ITLR with Author Maurice M. Gray Jr.

For the absolute first time ever, I'm introducing a MAN in the Living Room! Oh My Pastor Danyelle, what on earth has caused this to occur.

Well Ladies, sometimes you meet, or connect to or with a man who incorporates himself in a mix of women and he stands out because of his willingness to teach, his character, his charm, or simply his kindness. Mr. Maurice has done all of that!

I am so impressed with men who love the Lord and you can tell it's real by what they do in addition to what they say.

I'm not going to prolong with all of my thoughts concerning him, but instead I'll allow you to formulate your very own opinion after this.....

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The Interview

Tell us a little about yourself. (You know who you are, about your family, what you do, where you are from, and where you presently reside.)

I’m Maurice M. Gray, Jr from New Castle, Delaware. My day job is HIV Prevention Counselor with Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (a nonprofit). I’m single, no kids, not a ton of family (dad still living, one sister). I attend Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware.

I’ve been preaching and have an upcoming book on “the process”. It’s what we thought was our storm but God was using what we went through to birth humility in us, greatness through us, and most importantly produce trust in Him. Have you been through any processes in your life and can you tell us how God used your process to produce purpose?

My process was a ten-year journey that started right after college. I had a job I hated (collector for a credit card company) and a desire to write a book. It took me three years to write the first draft, two more after a professional review to get it publisher and then an unexpected opportunity. I got a mailing about a writers conference at a nearby Christian conference center (Sandy Cove in North East Maryland). There I met experienced authors and representatives of publishing companies. I thought that was the answer to my publishing dreams, but it turned out to be just another step. After about thirty rejection letters, I met another author, Patricia Haley-Glass, who taught me about self-publishing. That was the final step to my process- I took what she gave me and published my first novel, To Whom Much Is Given, in October 2000. I formed my own company to do so, Write The Vision. 16 years later I’m still writing, still publishing my own work and since 2001, I’ve added editing services to my repertoire.

Has God ever given you a vision that you know for sure was a part of His great plan for your life? If so please explain.

He let me know that my writing wasn’t just for my own enjoyment and to take the idea I had and flush it out into a book. I didn’t know what came next- I just took it on faith and kept writing until I had a finished first draft. It rolled forward from there.


What advice would you give someone that you feel would carry them through any situation in their life, book career, radio career, etc.?

Do your research. Whatever you plan to do, make sure you’ve learned enough about the relevant industry you’re involved in to never be dependent on anyone else. In this economy, entrepreneurship is the best way to go, no matter what your avocation. For authors, that means learning how to publish independently in case you can’t get a traditional publishing deal. That way, you learn the industry from the inside out and have more options for your writing.
 
What can we expect to see from you next or what is God producing in you now?

I recently released a novella, "Like A Brother", which leads into my upcoming novel "Female Problems", which is the first in a trilogy following the lives of three Christian men and their relationship struggles.

Now this is your time, minister to us your greatest advice about following your purpose…..

Don’t let fear dictate to you. When God shows you your path, walk on it. He will give you people to help you along the way; your job is to recognize that help when it’s given and take it.
 
 
 

Get Your Very own copy of Like a Brother here....

https://www.amazon.com/Like-Brother-Maurice-Gray-Jr/dp/0970051417