Main Character Monday: Interview with Dr. Harry Morrison

Welcome to Main Character Monday and my interview with Dr. Harry Morrison. This is a first for me (I know that’s happened a lot lately) because this is my first Main Character Interview with a picture of the character I’m interviewing. Imagine my surprise when I opened my email and found an image included with the other requested materials.

Though I’ll share more details about Dr. Morrison’s book after the interview, I’ll give you the basics now. Where’s the Quetzal? is the newest in a series from author Jen Dodrill. It is the second in the cozy mystery series published by Scrivenings Press. And if you couldn’t tell from the name, the series deals with a few bird-loving, bird-watching characters. Where’s the Quetzal? releases tomorrow, February 25, 2025.

Interview with Dr. Harry Morrison

Now, on to my interview with Dr. Harry Morrison. To kick our time together off, why don’t you tell me a little about yourself. Things the readers may like to know about you.

My Ph.D. is in wildlife with a specialty in ornithology. In other words, I study birds. Currently, I’m working with quetzals at the Bird Care and Rescue Center in Pensacola. My favorite room is my office at the Center with its thick dark curtains and paneled walls. They make it cave-like, and I like that. People talk about how many bird objects I have in there. As if that’s a bad thing. I even have stuffed birds hung on the walls and several dangling overhead. Let me know if you’d like a tour.

I will be sure to do that if I’m ever in Pensacola. You shared some of the basics, but can you tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

I love to tell people exciting things about birds, but it’s hard for me to talk to people one-on-one. Most people don’t know that.

I’m happy you have something you’re passionate about to open those doors of communication. Now, as a lot of my blog followers are into faith-based reading, I have a couple questions along those lines for you. What is your favorite book in the New Testament and why?

Well, to be honest, Peg has tried to tell me about Jesus and faith. You know Peg, right? She’s the one who started the Empty Nesters Birding Group. I have been helpful in teaching her more about quetzals. She quoted Proverbs 16:18 to me – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” She tried to explain she had done something she shouldn’t have done, and it was the same as what I did. I didn’t really understand that. I’ve never read the New Testament, but I might give it a try.

You should. Jesus even talks about birds at different times. You might especially enjoy those passages. In the Old Testament God called a man named Gideon to lead his army. Gideon didn’t believe he could, but he trusted and did as God asked. Have you ever felt like you weren’t equipped to do what God asked you to do? What did you do?

I know I can do whatever needs to be done. I have all the education I need. But maybe that’s part of what Peg was telling me. The “haughty spirit” part. Hmm. I’ll have to think about that.

There’s a specific Old Testament verse that instructs us on the things God loves. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Is there one of these you find easier to accomplish? Is one harder?

I see a theme here about humility. I’ll look for a book on that and see what I can learn.

It sounds like you and Peg have had some wonderful conversations, both about birds and faith. I’m interested to find out the outcome of both from your story. I know you are passionate about your work. I can tell from just our short conversation. So, if you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?

Birds are your friends!

I’m not surprised at all by that answer. And I think it gives me a clue into your answer for the first question in our just for fun part of the interview. Though, I’ve not quite nailed down the specific answer yet. If you could have one exotic pet, what would it be?

I love the quetzals I’ve been working with. Did you know they were considered sacred, and their feathers are highly prized? Peg’s daughter, Cynthia found a feather. I’m a little jealous of that.

Okay. I should have guessed that one. But this next one, I have no idea how you’re going to respond. If you could travel through time, would you?

Absolutely not. I am a man of science. Why would I want to do that?

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset over Pensacola Bay

Chocolate or Vanilla? Hmm, strawberry?

No electricity or no plumbing? I live on a boat. I can do without either.

And my final question of the day. Many readers like a look behind the curtain, if you will. They love to know a character’s relationship with the author who wrote their story. If you, Dr. Harry Morrison, had only three words to describe Jen Dodrill, which three words would you use?

Hmm, I would say Jen Dodrill is methodical, kind, and friendly.

That’s a wonderful answer. I can tell you have a great relationship with your author. I want to thank you, Dr. Harry Morrison, for joining me today. I’d also like to thank author, Jen Dodrill, for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you. This Main Character Monday interview with Dr. Harry Morrison wouldn’t be complete without more information about Jen Dodrill and her (as of tomorrow) new book, Where’s the Quetzal?.

More About Jen Dodril

Jen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad.

More About Where’s the Quetzal

Peg Howard has planned the perfect baby shower for her oldest daughter. But the return of Estelle and Roger Keaton disrupts her peace, reigniting old mysteries.

A chance discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives.

With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried.

In a tale full of twists and turns, Peg confronts her deepest fears, facing an adversary more cunning and unexpected than anyone anticipated. Join Peg and her friends on a journey through intrigue and peril, where bonds of friendship and family may be their only salvation. Will they uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will the past come back to haunt them all?

Today is the final day to pre-order the eBook at $1 off the regular price. You can purchase your copy here: Where’s the Quetzal?

If you’d like to preview the first three chapters you can find them here: preview chapters

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