Author Donna Earl Enters A Brave New World With Eyes Wide Open
Author Donna Earl at her book signing with guests
Donna Earl, a newly minted writer chats with Bella Magazine about her latest book and inspiration for becoming a writer. As a native of Pennsylvania, Earl has authored two books "When I Close My Eyes" and "Eyes Wide Open."
Donna's prose in both works will take you on a journey of a coming-of-age story through the lens of young "Ruthie" who must navigate and break generational curses that began in her home cities of Philadelphia and Chester Pennsylvania.
Excerpt from, “When I Close Me Eyes”
Chester, PA is a tortured city known only to her through whispered conversations. Surrounded by brick dwellings of historic value, there are cracks and crevices in the foundation of her life that threaten to tear it down. Born in West Philadelphia and living on Delancey Street, life for Ruth Walters, through the eyes of those on the outside, was filled with fun times. Eating water ise, playing in the woodpile and jumping rope are humble beginnings of a memorable childhood. However, on the inside, through the eyes of those within, there was a low rumble, that after a night of drinking and dancing, erupted into a tragic accident that leaves uncertainty in the Walters' home.
The whispers became loud and clear when she was forced to leave Philly to find out first-hand the perils of the City of Chester. In a short amount of time, her life nearly spins out of control.
What was your favorite book in high school and why?
I read “If Beale Street Could Talk” by James Baldwin, when in the 10th grade. I also lost myself in the well-written pages of the "Autobiography of Malcolm X during a Black Studies class, taught by one of Chester High School's best educators. Addie Cheeks. The moral of the Story: Be great by any means necessary.
Do you have a mentor?
I don’t have one person, but the mothers of my neighborhood exemplified motherhood on a whole new level. Talk about a village, those women not only raised their children but also loved on others as their own with correction and rearing.
What do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were the most impactful on your journey?
Perseverance, Determination, and Self-Management. This journey of creative writing for me is something I never knew until I started.
With my writing, I lean on “street” knowledge. Often, I refer to my earlier days of learning how to sculpt a story from my college Professors at Morgan State University.
Who are some of the writers that influenced your career?
James Baldwin, Stephen King, VC Andrews, Terry McMillian, Teri Woods, Walter Mosely, Alice Walker, Ronald Hanna, and countless other literary luminaries.
“My creative process is inspired by the final paragraphs/chapters of the character’s life. I enjoy the characters having a come to Jesus moment, reliving their lives, good, bad, or indifferent. I enjoy every aspect of self-reflection and the goal of course correction.
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—Donna Earl
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents didn’t have a lot of material things, but their love outweighed it all. They were fiercely supportive of making education a priority. I loved how having so little didn’t keep them from making things happen for my siblings and me.
Donna and her Beloved Mom "Ms. Polly"
“My mom showed me resilience in raising my siblings and me on a limited education, financial resources, and most of all rest. She made it look easy, though I saw how hard it was, putting us first.”
Donna’s favorite authors are Maya Angelou, Stephen King, and Toni Morrison
Donna’s Book
Recommendations
The Four Agreements, by Don Miquel Ruiz
Just As I Am, by Cicely Tyson
Black Girls Rock, by Beverly Bond
The Darkest Child, by Delores Phillips
Gal, by Ruthie Bolton
Donna Earl, based in Washington D.C. is an Alumna of Morgan State University and author of two books "When I Close My Eyes" and "Eyes Wide Open" both available on Amazon. Donna is also a consultant on two other books that are currently being adapted to screenplays.
