It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with LaDonnia Cole, author of Growing Beyond The Gardens

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.