An Interview with Dan Morgan
Dan Morgan is a Welsh American sociologist, educator, and corporate trainer whose former professions include international roller derby skater and stand-up comic. He is also a gay man in recovery from drug addiction who has spent much of his life looking for a place to call home, including living on the streets. Before earning an MA in Sociology and a Doctorate Degree in Education, Dan held numerous jobs, many of them legal. He has co-authored a sociology textbook and published scholarly articles. This memoir is his most personal book to date.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
‘Hiraeth’ is a Welsh word that represents a longing, an ache for the idea of home. That’s been the story of my life.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
Seeing the cover and holding the book were nice, representing the hopes I have and the conversations I hope to start with it.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I have long felt the need to write. A high school English teacher also noticed my wry, sardonic humor, which was not always appropriate for the high school English papers I was asked to write.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
It’s comical how many jobs I’ve had, from selling bras and bibles to driving a horse and buggy. Something that readers may not know is that I collect reusable shopping bags from places I’ve visited. They make practical souvenirs!
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The book is part of an overarching mission I have to reach others who have lost their voice and who are looking for a place for their voice to show up.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Sugar on the Floor was written by Kiki Dee (watch the live version by Etta James, where she’s wearing a red top). This song represents having so much sweetness that no one wants, and it goes to waste on the floor. Shiver Me Timbers, Tom Waits’ song about leaving loved ones and embarking on a new adventure. It’s Raining Men – why not? And Danny Boy – the song my dan used to sing to me when I was a boy.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I want readers to reach out to me after they read the book. I want people who have had their voices shut down to reach out to me. I’m building a website through Atmosphere Press that will feature discussion boards, further reading, and podcasts.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I’m writing two more books. One is called Gays and God, and the other is called Boys and Our Bodies. I’ve started a third book about the serial killer who almost murdered me. I feel strongly that he had an accomplice, and I want to reach out to the attorney who defended him.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Working with Atmosphere Press has been a collegial, collaborative, and productive experience. We’re now in the final phases of Hiraeth. I’m waiting for the audiobook to be released and for the website to be completed.
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