Meet Lauren Brooks | Author, Writer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk by definition means exposure to danger, so naturally the risks you take may be some of the scariest decisions you’ll make in life. However, risk is also imperative because of its proximity to success. The truth is in life when we take risks they may not always end up the way we envisioned for ourselves. But if we don’t then nothing happens. I’ve learned to do the work on myself first. To do the research, to be kind to myself, to take self care days, and to listen to what the voices in my community are saying. When I know I have done all I could in preparation it makes the risks a little easier to take, and I’m more accepting of the fact that all we can control are our own actions. When you take risks by making decisions that are rooted in empathy, love and understanding, the outcome will always be worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One thing about us authors, we were all readers first. My foundation in writing is based in my love of culture, history and fantasy. Authors like Octavia Butler, Toni Morrison, J.K Rowling, and Beverly Jenkins, have perfected the art of blending these qualities of truth and fiction. That is what I strive to bring to life in my own art. My writing is always historically based. Even the fantasy aspect of my stories are based in mythology and folklore. While researching for my first novel, Lesedi and the Purple Lotus, I spent two weeks in New Orleans, exploring the land and hearing the stories and traditions first hand from the people who descended from its influence. I was captivated by folktales about how the swamps came to life to aid the Natives and the Maroons, and how New Orleans still buzzes with the magic of the formally enslaved. It made me want to know and to write about the whispers, that never made it to our textbooks. My goal as an author, is to give voice to all the people of color whose stories have been overlooked. I hope to show how even though our cultures may vary, the human experience is the same. We fight, and we love. We gain and we lose, but we also survive and evolve. And if we remember the trials of those who came before us, we can make life better for those who come after us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m from the East side of Cleveland, Cleveland Heights to be exact. I actually went to high school with Travis Kelce. He talks a lot about what the city has to offer, and he’s not wrong. Cleveland is a foody city for sure. There are so many great places to eat, drink and hear music. One of my favorite restaurants is Frederick’s Wine and Dine in Warrensville Heights. It has an upbeat atmosphere where guests can enjoy signature cuisine coupled with the smooth sounds of live jazz. Owner and Head Chef Frederick Parks is one of the best in the city. Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious.
The Music Box in the flats is another one of my favorite places. The Flats in Cleveland is a developed area on the banks of the Cuyahoga River. It’s known for its nightlife, kayaking, boat rides, aquariums, great food and bars, live music, and comedy and drag shows. The Music Box hosts great musicians and the vibe extends to patios right on the river. There are also water taxis that take people from one side of the river to the other.
Downtown Cleveland is always alive with sports fans celebrating The Guardians, The Cavs or the Browns. And music and theatre lovers visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or going to see a play Like Wicked, Or Porgy and Bess in Playhouse Square. Cleveland is a place for people with passions. Anything and everything is there. And it’s home for me so I rep it proudly.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a special shoutout to my mom as cliche as it sounds. I’ve always looked up to her. Growing up in the 90s with a mom who is a HBCU graduate with a masters degree working in STEM, she was definitely my in house example of a boss. She paved her own path, and did it in sheer pantyhose and heels. Again, risks are so scary, and sometimes its easy to talk ourselves out of our destiny when fear and anxiety take the wheel. My mom has always been that clear voice of reason for me, pushing me to keep going, reminding me where I come from, and assuring me that I am equipped for wherever the road may lead me. Sometimes all you need is one fighter in your corner to win the race, and she has been that for me. So thanks, mom.

Website: https://Laurenbeeliterature.com

Instagram: @Laurenbeeliterature

Facebook: Author Lauren Brooks https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094217605295

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Goodreads Author Lauren Brooks https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41696286.Lauren_Brooks