Author’s
Bio: Born
on the South Side of Chicago, LaDonnia Cole is the youngest of two daughters
born to high school sweethearts, Mr. Johnny Stevens and the late Ms. Carolyn
Fay Cole. She is a survivor and overcomer, calling “Stateway Gardens” her
childhood home. Growing up in the Stateway Gardens “Housing Projects” is where
LaDonnia learned some of life’s most-valuable lessons. High moral standards,
ethical values, the importance of Education, cherishing family, and survival
skills are among those lessons LaDonnia uses as guiding principles in her life.

In Growing
Beyond The Gardens, she takes you on her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a
successful entrepreneur and non-profit founder. Come along for the adventure
and discover how you can overcome your toughest challenges while learning to
live your best life now.

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to
write your book?

LaDonnia Cole: My
inspiration stems from my love for writing paired with the many trials and
tribulations that I encountered throughout my life. I always knew I had a
unique experience that was painful yet prepared me for the very purpose of
helping others. I realized that my story could help someone else who is in a
similar situation, so I now have the courage and the strength to allow myself
to be vulnerable with the intent to inspire someone else.

DL: How do you handle writer’s block?

LD: In my opinion, writer’s block is a
part of the process. As a writer, outside influences and the hustle of everyday
life can cause a writer to lose their train of thought and focus. I have found
that listening to instrumental jazz is soothing for me, it relaxes my mind and
allows my thoughts to flow freely. 

In addition, if I need to take a break and
revisit my manuscript the next day then I do that as well. Finally, there are
plenty of YouTube videos and documentaries that I find to be educational and thought
provoking which I watch at times and this too allow my thoughts to flow and I
can then write with a clear mind and focus my intent.

DL: What were some of the challenges
when writing this book?

LD: During my writing process as I
reflected back on the details of the time periods that I share in my book, I
relived those moments and became emotional at times, which was a challenge.
Also, when writing my memoir, the unthinkable happened to me. As I was nearing
fifty-percent of completion and feeling excited about my book and relieved to
finally express the many things that I held on to for years, my mom passed
away. 

It was totally unexpected, and the Grief hit me harder than I could have
ever imagined. The challenge of losing my mom sent me on an emotional roller
coaster ride. By the Grace of God and my perseverance I was able to complete my
memoir which I am happy to have done as I continue to find healthy coping mechanisms
and adjust to living my life without my mother’s physical presence.

DL: Is there any particular author or
book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

LD: Growing up as a teen the author that
influenced me the most was Sister Souljah. I credit Sister Souljah for opening my mind to
reading because the very first book that I read willingly, that was not a class
assignment from my instructor, was The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister
Souljah. 

Reading this book was like watching a good movie that you don’t want
to walk away from. There were so many plot twists and dramas that kept me
engaged, paired with the fact that I could relate to some of the characters as
they were similar to some people I knew at the time. After reading this book I
was motivated to continue reading over the years. As I grew in life, I
gravitated more towards non-fiction books and self-help books as an adult.

DL: What was the best writing advice
you’ve ever been given?

LD: The best writing advice that I have
been given thus far is to “just start writing”. At times we may have plans to
do something, and it never happens so if you just start the process by keeping a
journal of events, or writing down your thoughts and experiences that you wish
to write about in your book, or you can even create an outline covering your
ideas and main points. These are various options to use for writing, but the key
point is to start the process. You will go back and format and edit later, the
important part is to get the story out, on paper. This is the best advice given
to me and I now have a finished product.

DL: If you could choose a superpower,
what would it be and why?

LD: The superpower I would choose to have
is the ability to time Travel. I would love to see the lives of ancient
civilizations and compare it to the information we have then determine if what
is believed to be factual is true or false. I would also travel to the future
to satisfy my curiosity of what this world would look like one hundred plus
years from now, would society solve their socioeconomic problems or would they
still exist on a different scale. Finally, being able to see what the
developmental period was like in the early stages of music for artists in Motown
records, the Harlem Renaissance Era, and much more. This superpower may be
connected to me being intrigued by history, but I think it would be cool to
time travel.

DL: What tips would you give to
aspiring writers?

LD: Find your target audience and speak
directly to them. Some people may not get it, and that is completely okay
because it simply means that it is not for them. Try not to be overly concerned
with finances, just do the work and the Money will come. 

If you’re writing and
the work you produce is in the form of community outreach there are grants as
well as others who you could partner with. Find your niche, focus on your
target audience, and do the work and your writing will open doors and create
opportunities that will propel you forward.

DL: What’s your favorite line from a
book?

LD: “Trust in your own ability that you
were created in divine essence and all the gifts and talents you need to
navigate life, you already possess them.” Growing
Beyond The Gardens

(Chapter 3)

DL: What new projects are you
currently working on?

LD: I have created a workbook to pair with
my memoir to aid my readers in their healing journey and provoke new ideas for
self-help techniques. Furthermore, I founded a community outreach program
called Tru Harmony Network where I assist teen moms with their essential needs.
I accept cash donations and supplies for both mom and baby. For more details visit
our website at www.truharmony35.com or
email truharmony35@gmail.com.

DL: Where can readers learn more about
you and purchase your book(s)?

LD: Please feel free to contact me for
further discussion, collaborations, speaking engagements, podcast, or with any
questions at the contact details below. Also click the link to Purchase your
copy of Growing Beyond The Gardens and
support Tru Harmony Network.

• Purchase Your
  Book and Support: https://beyondthegardens.my.canva.site/
• Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/legacy888
• Website: https://truharmony35.com/
• Email: truharmony35@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lady_d_35/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaDonnia1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-c-49594a44/ 

DL: Thanks for being here with us today. I
know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

LD: Thank you for your time and continued
support of my efforts to help those who need it most.

Originally Published on https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com

Deliah Lawrence Attorney, Author, Blogger, Workshop Facilitator

Deliah Lawrence is a Maryland-based attorney and award-winning author of two romantic suspense novels (Gotta Let It Go and Gotta Get It Back) set in Baltimore. She’s also a blogger and workshop facilitator who writes poetry and short stories.

When Deliah isn’t writing, you can find her reading a book, indulging in her addiction to investigation discovery shows; or painting her yet-to-be exhibited oil artworks of landscapes, portraits or whatever else comes to her creative mind. Constantly on the go, she is also a member of the Black Writers’ Guild of Maryland and Sisters in Crime.