Meet Lauren Brooks | Educator & Writer

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

Hi Lauren, how do you think about risk?
Dream chasing, risk-taking; it’s all the same. Chasing your dreams is probably one of the most terrifying things you’ll ever do in your life. And it’s serious business. It forces you to become another version of yourself. Knocks you right out of your comfort zone. But the alternative is complacency and being stagnant. And we are not meant to stay the same. We were made to evolve. It has definitely been a process, but when you do what you love, even the trials seem purposeful. I’ve been grateful to be able to learn so much, through the research I did to write the book, and extending to the ends and outs of publishing itself. It has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

I overthink and get anxious sometimes when it’s time to make big leaps, but I’ve never ever regretted betting on myself.

So now I take the risks. I sometimes make questionable decisions. But I’m free. I feel fortunate to be able to do the things that those who came before you might not have been able to do. You owe it to yourself.

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.
I’m a Midwest girl who grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. One of the beautiful things about the city I grew up in was the amount of diversity that was all around us. Our neighbors to the right were Orthodox Jewish, and our neighbors to the left were first generation immigrants from Puerto Rico. Everyone had a story, and I was eager to hear them all. I fell in love with exploring what made people human. As a descendant of enslaved Africans and a child of the diaspora, I believe that Black history is often presented from the outside looking in. My aim was to provide an inside look into the core of Black people’s identity, free from the trauma of slavery. My novel, Lesedi and the Purple Lotus is a celebration of Black girl and Black boy magic that carried the community through difficult times.
I sought to create a fantasy world that Black people could see themselves in, showcasing the rich history and magic of the community. My focus is on portraying an authentic story that highlights the resilience and perseverance of Black people in the face of adversity.

I’ve learned that not matter the differences in our ethnicities and nationalities, the human experience is the same across the board. We all experience moments of triumph and defeat. I make an effort now to find the things that link us together and celebrate those things, just as much as we celebrate the things that make us unique.

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.
One of my favorite places is my home! Cleveland, Ohio is definitely under-rated. We are first and foremost a sports city. The Cavs, The Browns, and The Guardians all draw huge crowds. On any given day Downtown Cleveland is alive with people, food and music. The camaraderie is unmatched. We are secondly a foodie city. There are so many great restaurants to choose from. Some of my favorites are 17 River Grill, Bourbon Street Barrel Room, and Lindey’s Lake House which sits in the East bank of the Flats. The Flats is a downtown district overlooking the Cuyahoga River that is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and my personal favorite- The Music Box. The Music Box is a club that plays live music while serving great food with the best views. Check any official travel list and we are in the top five for food and for our theater district. Playhouse Square is one of my favorite places. Major productions such as Wicked, Hamilton and Waitress, all come through the Playhouse. Whatever your interests are, Cleveland is sure to provide. Whether you like to hike the metroparks, or listen to reggae from Carlos Jones, everything you need is here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My alma mater- Central State University played a huge role in my success. Specifically my mentor, and dean of students in the English department Dr. Amy Harris. After graduating high school, I went away to college, choosing to attend my mother’s alma mater, Central State University- an HBCU in Southern Ohio.

During my senior year at Central State, I became pregnant with my oldest son and ended up moving back home to Cleveland.

While in Cleveland, I began working in education. Starting from working in daycares to working my way through aiding teachers and substituting, to eventually doing administrative work. I built a career in education from the ground up based on what I learned in undergrad, but I always said I was going to go back and finish where I started.

I started writing fantasy fiction while I was working as an eighth-grade paraprofessional. It inspired me to go back and finish my degree.

Dr. Harris remembered me, and immediately took me under her wing. She served as my professor for an independent study class that I needed to graduate. I was the only student in her class. She made space for me intentionally so that I could be fully prepared for graduation and life after.
So, in the height of a global pandemic, I finally received my undergraduate degree in English Literature.

It was the perfect homecoming. Being on a campus so rich with Black History fueled my vision for the story I wanted to bring to life.

In 2022 I submitted my manuscript to a contest through Winn Publications. The first-place prize was a traditional publishing deal, and I won! The first person I contacted was Dr. Harris. I keep her close to my heart. Her dedication to her students is why I believed I could achieve.

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Other: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/188478566

Image Credits
all the pictures belong to me