We had the good fortune of connecting with Delores Thornton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Delores, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 1996 I penned my debut novel, Ida Mae. I discovered how difficult it would be to have it picked up by a traditional publisher, I decided to self publish. Since I knew nothing about self publishing I spent countless hours at the library doing research. In the 1990s there were no role models in Indianapolis so I blazed my own trail. I had to establish my company, Marguerite Press and that entailed getting a logo which I had trademarked, registering my company with state, securing an account with the Indiana Tax Division. I opened a company bank account Additionally, I had to promote endlessly and to that end, I hosted a radio show at a local station.

A postal worker at the time my coworkers stuffed flyers about me and my literary pursuits in out-going mail bags and pouches. And, when news cameras to film announcements the entire first floor work area wore tee shirts with my name and company emblazoned on them! Another one of my fantastic ideas.

When word began to spread about Marguerite Press, local newspapers contacted me to write news articles for other entrepreneurs. I obliged and submitted info to, The Indianapolis Recorder and the Indiana Herald. I offered self-publishing workshops. When Internet Radio was born I had a show on the now defunct, Book Crazy Radio, where I continued to promote my books and my Marguerite Press.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a creative and I thank God for my gifts and talents. Without a trail to follow I made my own. I started my publishing company, Marguerite Press long before there was help from Amazon and Google.

It was very difficult but I refused to give up. Along the way I was honored as a Trail Blazer by Everything Underground (2017) and a Local Legend by Go On Girl Book Club (largest AA Book Club in America) I am and will be forever be proud of those two accomplishments.

Over the years I have mentored youth and adults in literary pursuits. And, I find great pleasure in helping school children with reading and comprehension skills.

In addition to penning novels (fiction and non fiction) I write plays and films (short and feature). My plays and films have been shown in theaters locally as part of festivals. Most notably, Fort Shorts at Fort Harrison Theater in 2022, and OnyxFest 2023 at Indyfringe Theater, and, Crispus Attucks High School. In all instances I write, direct, and star in my productions.

I want people to realize that we always have more to give if only we keep focused on the tasks at hand

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Please visit Central Library my friend. It is one of the best libraries in the country. So many exhibits, programs, entertainment and extensive collections of art. And, by all means since you’re in the heart of Downtown Indy stay at any luxurious hotel on Washington Street.

Have a delicious meal at Ruth’s Chris. Visit our massive zoo, take a stroll around the Historical Society and take a paddle boat down the Canal. The possibilities are endless.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From humble beginnings I have garnered unbelievable success. I attribute that to:

The countless bookclubs across the country who invited me to speak, most of whom paid for my travel and expenses

The Black Librarians, after I obtained the list from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) of which I was a member.

Readers, Fans, Churches, Local and National Newspapers, and Magazines. Local Radio & Television Media

As a Licensed, Ordained Minister I give my first thanks to God. I thank Simmons College of Kentucky for all my undergrad studies. And, Christian Theological Seminary for my Master’s in Christian Theology. My education has given me the courage in step out into uncharted courses in life.

Facebook: Deloresthornton

Image Credits
La Tosha Walker

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