We were lucky to catch up with Leslie J. Dorsett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie J. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

When it comes to writing and coming up with concepts for novels and short stories, I find that it comes naturally to me. I have been a storyteller since I was a young girl, and it has always been a passion of mine. I remember fondly how my youngest sister and I would create elaborate stories to tell each other while lying in bed before falling asleep. Those moments of creativity and imagination have stayed with me throughout my life, fueling my love for writing and storytelling.

My mother was the inspiration behind my decision to write “Flesh Is Flesh No Matter Whose Bones It’s On.” Her words of wisdom and profound insights have stayed with me throughout my life. She always emphasized the importance of recognizing the shared humanity in every individual, regardless of their social status or accomplishments. She reminded us that behind every title and credential lies a vulnerable human being, susceptible to the same flaws and temptations as anyone else. Whenever we were taken aback by the shocking conduct of a famous figure, or questioned how someone could commit such acts, my mother would calmly respond, “Because the flesh is weak, and flesh is flesh no matter whose bones it’s on.”
My mother passed away just four months after the loss of my father. This double blow left me struggling with immense grief and searching for solace. I prayed for comfort. I prayed for the heartache to end. And God answered my prayers. During this tumultuous period, He led me to writing as a form of therapy. Pouring my emotions onto paper became a cathartic outlet, allowing me to process my pain and find a sense of healing. The result was “Flesh Is Flesh,” a deeply introspective and raw exploration of the human condition. Through its pages, I plunged into the complexities of the human psyche, peeling back the layers of the characters’ lives to reveal their inner struggles and vulnerabilities. I found myself laughing and crying and crying and laughing as I tapped on my computer keyboard. At the end of each chapter, I’d smile, knowing that God had answered my prayers and he did it with the words of wisdom from my mom.

The true origin of this book, the very 1st page, was not solely born out of my personal loss. One day, after my parents had passed, I found myself in the midst of a spirited debate between two close friends – one a devout Muslim, the other a committed Christian. Their differing arguments on religion were not only thought-provoking but also extremely humorous. The witty banter and lively wordplay between them sparked a creative flame within me. Inspired by their intellectual arguing, I went home and began penning a short story, capturing the essence of their exchange.
However, that short story took on a life of its own. As I continued to write, new characters emerged, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences. What started as a simple anecdote evolved into a compelling narrative that supported my mom’s adage- Flesh Is FLesh No Matter Whose Bone’s It’s On. My novel weaves together themes of faith, forgiveness, identity, and the universal struggle with morality.
And thus, “Flesh Is Flesh” was born.
I knew that Flesh Is Flesh was a worthwhile endeavor because writing was as natural as breathing air. It wasn’t forced. It just happened. It was as if I was chosen to do this.

Leslie J. , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a native of sunny South Florida which is the setting of my first two novels. I am a retired educator, an author, an inventor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I want me readers to know that I have a sincere interest in entertaining while producing inspirational works that showcase human emotions and our ability to overcome life’s adversities. With over 25 years of experience in counseling, my passion is to entertain and inspire readers, which is evident in my writing. My colorful characters embark on thrilling, heart-wrenching voyages that usually result in tranquility, restoration, and transformation, although not for every single character. After all, a novel must have to have a villain or two. :-)

What sets me apart from most is my ability to get readers to pause and reflect on their own lives, their own marriages. My novels can lead to great therapeutic conversations for couples in healthy relationships. My characters are “good people” who make human “not so good” decisions. But they learn and they grow…most of them. :-)

Although bringing “Flesh Is Flesh” to life was easy for me, it also demanded a combination of literary expertise and psychological insight. My life whole was preparing me for this. I began my career as an English teacher. That part of my life, along with my natural creative abilities, gave me the skills to craft an exciting plot, develop believable characters, and create a cohesive narrative. I wanted to ensure that my novel would engage readers and keep them hooked until the very end. It was important for me to strike a balance between entertainment and substance, so that my novel would have a lasting impact on the readers.
My training as a counselor (and then later as a therapist) equipped me with the emotional strength to delve into the minds and motives of the characters. Flesh Is Flesh No Matter Whose Bones It’s On and the upcoming sequel, Flesh Is FLesh II, It Could Happen to You explore complex themes and sensitive subjects, which required thorough research, empathy, and an understanding of human psychology. These themes were deliberately crafted to evoke emotions and, hopefully, promote healing. Interestingly, even as the author, I still experience a range of emotions when reading both novels.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have already shared the story of losing both of my parents just four months apart when I was 30 years old and the mother to a 2 and 3 year old. It felt like my whole world was crashing down. However, writing and therapy became my lifeline during that difficult time. That’s when I was able to complete my novel. Well, twenty years ago, when I first launched “Flesh Is Flesh,” I had to travel extensively to promote it. Back then, there was no social media or virtual meetings like we have today. The demands of promotion became overwhelming for my young family, so I had to take a pause.
During that time, I went back to school, became an inventor and a licensed therapist, and pursued other endeavors. I also faced challenges in my own marriage. However, my passion for becoming a novelist never wavered. I remained determined and steadfast, even though others may not have known that I was still actively pursuing my dream. I believe this demonstrates my resilience.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a novelist and therapist, my main goal when writing is to entertain and enlighten. I believe in the power of storytelling to captivate readers and transport them to different worlds, while also offering valuable insights and guidance to help save families and foster strong, healthy relationships. By combining my skills as a writer and a therapist, I aim to create narratives that not only provide enjoyment and escapism, but also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and positive change.

Contact Info:

• Website: lesliejdorsett.com
• Instagram: @leslieJayDee
• Facebook: Author Leslie J. Dorsett
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljd-lesliejdorsett
• Twitter: @lesliejdorett

Image Credits
Bernard Dorsett (pictures w green screen background) JAI SIMONE PHOTOGRAPHY (white background)