Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Press Kit Index
About the Author
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About the Book
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What Readers Are Saying
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Suggested Interview Questions
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Discussion Questions
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Contact the Author
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Book Postcard
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Author Photo
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Book Cover
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Patricia Neely-Dorsey
About the Author
Patricia Neely-Dorsey is a 1982 graduate of
Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi.
She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in
Psychology from Boston University in Boston,
Massachusetts. After living for almost 20 years in
Memphis, Tennessee, working in the mental health
field, she returned to her hometown in
August 2007. Her first book of poetry was
published in February, 2008 (Grant House
Publishers).
Patricia currently lives in Tupelo with her husband
James, son Henry, and Miniature Schnauzer,
Happy. She is a proud, active member of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an avid reader and passionate writer. Patricia says that
she has always considered herself a "Goodwill Ambassador" for Mississippi and the
south.
Patricia believes that we can bridge many gaps of misunderstanding across
regional, racial, cultural, generational and economic lines by simply telling/sharing
our stories. The author hopes, through her writings, to have an intimate
conversation with readers about the south... giving an up-close and personal view
of the southern way of life.
Using poetic storytelling, she seeks to not only, entertain, but also, educate and
enlighten, while helping to preserve the beautiful, rich southern culture, history
and heritage that she knows, along with promoting and fostering an appreciation
and understanding of the importance of cultural diversity, individuality, self
expression and regional pride.
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia has been called a poetic autobiography and a
poetic love letter to the south. The author agrees with both.
Visit Patricia online at www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com.
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Patricia Neely-Dorsey
About the Book
Patricia Neely Dorsey's Reflections of a Mississippi
Magnolia-A Life in Poems is "a true celebration of the
south and things southern." The author states, "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."
Southern Life
ISBN-10: 097962942X
ISBN-13: 978-0979629426
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.
Find online at:
www.Amazon.com
Autographed copies are available from:
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Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poem
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Reed's Gumtree Bookstore
and The Village Green
Bookstore in Tupelo, MS
Main Street Books in
Hattiesburg, MS
BOOKS Bookstore in
Grenada, MS
Main Street Post Office
Museum in Pontotoc, MS
SAGE Coffee and Books in
Meridian, MS
Oren Dunn City Museum in
Tupelo, MS
Union County Heritage
Museum in New Albany, MS
The Bookmart
Starkville, MS
Lemuria Bookstore
Jackson, MS
Patricia Neely-Dorsey
What Readers Are Saying …
In Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia: A Life in
Poems, Patricia Neely-Dorsey has written, in poetic form, a
kind of primer on southern life, manners, and customs.
Rick Torgerson, Delta State University, Book Reviewer,
Mississippi Library Association
With Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia, Patricia NeelyDorsey gives the world a book that is part biography, part
rhymes, part imagination but all Mississippi!
Joey Pinkney, Joey Pinkney Reviews, Raleigh,NC
To live in Mississippi and not own this book is a shame!
Maggie Moran, Public Services and Reference Librarian,
Northwest CC, Senatobia, MS
Your poetry genuinely uplifts our state better than anything
I have ever read.
Ralph Gordon, President, Mississippi Writers Guild, Meridian, Mississippi
This is one of the best books of historical poetry that I have read.
Agnes Levine, Baltimore, Maryland, author/publisher
Patricia has a great eye and an ear for the south and the images that make it unique. I plan
to use some of her quick rhymes when working with children in Mississippi schools.
Heather Truett, Poet/Creative Writing Instructor, Tupelo,Mississippi
I was enthralled by your use of verse in a seamless and synchronized manner...I likened
your words in print to an orchestrated symphony of instruments working in harmony to
produce a melodious sound.
Dr. Morris R. Stanton, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Natchez, MS
Your poems are quite peaceful and soothing. They take you back to childhood, first loves
and sunsets. Love it!
Felicia Myrick-Samuels, Jacksonville, FL
They (your poems) are beautiful in their simple language and easy flow. I'm a NY-er
through and through, only having lived in FL for 5 years, but even I can relate to your
poems.
Patricia Woodside, Author
BEAUTIFUL!! I hear a simple passion in your writings that connects us to the things we take
for granted every day.
Debra Harris, Tuscaloosa,AL
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Patricia Neely-Dorsey
I hear a strong voice of the South speaking clearly through the poems --- and
have been delighted to hear that voice "talking." Your words take me back to the hills of
Monroe County to a time and place long gone --- thanks for letting me visit again.
Terry Thornton, Hill Country of Monroe County
Uplifting does not describe what your body of work is… Everyone should feed their soul with
your soothing words....
Antthony Mark Hankins, Los Angeles, CA, Designer, HSN
I always tell my students that there is not a right or wrong way to write poetry, but any
poem that has the power to bring tears to my eyes is a good poem, in my opinion. It is
about the power of emotion more than the way words are strung together. “If Mississippi Is
In You" and "Mississippi Through and Through" both brought tears to my eyes. Each poem
touched me in such a personal way.
Carolyn O'Brien, Owner, BOOKS Bookstore, Grenada, MS, Creative Writing Instructor
Heartwarming, insightful, funny & thought-provoking. Transcends generations, gender and
locale.
Ronald Weathersby, Los Angeles, CA
Ms. Dorsey has taken her knowledge of the South and put in a book of poetry which sings.
Yvonne Mason, Author, Port St. Lucie, FL
Mrs. Dorsey's passion for life, love, and the South come shining through in this collection.
Ran Walker, Hampton University, Hampton Roads, VA
Patricia Neely-Dorsey is a Poet of that fair Southern spirit, but she is also leagues with poets
like Robert Frost, or Elizabeth Bishop, who wrote in that seemingly simple read, yet
addressed universally and infinitely one's soul. A book of poetry that one can contemplate
upon, consider in every aspect of a life in any city, country of world.
Lydia Nolan, International Books Cafe
Like the lovely flower on its cover, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is beautiful in
its simplicity. These wonderful poems tell the story of a woman supremely comfortable in
her own Southern world, a place of beauty and grace, honor and tradition, where family is
everything. It is a warm hearted look at the nuances of a culture that is slowly slipping
away and should be embraced and treasured before it, too, is gone with the wind.
Ann B. Keller, Author, Cleveland, OH
This book is pure delight! It really is some of the finest southern poetry I've read! Patricia
Neely-Dorsey knows southern, she knows poetry and she knows emotion.
Carol Murdock, The Writer's Porch, Hattiesburg MS
It has been a while since I have read a modern poetry book that has stirred as many
emotions and memories as Patricia Neely-Dorsey's.
Jeanette Singley, Contributing Writer/Book Reviewer, Bella Online, Cincinnati, OH
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Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Suggested Interview Questions
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Patricia Neely-Dorsey. I am from Tupelo,
Mississippi. I am a 1982 graduate of Tupelo High
School. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from Boston University in Boston,
Massachusetts. I lived in Memphis, Tennessee for
almost 20 years, working in the mental health field,
before returning to my hometown in August 2007. I
have been married for almost sixteen years to James
Dorsey and we have one child, Henry.
When did you begin to realize you liked to write?
The poetry writing was really a surprise to me. I have always liked to write all kinds
of things but never for any particular purpose and certainly never with a book in
mind.
I woke up on Valentine’s Day 2007 with this poem swirling around in my head. I
got up and quickly scribbled it down. After that day, many more poems followed.
A friend was very instrumental in encouraging me to "get them out there".
In February 2008, my book, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia, was
published.
How long did it take you to write your poetry?
I always tell people that it probably takes only about 5 or 10 minutes for me to
write a poem, maybe 15 minutes for the longer ones because the poems come fully
in my head and I just write them down. Believe it are not, I would say at least 75%
of the poems have come to me in my car. I call it my own personal "think tank"
(smile)
How did you come up with the title of your book, Reflections of a
Mississippi Magnolia?
That was a natural choice for me. The book is basically reflections on my childhood
and my life in general. I am from Mississippi and the state flower is the Magnolia.
Women in Mississippi are often referred to as Mississippi Magnolias. So,
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia just felt/sounded right to me. I had named
the collection of poems long before there was any thought of a book.
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Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Tell us about your book.
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia 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
my childhood memories, personal thoughts and
dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the
southern way of life. The book is very upbeat, playful,
humorous, at times, uplifting and syrupy sweet.
(smile)
What do you hope readers will learn/discover
from reading Reflections of a Mississippi
Magnolia?
There is MUCH more to Mississippi and the south than
all of the negatives that are most typically portrayed.
What was your greatest challenge in selfpromoting your book?
I have been told many times, by people in the industry that a book of poetry is a
very “hard sell” and is so often seen as the step-child.
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
Using your own experience as a guide, what advice would you give others
who are thinking of birthing their own literary work?
I always emphasize what I call Patricia’s P-Attitudes. 1) Positivity-be positive,
believe in yourself and your book, 2) Persistence-Be relentless. Never take “NO” as
a final answer. Keep knocking. If you can’t get in through the door, go in through
the window. 3) Perseverance-Never give up 4) Patience. Hold on. Hold tight.
Sometimes, the answer or outcome that you seek might take a minute (days,
weeks or months) but keep the faith. It will come.
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Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Discussion Questions
Common themes in Southern literature
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
"The South-Where roots, place, family and tradition are the essence of identity." Carl N. Deglar, Social Historian
THE PAST
-Southern literature, is often, seemingly "obsessed" with the past. Faulkner spoke
for all of us when he said, “The past isn’t dead, it’s not even past.”
RACIAL RELATIONS
- Southern literature is almost always concerned with racial relationships. Even
when race is not the focus of the story, details will emerge that touch on racial
relationships
LANGUAGE, DIALECT
- Southern literature is concerned with language—dialect, idioms, names,
nicknames.
LAND/PLACE/SETTING
"The black Southerner and the white Southerner are locked to the land...it clings to
us like the moss on the trees "- Maya Angelou
-Southern literature concerns itself with the land itself. It can often assume the
role of a character. As Eudora Welty pointed out, setting in a Southern story is
never a “minor god.” The land yields up everything to the story: the characters,
the conflicts, the themes.
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How are these elements carried out in Reflections of a Mississippi
Magnolia?
Discuss the role that FAMILY AND COMMUNITY play in Neely- Dorsey's
poetry.
Discuss the role that the PAST plays in Neely-Dorsey's poetry.
How are the elements of RACE/RACIAL RELATIONS introduced/handled in
Neely-Dorsey's poetry?
What is the tone in which they are handled?
Discuss the use of DIALECT in one or more of Neely Dorsey's poems.
Discuss the role that LAND/PLACE/SETTING play in Neely-Dorsey's poetry.
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Patricia Neely-Dorsey
Overall Considerations/Discussions for any poem or poems in the
collection:
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Does the poem imply a story of some sort?
What is the beginning, middle and end?
What was your response to the poem at first reading?
Were there any parts that especially pleased, displeased or puzzled you?
Does the writer reveal her personality, culture, values in the poem?
In what instances? Give examples.
Note the images in the poem. How do they add up to one complete picture?
Is there a poem that you find especially funny, memorable or inspiring?
Is there a poem that led you to revisit personal childhood memories or see
them in a new light?
Is there a poem that helped to you see Mississippi/ the South in a new light?
More discussion
A LIFE IN POEMS
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Which foods did the author remember from her childhood?
What does she recall about religion/spiritual experiences?
What special gatherings did she experience?
What types of jobs did the adults in her life hold?
What were her hobbies or interests?
Where might she have enjoyed spending time?
What notable event does the author recalled?
How do these poems illustrate the authors culture?
Readers' Personal Childhood Reflections
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Special foods
Sayings adults repeated
Religious/spiritual experiences
Special gatherings
Favorite places to be / go
Notable Events (Tragedies/Celebrations/Ceremonies)
Hobbies/Interests
Jobs of parents/guardians/family members
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Contact the Author
EMAIL
[email protected]
MAILING ADDRESS
Patricia Neely-Dorsey
1196 CR 681
Saltillo, MS 38866
PHONE NUMBER
(901) 848-6800 (cell)
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