems, I realized how obsessed I am with food (LOL) It seems like over half of the poems in the book have some kind of reference to food. But, anyone that knows anything about the south knows that food plays a very big part in almost everything we do. What is the hardest part about writing poetry?For me, there was no hard part at all. I simply, and I do mean simply, just scribbled poems down as they came to me. I have poems written on the back of envelopes, bills, receipts and everything. I have been told over and over again and have found it to be true, that the hard work of this business is not in the writing of the book but in the marketing and promoting. I think that for most writers, the writing is not hard because it is doing what they love to do. How does that saying go.. “Do what you love to do as a vocation and you will never work a day in your life”. What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?A writer’s work, especially published work is like his/her child. A writer has a very personal attachment to his/her “baby” and can sometimes be very sensitive about that “baby”. I think writers would love to stamp a little Handle With Care message on all of their books. What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?Believe in what you do. Know that everyone will not necessarily like what you write or like your style of writing but someone will absolutely love it. Appreciate and nurture your own unique style and “gift”. Always keep reading and writing. What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?Oh my goodness, I am so computer illiterate, and so much of what goes into publishing and promoting the product is done by way of computer these days. I am so technically challenged. I didn’t even learn hw to log on to the computer or e-mail until January 2007, at the insistence of my publisher (LOL). It has been an uphill battle coming into the 21st century in that aspect of writing. What was your greatest challenge in self-promoting your book?I have been told many times, by people in the industry that poetry is a “hard sell”. I didn’t really know what they meant until I started running up against brick walls in getting reviewers to even consider reviewing the book. So many people told me that they had “no poetry” policies in reviewing books. That was very surprising to me. Of course, I didn’t take no for a final answer and some of those same people who said that they did not review poetry eventually gave in and I received some glowing reviews from them. On top of that, self-published authors can , in many cases, are given so little respect. I have been told, again, by reviewing sources that they did not do self-published books. I have been told by some venues that they didn’t have self-published authors on the roster for even giving a book presentation. Of course, again, I didn’t take no as a final answer. My motto is always: If you can’t get in through the front door, go in through the window. Needless to say, some minds were changed and some policies were broken. What is something readers would be surprised you do?I write so many of my poems in my car. They just seem to come to me there. Maybe, I feel like it is a quiet, sheltered environment. Who is your favorite poet and why?I must says favorite poets. I love Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni. Nikki especially, wrote a lot about southern experiences when she would go to her grandparents’ home and overall her work is so gritty , soul bearing, transparent and in-your- face. As she says in one of my favorite poems… “I am bad”. That explains how I feel about her and her work in general. She is bad!! Maya to me, is just the queen in the poetry world. I equate her as being to the poetry world what Aretha Franklin is to the soul music world. There is just a period behind it. There is almost no explanation necessary in either case. When did you start writing poetry and why?Before I wrote my first poem in February 2007, I did not consider myself a writer or poet at all. I think that my first attempt at writing poetry was maybe trying to write an haiku for an assignment in the sixth grade. In the literary world, I was strictly a spectator ..I just loved to read...not write. What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
1) how to type 2) a real working knowledge of the computer 3) marketing skills How do you reach new readers?I am very active on the computer social networking scene. If you Goggle my name Patricia Neely-Dorsey. It’s unbelievable to see how many social sites I am on, for someone who basically just learned how to get on the computer (LOL). The connections that I have made have been invaluable. I really first came in contact with you through a RAWSISTAZ internet conference. (smile) Opportunities like this, to do interviews on well viewed sites, go a long way in getting the word out about the book to hundreds and thousands of potential readers. I would like to thank you for such a tremendous opportunity. If you could have dinner with 3 authors to talk with about their writing (living or deceased) who would you invite and why?1) Maya Angelou 2) Zora Neal Hurston and 3) Alice Walker. Their lives and work fascinate me. I think that we would have a wonderful time together and I know that I could learn a lot. Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a poet?DO: Believe in yourself, Believe in your dream…Just Believe! DON’T: Be dissuaded by Anything and Anyone Our theme for this month is Family Literacy, what do you do to promote literacy in your family?
Oh my goodness, my family is a family of readers. We have hundreds of books in the house and we are always reading and talking about the things that we have read. It has always been a tradition handed down in my family that on every gift giving occasion, any child in the family will receive a book, along with any other gift that they might receive.. One of the happiest days of my life was when my son, who was six or seven at the time, walked up to me with a book in his hand and said “ I just love to read”. With tears in my eyes, I hugged him tight and told him that he had just made his mother very happy.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?I have poems completed for at least 2 or 3 more books. The next book will basically be a continuation of Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia. Because, the readers seem to be clamoring for that; more of the southern life, feel-good, back-down-memory lane sort of poems . I had at one time considered publishing the more intimate poems next in The Secret Garden of Love, but that one is one the backburner for now. My publisher is encouraging me to do an illustrated children’s book with about 20 age appropriate poems from Reflections. That is something that I am strongly considering at this time. |
POETRY from Reflections of a Mississippi Maganolia |
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Writings from a Mississippi Magnolia -- Mrs. Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Interview: Serenity Woman Magazine
Patricia Neely-Dorsey, author of “Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia”, is a woman of many God-given talents. She is a mother, wife, college graduate, proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and author to name a few. Her first published book, “Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia, is a true celebration of the South and all things Southern. Using childhood memories, personal thoughts, and dreams, she offers a positive glimpse into the “southern” way of life. We were delighted as Mrs. Neely-Dorsey agreed to let us in to her world or writings. We had the honor of speaking to her about her vision and this is what she had to say.
Serenity Woman Magazine: First and foremost we would like to thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to allow Serenity Woman Magazine into your world of writings.
Patricia Neely-Dorsey: Thank you for considering “Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia”—it is truly my pleasure!
SWM: When and why did you begin writing?
PND: I wrote my very first poem February 14th (Valentine's Day) 2007. I woke up early in the morning with a poem swirling around in my head. I quickly got up and scribbled it down. After that day, poems just started flooding out. In a couple of months, I had over 200 poems. My book was published one year later, February 2008 (Grant House).
SWM: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
PND: I never really considered myself a writer, but I thought that I could write well. I never considered myself a poet, but I have always loved poetry. The titles writer/author/poet all came with the publication of my book. I feel very humbled to accept the titles and feel that it has all been "gifted" to me.
SWM: What inspired you to write “Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia?”
PND: I think that the poems were just an overflow of the heart.
A very close friend of mine read the poems that I had written and kept telling me how good the poems were and that I should do something with them. There was a continual encouragement to “get them out there.” That is how “Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia” came to be. I really had no intentions of writing specifically for a book.
SWM: Do you have a specific writing style?
PND: The poems in my book are very simple, straightforward, light, airy, upbeat, feel-good, and sing-songy. There is a lot of nostalgia in my poems.
SWM: How did you come up with the title?
PND: That was very easy. I knew what the title would be almost immediately. Before I even seriously started working on putting a book together, I knew that the name of the collection would be “Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia”. I am from Mississippi and it is very much a part of who I am. The state flower of Mississippi is the Magnolia and women from/in Mississippi are often called Mississippi Magnolias. I am truly a Mississippi Magnolia! As far as the “A Life in Poems” part…that is exactly what it is.
The book is essentially my life in poems. It has been called, among other things, a poetic autobiography.
SWM: Wow, that’s amazing! It doesn’t come that easy for most writers. Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
PND: Absolutely!! There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, I attempt to show a flip side of the coin. I want people to see that there is more to Mississippi and the south than all the negatives that they have heard about. I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. Beyond that, my poems emphasize the importance of and appreciation of family ties, family values, community, culture and heritage.
SWM: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
PND: The book contains my personal life experiences, poems about important people in my life and my personal views of life.
SWM: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
PND: I must say that much of the style of my poetry has been influenced by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, an African -American poet/writer of the early 1900's. My father would recite one of his poems, “When Malindy Sings” to me all of the time from the time that I was a very young girl. I absolutely loved the beat, the sound and the flow of the words. I noticed when comparing my poems to his that I express myself in much the same rhythm. The modern day writer that I would have to give credit to as a mentor would be John Campbell, a close friend of mine, who wrote the book “Daydreaming on My Cottonsack.” He was most instrumental in helping me to get my book published and has continued to guide me all along the way.
SWM: What are your current projects?
PND: Promoting…Promoting…Promoting! I have all of the material ready for at least two more books, but I want to give my first "baby" its proper chance to shine in the literary world.
SWM: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
PND: Oh no, not at all. As I said, the poems were "gifted" to me. I didn't sit down to intentionally write any of them. I just wrote them down as they came to me. As, I wrote in the forward of my book, I really hesitate to call myself a poet. I feel more like a conduit through which the poems flow.
SWM: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
PND: Nothing at all has been hard about the writing. It all comes to me very freely and naturally. The real hard work is in the marketing and promoting. Many people told me that, previously, and I have found it to be very true!
SWM: Do you have to travel much concerning your book?
PND: I try to travel as much as possible to promote the book and message(s) in my book. I especially love to speak in schools across the state encouraging students to be proud of who they are, proud of where they come from and proud of the life they live.
SWM: That is definitely a statement that needs to get out to many people both young and old. We truly have to be proud of who we are, where we came from, and the life that we live. In closing, did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
PND: In writing and reading the poems in my book, I realized how wonderful, positive, rich and fulfilling my life has been thus far. I have been truly blessed in/by the life that God has given me. The last few lines of one of my poems reads:
My life has been so wonderful,
I wouldn't change one condition;
As one friend of mine always says,
I should have paid admission.
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That pretty much sums it up. (Smile)
Interview from Southern Lady blogspot:
1.Tell us a little about YOU.
The paramount characteristic about myself is that I am a southern girl through and through. I think that this affects almost every other area in my life. It affects how I think, how I move , how I breathe and how I have my total being in this world. I have several poems in the book that allude to this fact.
Beyond that, I am from Tupelo Mississippi. I currently live in Tupelo, after living almost 20 yrs in Memphis TN, working in the mental health field. I am married to a wonderful southern man named James .
We have one son, Henry, age 10.
I consider myself a very late bloomer as far as poetry writing is concerned.
I wrote my very first poem Febraury 14th 2007 at the age of 43.
My book was published one year later in February 2008.
2. What are some the the people, places or things that inspires you to write a poem?
Oh my goodness, My love for the south and my life in the south is and was the total inspiration for this book and my poems. That ,of course, entails so many elements such as food, family, friendships ect.
The beauty all around in the south is almost indescribable , the people/relationships are beyond compare and the food is ..well..you know (LOL)...
We are all about the food and we use any excuse to eat.
As you found and readers will find, I have a lot of poems that talk about food.(LOL)..not just any food, though..Southern food!
The cooks in the south and dishes that they make are untouchable as far as I am concerned. There is nothing like it ....anywhere!
Of course, there are a WHOLE LOT of wannabes! (LOL)
I call it undercover Southern (LOL)
Southern "stuff" is just at the top of my list of everything!
Someone once said, there are so many good writers in and from the south because we don't have to make anything up...so true so true!
My book is a celebration of the south and things southern.
3. How did you come up with the title Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia?
That was a very simple decision.
I really already had that name for my collection of poems, even before I had any idea that that I would have a published book.
I am from Mississippi. Mississippi women are often called Mississippi Magnolias. I am a Mississippi Magnolia. The book is compiled of mostly my reflections and remembrances of childhood. Thus, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia was the natural choice.
4. What do you want the readers to learn from this book?
I hope that readers will recognize and appreciate all of the wonderful things that the south has to offer.
There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. I want to show a flip side of the coin. In the book,I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life.
I hope that readers outside of the south, especially, will see that there is much to love about the southern way of life.
We southerners already know. I just want to bring it all back to mind...help us to "reflect " on it , if you will. (smile)
5. What have you learned from this whole experience?
I have learned how much all southerners are really alike deep down. We all kind of remember and appreciate the same things.
We all have had, basically, many of the same experiences.
There is a strong common thread that runs among us.
As far as the book business is concerned, or the "business of books", as I call it, I have learned that the easy part is the writing. The real work is in the marketing and promoting. I am really working hard to get the word out about my "little book of southern poems." I appreciate so much that you helping me to do that here on your blog.
6. Is there any more books or poetry books that you are writing or will be writing?
Yes, I have two more books that are bascially finished and ready to publish when the time is right. One is more mostly southern
remembrances and the other is mostly very intimate love poems,
The Secret Garden of Love..in poems.
My publisher is also encouraging me to do an illustrated children's book using age appropriate poems from Reflections.
Everyone seems to think that this is a great idea.
7. Have you ever thought about writing a poetry books about other Southern states?
Well, the book is called Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia because thats me..that's where I am from but it really is about all of the south.
8. Is there anything I haven't ask or mentioned that you want to share with us?
I just want to say that this book has something for all ages and all parts of the country. It is not a book just for southerners.
I am always posing the question to people if they think that "a little book of southern poems" can have widespread mass appeal.
I think that it can and I hope that this will be the case with Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia. I got an e-mail right before Christmas from a woman who is from Paris, France who bought the book and loved it. She said that the country living poems, especially, brought back some of the best memories of her life when she would go visit her aunt's farm in the country as a child.
That blew me away!
I hope that your readers will help to give "my baby" it's spot in the literary world and give it a chance to shine, while helping all of us southerners and the place that we hold so dear a chance to shine along with it.
INTERVIEWED BY:
The Mississippi Magnolia
The deep south resplendent with aromatic euphoria associated with delicious food, fine hospitality, comforts beyond imagination, and -- Mississippi! Much maligned and ever so magnificent, this state is a bucolic jewel indicative of its state flower, so majestic and matronly. It's on display along with another symbolic treasure -- Patricia Neely-Dorsey who is on a journey of love and admiration for her home state to dispel the notion of stigmatized misinterpretation that usually depicts it. Now comes reflections from this talented Poetess with much articulation and a sassy way of showing it. She's rapidly making a name for herself, albeit with several interviews already under her belt. This being next in line is yet another intrusive look at what Mississippi has given us! I caught up with this remarkable young woman along this journey as she opened the door a bit to facilitate my entrance. Here is what she had to reflect upon about all things Mississippi, magnolias and more:
ACR: Give us an idea who the REAL Patricia Neely-Dorsey is...why do you feel people should buy your poetry?
PND: I am a multi-faceted and many layered woman! In my book I uncover and and peel away at some of those layers for myself and others to examine. I think that readers will begin to connect with things within themselves as they are reminded of their own life circumstances that may coincide with mine. I remember one woman writing me saying that my poems connected her to some of the best times of her life. She went on to say that it just doesn't get any better than that! What more can you ask for in a book (or anything else) than something that gets you more in touch with who you are, and helps you to explore and appreciate some of the simple pleasures that have been pushed back in the darker corners of your mind. What a wonderful thing it is to be reminded of the beauty of life. Generally speaking, Reflections Of A Mississippi Magnolia does that.
ACR: When did the idea hit home that you were a poetess...was it difficult starting the process?
PND: In the Foreword of my book, I say that I hesitate to call myself a 'poet' because of the way the poems were "gifted" to me. It was not hard at all to begin the process of writing poems because it was not something I tried to do or worked at in the beginning. All of my initial poems from Reflections Of A Mississippi Magnolia were poems that just started to flow out of me with no real forethought on my part. Over time though, I've become comfortable with the title because it is what I do. There's more conscious effort and just another part of who I am.
ACR: Why did you decide to write poems as opposed to other forms of writing?
PND: I've said countless times that I really didn't choose the genre nor venues to express myself in it - poetry chose me! I think that I had a lot of things within me that I wanted to have released to share...and they all came out in poetic form in a natural way.
ACR: How do you approach writing poetry as a whole...what comes first, the title or content?
PND: My poems are basically inspired by a memory or thoughts of some life event. I might be talking to a friend about something, or riding along and see an incredibly beautiful scene that jolts something inside of me. The poems then begin to form themselves and take a life of its own. I have a habit of telling people that my poetry come to me in many ways complete and fully packaged title and all. When I sit down to write, more often than not the content comes and then the title pops up as a sort of punctuation and icing on the cake. I must say that my titles really amuse me!
ACR: Let's talk about your latest claim to fame...how did it actually come about, why focus on Mississippi and what was the journey like form idea to shelf?
PND: Believe me, I had no desire or intentions of writing a book. I woke up on Valentine's Day 2007 with a poem swirling around in my head. I quickly got up and scribbled it down. After that, many more oems started to take shape, and flowed over a period of time. They became a source of personal entertainment and inspiration. When I started sharing them I constantly were told that I should do something with them. That encouragement led me down the road toward publication and as a result the book was published a year from the date that I wrote my first poem.
ACR: Do you have a specific approach for creating a model for a poem or coming up with a sense of style for your poems?
PND: As I write more, I am slowly learning the 'craft' of writing poetry. I didn't consciously use any elements of technically crafting or developing any of the poems in Reflections Of A Mississippi Magnolia in the true sense of it. The word that I repeatedly use concerning the poems therein is that they were a gift to me 'beautifully packaged', title and all. It's like they were gift-wrapped with a nice bow on top and laid at my front door! I say that to say that there's no specific approach or technique use on my part in getting the poems to the page. Even now, when I read some of the poems it's like opening a wonderful package not knowing what to expect. I'm still absolutely delighted with them, especially when people comment about how much I seem to enjoy interpreting them during readings and presentations. I feel myself smiling a lot when I read because telling the story about how the poems and book came to be seems more unbelievable to me. The STORY of the book is really a book in itself!
ACR: What have you learned about the writing of poetry and pulling deep within to feel warranted to write?
PND: I think that every person has a unique voice in the world. So much so that their story is different and need to be told. I have found that there is great value in sharing one's story. With it there is a true connection with self and with others that can be found in exploring the elements that make up a life story and the things that lie within. I'm learning so much about myself by reading and writing poems. There's something therapeutic and freeing in self-examination through creative insight. As a result of writing in poetic form I've found out so much about the lives of other folk as we compare and share life experiences. The expression of my inner self has opened up a whole new world that I'm just beginning to scratch the surface. I feel that there's so much more for me to share.
ACR: What's in store for you next, and what would you do differently now that you've published a book of your poetry?
PND: There is much more to come! My publisher is encouraging me to write a children's book of poems. I think that will be in the very near future for sure. There also will be another book of Southern-life poetry, and then a book of more intimate poems dealing with sensuality. I've already titled it -- 'The Secret Garden Of Love In Poems' . As far as doing things differently, I honestly feel that I probably wouldn't change a thing. Things are as they should be. I let all of the poems come as they do with them having my unique 'feel' and brand to them. I definitely want to continue learning more about the business of this business -- the marketing and promotional aspects of the industry. That, I feel is the REAL work!
I am excited to have had the opportunity to chat with another poet and and fellow Author Patricia Neely-Dorsey. Please enjoy our engaging conversation below.
Richardson: Hi Patricia! Thank you for talking with me. Please tell readers about yourself.
Dorsey:I am a 1982 graduate of Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi. I received a Bachelor Arts degree in Psychology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. I currently live in Tupelo with my husband, James: son, Henry, age 10 and Miniature Schnauzer, Happy. Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is my first book. I consider myself a late bloomer, as far as this literary thing goes. (smile) I wrote my very first poem February 14, 2007 at the age of 43!
Richardson: Wow, what an inspiration you are! Patricia, could you please tell readers about your inspirational book of poetry Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia?
Dorsey: Reflections is "a 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.
Richardson: Writing is not for the faint at heart. I tell that every where I go. Not to discourage but to encourage. I believed that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. How did you/do deal with rejection?
Dorsey: I have been really blessed to have received overwhelmingly positive responses of the book ,overall. Fortunately,I don't have too many rejection stories to share (smile) However, poetry is a very "hard-sell " in the industry and you do have to have a tough skin to deal with all of the brick walls that are often put up before you can even get in the door. It's amazing how hard it is ,in many cases ,to get reviewers to even consider reviewing a book of poetry...What's the deal??(LOL)
Richardson: I am an avid fan of poetry. It was poetry that help galvanize me into my destiny of writing. Poetry greats such as Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes,and Paul Laurence Dunbar only to name a few. All had to over come rejections and set backs in their lives as writers and authors. Their lives and written works are great inspiration to many. Patricia, do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Dorsey: In general, I always give advice to writers, artists and anyone who has anything to share with the world. ..Believe in your work..Believe in what you are doing..Don't take no as a final answer..Keep Knocking...Never Give up!!
If you can't get in through the door..go through the window.
Patricia's P-Attitudes are:
Patience.... Persistence ....Perseverance ....Positivity (Is that a word??) (LOL)
Richardson: Yes, it is certainly a word of ACTION. I love the P-Attitudes, and I am going to avail myself to them from time to time. lol. Do have any forthcoming projects readers should be made aware of?
Dorsey: My publisher is encouraging me to do an illustrated children's version of Reflections with the age appropriate poems . So, that is in the works.
I also plan to publish a book of some of my love poems entitled The Secret Garden of Love
Richardson: Patricia, thank you so very much for taking the time out to chat with me. Please continue to inspire as you aspire!
Dorsey: Thank you so much for letting me share with you and your readers about my "little book of southern poems." More information about me and the book can be found on my website at :www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com
PPatricia visits my blog and since she donated her book to my giveaway (wasn't that sweet of her?!!), I wanted you all to get to know her and anticipate winning her book!
How long have you been writing?
"I wrote my very first poem Feb 14, 2007. I woke up out of my sleep with a poem swirling around in my head. I quickly got up and scribbled it down. After that day, poems just started to flow and flow."
What do you find to be the greatest reward in seeing your book published?
"I mentioned in one of my poems what a wonderful feeling it is to see my words in print, but the most rewarding part of having the published book is the wonderful feedback that I get from readers about the personal connections they make with the book/poems. I am often told that the book brings back to them beautiful childhood memories that they had virtually forgotten or had tucked away, very far back in their minds."
What do you find to be the hardest part of writing?
"The poetry writing to me comes very naturally . I would say that is the easy part. The real work to me in "the business of books" is marketing and promoting. It takes a constant 24/7 effort to really get the name out there."
What motivates you?
"My book is meant to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. I am constantly motivated and inspired by the beautiful aspects of the southern way of life...the beautiful landscape and scenery, the wonderful relationships and family ties, etc. I am motivated to continue in what I do by the overwhelmingly positive response that I have received and continue to receive from my poems."
What atmosphere do you find most conducive to writing?
"That's funny..Unbelievably, I have written over 50% of all of my poems in my car! (LOL)" "I call my car my personal think tank (LOL)"
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting a book?
"Make lots of contacts and connections with people who do what you do or aspire to do. Ask lots of questions.. Do lots of research on the business side of it all. Join writers and book groups on the social networking sites. Shadow an author that you admire. Take note of their work (ie: how they market and promote their their book, what venues and events they attend.) Join a local writer's group for support and resources. Most importantly, believe in what you do."
Where do you get the ideas for your poetry?
"I get most of my ideas from the everyday things around. Eudora Welty said "Write about what you know". This is what I do."
What are you hobbies other than writing?
"I love to read..everything!"
"BOOK AVAILABLE: www.reeds.ms/books.asp or Amazon.com"
http://theredheadriter.blogspot.com/2009/10/someone-said-prizes-giveaway.html
Ahhhh...you stretch back submersed in warm bubbles and illuminated in the flickering glow of the candle flames and open your book entitled Reflections of A Mississippi Magnolia by Patricia Neely-Dorsey reading until every muscle is totally relaxed...
SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN" IS EASY... 
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