Makasha Dorsey

Makasha Dorsey

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"The Interview with Makasha Dorsey"

THE ROCK: Who is Makasha Dorsey, tell us something about you?
Makasha: I like to read, write, make jewelry, and spend time with my family.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Makasha: I am from Crawford, Mississippi. I live right outside of Atlanta.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Makasha: Yes. My husband is currently working on a self-help book for coaches.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Makasha: I started writing as a child. I've always loved to tell stories and journal.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Makasha: Everything from being born to the people in my life - especially my mom, sisters, husband, and son.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Makasha: My husband. He has really pushed me to use my God given talents. He said that he didn't want me to wake up when I was 50 or 60 years old saying I wish I had done this or that.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Makasha: Church folk. (Smile) I can say that because I'm one. I think we once we dedicate our lives to God we forget our pasts when we should use it to help others. So many times, we (Christians) spend so much time hiding and being embarressed of what God has delivered us from we become fake.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Makasha:"The Church House" is a coming of age story about a woman who rededicates her life to God only to find that being in the "church" can get you in crazy situations -- especially when the leadership is trying to hide messes they created years ago.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Makasha: I can't say. (wink)

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Makasha: Not quite. I have a partnership with Forest Wade Press. This works for me and my project.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Makasha: I think traditional publishers are looking for book sales.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Makasha: Christian fiction that don't meet the Christian Writer's Association. When I read their writer's guidelines, I knew that my book did not fit in. What they want is not real. They want characters that are already like Jesus, my characters are trying to be like him.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Makasha: It depends on what the writer wants. I am beginning to see more and more authors going the self published route so that they can have control over their projects. Its urban marketing tactics like those used in the entertainment industry by artists such as Master P, Ludacris, etc. that are getting the attention of large agencies. This gives the writer more leverage in the negotiations because they've already proven themselves.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Makasha: I have worked in the financial, entertainment, construction, and transportation industries in upper management.

Waiting on God for my mate. He has blessed me with a wonderful husband and a beautiful son. Those blessings took me to the place to write "The Church House", a novel I am proud to have my name on.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Makasha: VC Andrews, John Grishom, Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Tommy Tenney. Joylynn Jossel is a new favorite.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Makasha: Writing full time and running a magazine.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Makasha: www.dorseypublications.com

THE ROCK: Thank you very much, Mrs. Dorsey.