Who Are You? 

I'm Amber Dorsey a Gemini, single mom, content creator and freelance writer. Self titled the Suburban Gangster, I rep that momlife while blaring 90s gangster rap in my SUV on my way to Target and the Farmer's Market. I also bring my unique brand of humor and sass to everything I write and engage in.

I've spent the last decade writing and creating content in the digital parenting space and started my online writing career as a blogger in 2008 and that quickly grew and evolved into what From Carpools to Cocktails is now; a space for moms to come chat and feel like they're having a cocktail or coffee with a girlfriend.

Where do you currently reside?

I live in southern California, where I was born and raised. I lived in Atlanta for college but after my daughter was born we went to California and never looked back.

How long have you been writing professionally?

I've been writing professionally for over a decade in the digital space.

Who or what inspires you to write when inspiration is lacking?

I go to book stores, the plant nursery, check out creatives on social media and find other outlets to channel my creativity. I also try to get in a good kiki with girlfriend as that often sparks ideas that lead to stories. Inspiration is everywhere and sometimes it only takes me getting out of my daily routine and environment to find it.

When did you or will you know you’ve arrived as a writer?

The moment of arrival for me was seeing my byline in a major digital site but the other "mama I made it moment" will for sure be when I get my book contract.

What piece of writing are you most proud of and why?

I wrote one of my most candid essays earlier this year around my post divorce life and it was scary as hell to put my business and self out there like that when there were so many folks who did not know I was getting a divorce let alone attempting to move on. But I loved it (even my therapist was proud of my ability to be so open) and am proud of myself for putting it all on the table and letting the chips fall where they may.

Do you have any current published pieces?

One of my most recent pieces in Sisters AARP and another one I'm incredibly proud of. https://www.sistersletter.com/me-time/caring-for-plants-can-be-a-form-of-self-care?cmp=Footer-AARP.org&encparam=ozZQ8khydyDvcuz9PG/7TyzKMFPVYYpHWJXptZ25+KbtkLpIg//DLFlt7ZmgIl4O

What is your favorite quote from yourself and from your favorite writer?

from Nikki Giovanni: We write because we believe the human spirit cannot be tamed and should not be trained.

What does being a Black woman identifying writer mean to you?

I have a job to do in honoring the stories of myself and womxn who look like me. It's up to me to portray us and myself in ALL forms so that people see themselves reflected in my work and are able to relate. I want nothing more than to uplift Black women in all our many forms. It also means, I have to do my due diligence on reported pieces and work that much harder to show others

What do you wish you knew before embarking on this journey?

Nothing I wish I knew per se, except maybe having an innate knack for pitching editors and stories, that was a bit of a learning curve coming from the blogging world but I've loved every step of this journey.

Any last words?

I didn't go to school for writing as I didn't think that would be "lucrative" but writing has always been in me and something that I cannot not do. I am compelled to write. For my sanity, for creativity, for inspiration, to clear my head. I love being able to tell stories and share my experiences and one of the greatest joys as a writer is when someone reads an essay of mine and tells me how they relate or how it helped. It makes my heart explode.