Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia

Marketing/Promoting your Book of Poetry

2010-10-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

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 are , in many cases, 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 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.

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.

I have found , that the real 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”. With a poetry book, a writer has to be extra diligent in promoting. People generally do not just decide to go into a bookstore and buy a book of poetry. It's usually not on their list when they go to select reading material.

People love to hear poetry and, perhaps , enjoy reading it when they run across it in a favorite magazine, but for them to go into a store specifically to purchase a book of poetry is rare. As a writer of a poetry book, it would be your job to help create that desire for what you offer. Help the reader to see how what you offer will enhance their lives in some way , strike an emotional cord or be of value to them. You must be able to relay some strong message or messages that the reader can really relate to. Poetry is all about that emotional draw. It must touch the reader deeply in some way. Before they can be touched , they have to open that book! your job is to find the way to lead them to what you know will be a rewarding experience.

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. believe in what you uniquely have to share with the world.

LETTER TO GOVERNOR BARBOUR

2010-07-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine here on Facebook recently forwarded a beautiful letter that she wrote to Governor Barbour suggesting that I should be recognized as an official Ambassador for the State of Mississippi. I am truly humbled and deeply touched.
Just wanted to share the letter with my Celebrate the South family!

Dear Governor Barbour,

Enclosed you will find a wonderful little volume of poetry by Patricia Neely-Dorsey. Although small in size, this book is very large in it's expression of the south and particularly Mississippi.

Ms. Dorsey's book, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is an important work in many ways. First, she dispels all the stereotypes that have unfortunately defined the southern region in the eyes of our nation. Secondly, the poems cross gender, race and age. In a recent review I made the comparison between Ms. Dorsey and myself as “a tall regal black woman and a short dumpy white woman” standing together and seeing the same things. The poetry contained in “Reflections” indeed reflects the common bond we all have as Mississippians and as southerners.

Most importantly, this marvelous volume could be, and in my opinion should be used as a teaching tool included in the curriculum for the schools of this state. Children would learn to appreciate their heritage to it's fullest. Not only would there be more of an awareness and conception of the lives of their recent ancestry, but an idea as to what we remember as a less complex way of life. They would attain “new eyes” in order to grasp, have gratitude and pride in their southern culture.

Patricia Neely-Dorsey has forged through the unfounded supposition and opinion of how the rest of the country perceives the state of Mississippi. She is a true ambassador of her heritage. It is my most sincere wish that you will consider Patricia Neely-Dorsey as an Ambassador for the State of Mississippi. I honestly don't feel anyone could possibly surpass the understanding and the passion she has for this great state!

Warmest regards,

Olivia Wright King

Heart of Dixie ChapterPulpwood Queens

PATRICIA NEELY-DORSEY
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
" a celebration of the south and things southern"
"Meet Mississippi Through Poetry, Prose and The Written Word"
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

THE NEW YEAR

2010-01-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

The New Year
The new year is often a time for reflections, evaluations and assessments.
But, mostly it is a time of goal setting and forging ahead.
One essential element of proceeding into the New Year with a positive attitude, positive aspirations and positive expectations is a positive self esteem. Unfortunately, it seems that many of the ills of our society are rooted and grounded in poor self esteem issues. Sadly, too, this problem
with self esteem seems to be running rampant among our youth.
Now is the time for each of us to take stock and consider all of the wonderful qualities that we possess and all that we have to offer the world.
Each one of us has very unique characteristics, talents , abilities, attributes and gifts. We should all learn to appreciate the one- of - a -kind, unique beings that we are inside and out and the special place that we take up in the world. There is not now, never has been and never will be another who is exactly like you.
This year, I challenge you to develop all of your natural resources and use them to make a positive difference in your world and the world around you. As we go forward into this New Year, each one of us should make this one resolve: "I Will Be The Best Me I Can Be".

I'm not eveyone's cup of tea, but I won't apologize for
being me"

'I am not a convenience store. I am a boutique. I don't have what everybody's looking for but I do offer something rare and unique.' ~inspired by J. Bryant

"Nobody can make you feel inferior, without your consent". Eleanor Roosevelt

NOVEMBER is "Thanksgiving" Month

2009-11-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

The Thanksgiving Holiday is a perfect time for each of us to reflect on all of the things we have to be thankful for and to count our many blessings.
This Thanksgiving we should all express our "Thanksgiving" sentiments to friends and loved ones..and most importantly to THE ONE from whom all blessings flow.

REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA
When I look back on my life,
I think how wonderful it has been;
To have had the most wonderful parents of all,
And a host of wonderful friends.
My high school days were blissful,
And my college days so fun;
Fond memories are one thing for sure,
That I have by the ton.
I'm so glad that I grew up,
On Mississippi sod,
My t-shirt reads: "American by birth,
And southern by the grace of God."
My life has been so wonderful,
I wouldn't change one condition;
As one friend of mine always says,
I should have paid admission.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

OCTOBER is Family History Month

2009-10-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW:
October is
FAMILY HISTORY MONTH
Share Yours!!!
I challenge each reader, to find out more about the rich personal histories within your own individual families..delve into the often hidden treasures held within your family stories.

ONE ROOM SCHOOL
My mother told me stories,
Of the one room school;
Where all the grades were taught together,
As they went by the same rules.
To this school is where she would go,
With other children from all around;
Traveling there in rain, sleet or snow,
These children could be found.
Each grade had their own lessons,
That they were all to learn;
While keeping warm by an old black stove,
That in the corner burned.
My mother had high praises
For the teacher who taught them there,
Because, it was her own dear mother,
Who gave them special care.
My mother said that in this place,
She learned so very much;
Like arithmmetic and writing,
Basic reading skills and such.
I love to hear these stories,
Over and over again,
For passing them on down the line,
Our legacy never ends.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This poem comes from one of the many "family stories" that my mother has repeated to me over the years. She was the beneficiary of very early "early childhood education" She says that her mother was the teacher at a one room school outside of Mantee, MS. Her mother (my grandmother- Julia Clay Kilgore) would take her younger pre- school age children to work (school) with her, where they were exposed to all of the lessons and conversations of the older children. My mother says that she was very young at this time
(3 and 4 yrs old). She says that she remembers her father (my grandfather-Alton Odessa Kigore) dropping her Mom and the kids off at the school in his car and going on to his one room school in Woodland, MS where he was the teacher/principal. When she was five years old, the family moved to West Point,MS and she attended M.I. College( Ministirial Institute and College) grade school program from
grades 1-4. She then attended Mary Holmes College School from fifth grade thru two years of college. She married my Dad and then went on to graduate from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degreein Elementary Education.

SEPTEMBER-Read a New Book Month

2009-10-05T06:36:00.001-07:00

DID YOU KNOW: September is Read a New Book Month (yes, seriously)!!!

The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.
Mark Twain

BOOKWORM
Reading is fundamental,
That's what they always say;
Without it, I couldn't even imagine,
Wanting to start the day.
My mother's love of reading,
Was passed down straight to me;
And wherever it is that I am,
Some book with me, you'll see.
In my purse, under my arm,
Or maybe in my car;
I'm not so sure where the book would be,
But it couldn't be very far.
My mother says she remembers,
Books and papers 'round her mother's bed;
Where she would spend the whaole long day,
With knowledge being fed.
I love to read all kinds of things,
I never get enough;
I quess, I could love without my books,
But, boy, it would be tough.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

AUGUST: National Catfish Month (Yes, Really!!!)

2009-08-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

August is: NATIONAL CATFISH MONTH

DID YOU KNOW:
*Farm- raised catfish is the largest aquaculture industry in the United
States.
*Arkansas, in 1963, was the first state to produce farm-raised catfish on a commercial level amd Mississippi was not far behind when it began its production in 1965.
*After 1970, rapid expansion of catfish production in the Mississippi Delta occurred, and Mississippi has led the catfish industry ever since.
*Today, more freshwater aquaculture is found in the Mississippi Delta than in any other region of the United States.
*Mississippi State University was the first institute to study the nutritional requirements of catfish.
*Fried catfish remains a favorite in Southern cuisine.

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 tht'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

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

JULY-Family Reunion Month

2009-07-01T08:32:00.001-07:00

JULY is traditionally Family Reunion Month with family gathering taking place all ove the country..especially during 4th of July weekend.
Let us take the time to reflect on, appreciate, cherish and celebrate the "gift" of family.

The Family Tree

We are a glorious tree
With beautiful branches outstretched,
Reaching toward the heavens;
Offering our various gifts
And fruits of our labor.
We share common roots,
That run deep in ancestral soil;
Nurtured by
Common purpose,
Faith, heritage and hope.
We hear the whispers and shouts
Of those gone before.
We hear the voices
Of that great cloud of witnesses,
Ever urging, prodding, coaxing ;
Giving meaning to our race,
Shedding light on our pathways
We carry a certain knowledge
Deep within us
Embedded within our very bones
And marrow;
Encoded in the blood,
That runs between us
Among us and through us;
Carrying a sacred message
Imparted across generations.
We stand united,
Singing praises
To the One
Who made us,
Gathered us,
And bound us
Into a
Strong,
Proud,
Distinctive
Family Tree

Patricia Neely-Dorsey 2009

www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

JUNE- Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Father's Day this year- June 21, 2009

DID YOU KNOW: In the USA, UK and Canada, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, since being made a national holiday in 1966.

This month's blog is dedicated to my father
Dr. James H. Neely
who was a practicing physician in the Tupelo/Lee County area for almost 35 yrs and still remains the best "daddy" ever.

COUNTRY DOCTOR
My Dad was a country doctor,
And I have such memories galore;
I even remember the house calls,
As he literally traveled 'round door to door.
Sometimes, on Saturday mornings,
When I was just a young thing;
My daddy would let me go with him,
As he did all his doctoring.
He'd have his black bag in one hand,
And his stethescope wrapped 'round his neck;
He was most definitely the captain,
And I was his first man on deck.
We traveled way deep in the country,
And there were always such sites to see;
Believe you me, I noticed them all,
Down to the last bumblebee.
I'd always meet really kind people,
As I stayed by my daddy's side;
He'd always give my introduction,
As he stood there beaming with pride.
Many of the people had no indoor plumbing,
And most of them were all very poor;
So my daddy would let patient's pay him,
With whatever it was they'd procure.
Sometimes, he took brown eggs or slab bacon,
Fresh vegetables, hams and the like;
All of this was so amazing to see,
For me as such a young tike.
The old women, he'd always call "young lady",
But old and young all addressed him as sir;
We'd make so many stops on our journey,
I'm quite suprised that it's not all a blur.
I remember learning about all these people,
And all of the crops that they grew.
Each time, I'd learn something different,
Each time, I'd learn something quite new.
My eyes would grow wide with excitement,
As I saw all the animals and stock;
We'd see so much beautiful scenery,
As we'd drive to the next door to knock.
My dad had such a busy schedule,
I can't imagine how he got it all done;
All I remember is I loved tagging along,
And all I remember is fun.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

author's note: Dr. James H. Neely received his Bachelor's degree in 1955 from Kentucky State University, formerly Kentucky State College with a major in chemistry and a minor in math and French.
He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in 1960.

MAY- Mother's Day Celebrations

2009-05-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

MOTHER'S DAY - May 10, 2009 DID YOU KNOW: On May 8,1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as National Mother's Day, emphasizing the role of women in families.
THANKS MOM(S)
A special thanks goes to every mother,
From every daughter and son;
Remembering and appreciating you,
For all the things you've done.
You've supported and encouraged us,
To dream and reach so far;
You've always helped us to believe, That we could reach that farthest star.
We thank you for protecting us,
From our ownselves,sometimes, it's true;
And always being there to give wise counsel,
As just a small part of all you do.
Thank you mothers for blessing us,
With a love strong, fast and true;
There could never be words in all the word,
To express what's owed to you.
Patricia Neely-Dorsey
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!
Patricia Neely-Dorsey is the author of
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems
website:www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

Interview with Inspiration Station

2009-04-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of being interviewed today on Inspiration Station. This online radio show is the place where leaders, artists, writers, and speakers come to inspire.

Sho Nuf Angie Online Radio Show - My Interview

2009-04-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

Listen to my interview with Angela Abraham on her show, Sho Nuf Angie. Sho Nuf Angie is an internet blog talk show just between the girls. The conversations are relevant for today's busy woman.

Welcome to the Celebrate the South Blog Tour

2009-04-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

Thank you so much for sharing with me in a "Celebration of the South"through Poetry, Prose and The Written Word. I think that you are in for a real treat!

Over the next week, April 5-11, we will explore poems from my book, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia- A Life in Poems.

There will ,also, be interviews, reviews and blogs that will offer new insights at every turn.

It is my sincere hope that those who live in the south will find a renewed appreciation for the wonderful beauty that surrounds us everyday.

For those outside of the south, I would like to give a more positive glimpse into the southern way of life. I know that we will ALL be reminded of the simpler pleasures of life.

As we travel down the country roads of childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I am sure that you will (almost) be able to smell those fragrant magnolia blossoms, taste that syrupy sweet tea, hear the birds singing in the blossoming dogwood trees, and see the steam rising from that pan of hot cornbread.

You are about to embark upon a journey that is sure to excite your senses and warm your heart.

Thank you Again, for accompanying me , while I share with you, as the last line of one of my poems proclaims, "a way of life that I adore."

-- Patricia

Celebrate the South Blog Tour

2009-04-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Tour for poet, Patricia Neely-Dorsey, author of Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Patricia Neely-Dorsey’s fascinating book of poetry is a true celebration of the south and things southern. Using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, the author offers a positive glimpse into the southern way of life.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

April 5 - Preaching Sunday

Patricia Neely-Dorsey’s Blog
WrittenVoicesBlog.com
Sho-Nuff-Angie Online Radio Show (6:00pm EST)

April 6 - Southern Life

April 7 - Mississippi Morning

April 8 - Southern Man

April 9 - Soul Food Restaurant

April 10 - Shelling Peas

AAMBC Book Tours
WrittenVoicesPodcast.com (Poetry Month Feature)
AAMBC Online Radio Show (8:00pm EST)

April 11 - Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia

TARGET DEMOGRAPHICS

All Ages
Southerners and People Who Love the South

APRIL- National Poetry Month

2009-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

April is : NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Some ideas on how you might celebrate National Poetry Month
* Try writing an original poem
* Read poetry to your children
* Recite some poetry at an open-mic/ spoken-word venue
* Read a biography of a famous poet..see what made them tick
*Send a poem to a friend or loved one
*Support/Promote the work of a local poet
*Buy a wonderful book of poetry (preferably Reflections of a
Mississippi Magnolia- A Life in Poems by Patricia Neely-Dorsey) (smile)

HAPPY POETRY MONTH !!!

POETRY
My daddy helped me to love poetry,
He liked that kind of thing;
On Sunday mornings we'd recite,
"When Malindy Sings."
I loved the rhythm and the rhyme,
Each stanza and each verse;
We'd just say it how we felt,
With no need to rehearse.
I like to write my own poems now,
And let my own words flow;
I find that there are things inside,
I want other folks to know.
It's such a wonderful feeling,
To see my own words in print;
Sometimes, I think the words I write,
Are truly heaven sent.
Wherever it all comes from,
It's something I love to do;
It's my hope ,in some small way,
It's most enjoyable to you.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

MARCH-Women's History Month

2009-03-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

March is :
NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH .
Celebrate the beautiful woman/women in your life.

SHADES OF LOVELY(Good Enough to Eat)

Women of color are a sight to behold,
It's amazing to see their delicious colors unfold.
Honey,
Spice,
Brown Sugar,
Brown Rice,
Nutmeg and Cinnamon,
Gingerbread and Toast,
These are just a few of the colors,
That Black women boast.
There's Pecan, Almond, Walnut ,
and Coconut Cream;
There are more shades of lovely
Than any could dream.
If chocolate's your weakness,
They have every hue,
White chocolate, Dark chocolate
And Milk chocolate, too.
They come in Caramel and they come in Toffee,
They even come, like you like your coffee.
There's coffee with cream and coffee black,
Of any variety, there's certainly no lack.
There's Espresso and Mocha
And Cafe au Lait
Too many colors to count in a day.
From Banana to Licorice,
Including Hot Fudge;
If prizes were given,
Who could possibly judge?
When you see women of color
In all their array;
There's nothing more lovely,
You'd just have to say.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

February is Special

2009-01-31T04:49:00.000-08:00

February has always held a special place in my heart.
It is the month that I was born(February 7,1964).
It is the month that my son was born (February 28, 1999).
It is the month that I wrote my first poem (February 14, 2007).
It is month that my first book of poetry was published (February 22, 2008), and it is Black History Month (which had it's beginnings when Carter G. Woodson first proclaimed a Negro History Week on Febraury 12, 1926).
History is essentially a collection of stories handed down.
The dictionary defines history as:
1) An account of what has or might have happened in the form of a narrative, play, story or tale
2) What has happened in the life or development of a people, country or institution,ect.
3) A known or recorded past
As African-Americans ,we have an especially rich collective history and each one of us has a very rich individual history made up of a unique set of experiences, circumstances and encounters.
In honor of Black History Month,I want to urge each individual to:
TELL YOUR STORY/(stories)
Consider this, the Best Selling , Award Winning novel Roots came from one man's (Alex Haley's) family stories handed down over the generations and prompted a whole movement of interest in geneologies, heritage and African-American History .
This month, be a part of promulgating, promoting and preserving black history by TELLING YOUR STORY.

The following poem comes from a story that my mother and father would repeatedly tell me over the years about the difficulties they had in voting and registering to vote.

RIGHT TO VOTE
I love to hear the stories,
That my mama and daddy tell;
Sometimes, we'll just sit a while,
And they'll talk for a spell.
They've told me of how hard it was,
For them to get to vote;
They'd go down to the courthouse door,
And there would be a note;
"Out to Lunch" or "No One's In,"
"Come Back Another Day,"
In all kinds of ways you wouldn't believe,
They were turned away.
Even when they did get in,
There were more hurdles they had to cross;
They'd be asked to answer questions
That would put anyone to a loss,
"How many bubbles in a bar of soap?"
"How many pennies in that jar?"
"How many raindrops to fill a barrel?"
"How many miles to a star?"
It seems almost incredulous
That this was how it was;
But, believe you me, no matter what,
I vote, now, just because.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems

The New Year

2009-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

The new year is often a time for reflections, evaluations and assessments.
But, mostly it is a time of goal setting and forging ahead.
One essential element of proceeding into the New Year with a positive attitude, positive aspirations and positive expectations is a positive self esteem. Unfortunately, it seems that many of the ills of our society are rooted and grounded in poor self esteem issues. Sadly, too, this problem
with self esteem seems to be running rampant among our youth.
Now is the time for each of us to take stock and consider all of the wonderful qualities that we possess and all that we have to offer the world.
Each one of us has very unique characteristics, talents , abilities, attributes and gifts. We should all learn to appreciate the one- of - a -kind, unique beings that we are inside and out and the special place that we take up in the world. There is not now, never has been and never will be another who is exactly like you.
This year, I challenge you to develop all of your natural resources and use them to make a positive difference in your world and the world around you. As we go forward into this New Year, each one of us should make this one resolve: "I Will Be The Best Me I Can Be".