PREFACE
My college religion professor would say, “I have borrowed stories, I have made stories, and stories have made me.” I believe that stories are what keep us connected to the world. Without them, we would be in this world alone and in shame. Our shame would smother us and cause us sadness. Stories help keep us connected to one another. Just knowing that someone else in the world suffers with the things we suffer with, helps us to know that we are not alone.
However, often times, the process of living can cause us to feel alone. The main reason we feel alone is because when life gets rough, the journey feels lonely and isolating. Often in this journey we face many obstacles. These obstacles are the hills and valleys that life presents to us. During this journey, rather than journeying to find something, we journey to complete something. It is those stories that we hear, share, and create along the way that calms our state of mind.
When I completed this collection of thoughts, I was 34. I am now 49 and ready to share with the world. Writing poetry (my thoughts), in the words of Alice Walker, saved my life. I find very little reason to be this type of writing now, mainly because God has healed a part of what was missing by sending me a soul mate to share in my journey. But when I was in the midst of completing this collection, I looked at my short (but long felt) journey and knew that everything was going to be okay. Throughout the hurts of losing my mother at age 11, losing many women I thought I loved, battling to overcome the abuse of childhood, finding a turbulent relationship with my father at age 32, and knowing that my sisters would survive, I knew that life was doable. Since that moment, I married my true love and comfort and have three wonderful boys. I have completed my doctorate and have had a successful career, to this point.
But still I feel that I have not traveled far in my journey. My past sometimes still haunts me, but now it does not shame me. I am not in shame, because I am not alone. I know this, because God told me so. I, however, did at times feel very frustrated about life, God, people, and myself. But somehow, I have accepted my part in these relationships.
So now it is time to share a moment of my journey through poetry (my thoughts) as an expression of thanks to her for saving my life, as poetry (my thoughts) has indeed been a lifesaver. It has been a sane gift from God. I have to admit that taking my life has never been an option, but confusion, anger, and hope has been a constant. To the world, I share myself with you, in trust, my state of mind.

Targeted Age Group:: adults

[gravityforms action=”conditional” merge_tag=”Actually, most of my writing is in the academic genre. I have published academic articles which requires a different form of writing than this book. Writing poetry is much more freeing than writing academic manuscripts.” condition=”isnot” value=””]How is Writing In Your Genre Different from Others?
Actually, most of my writing is in the academic genre. I have published academic articles which requires a different form of writing than this book. Writing poetry is much more freeing than writing academic manuscripts.[/gravityforms]

What Advice Would You Give Aspiring Writers?
Be true to you self, understand perception you want to give in your writing and understand how your audience percept your writing. Find that balance that does not force you to sell your soul for acceptance.

Author Bio:
Donald Easton-Brooks PhD. grow up in the inner-city of Houston, TX. He lost his mother at the age of 11. He lived a life in which he had to really raise himself. He has escaped various forms of childhood abuse and now finds himself an advocate for children and educational policies. He did not have a relationship with his father until his 11th grade year in high school. However, Donald was about to go to college on a football scholarship. He graduated, later earned his masters in special education, and then his Ph.D. He is now a university dean. He has published works in academic journals and book chapters. He is married with three boys.

[gravityforms action=”conditional” merge_tag=”The book has been in the works for years. I started writing when I was in 8th grade. I am now to the point where I feel that my words can be an encouragement to others. The book is a collection of poetry I have written through the years. I am finally in a space that I can share my thoughts with others.” condition=”isnot” value=””]What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
The book has been in the works for years. I started writing when I was in 8th grade. I am now to the point where I feel that my words can be an encouragement to others. The book is a collection of poetry I have written through the years. I am finally in a space that I can share my thoughts with others.[/gravityforms]

Website(s)
Link To Buy State of Mind: A journey through the hills and valleys of life On Amazon

Social Media:
[gravityforms action=”conditional” merge_tag=”https://www.facebook.com/stateofmindeastonbrooks” condition=”isnot” value=””]https://www.facebook.com/stateofmindeastonbrooks[/gravityforms]