An Open Book, One Story At A Time

My Interview with Ashley: The Coffee Times Interview series previously published on Substack

Ashley: Hi everyone,

To start the new month, allow me to introduce Donette Anglin, a writer who is no stranger to Coffee Times, actively sharing personal stories and her love for writing.

Donnette, Welcome to Coffee Times, you are no stranger to Coffee Times, and you publish regularly with CT, would you like to say something to our Coffee Times audience on Substack?

Donnette: Thank you for having me, Ashley. You’re right; Coffee Times is one of my favorite pubs. I’ve not only published most of my stories with CT, but I have come here to read amazing content by its diverse and talented writers. CT is a game-changer. They set themselves apart from other publications by offering different genres of music that will put you in any mood you choose.

Winston and his amazing team ensure your experience at CT is worthwhile and there is an impactful takeaway that keeps you coming back.

Ashley: Having published regularly with CT, is there a pattern in the kind of articles you publish with us? And why?

Donnette: I’m a personal story writer. I write about my past experiences and the lessons I’ve learned. I also write as I live in the moment — my writing journey on Medium, my mood, and views on a trending topic or experience I’ve encountered on a given day that’s worth sharing. It’s all about navigating and making sense of life. Either way, I’m mindful that whatever I share with my readers will be of value one way or the other.

Ashley: You often write about your love for writing and have a pinned piece on what you look for in articles on Medium. Why do you love writing so much, and what do you think makes a good writer?

Donnette: Writing is one of my passions. I refer to myself as a heartfelt writer knowing very well, I am not as talented or naturally gifted as some excellent or professional writers I’ve read. I’m mindful that some people are exceptionally good at somethings while others may have to work harder to attain excellence. We all have our personal writing styles and ways we express ourselves. But our differences are what sets us apart and makes us unique and special. But it’s my belief that once a writer has mastered the art of effective communicating his or her messages to their audience, they’re without a doubt a good writer.

Writing helps me connect with myself and heals from past hurt and pain. Sharing my experiences with others is my way to reach out and hold someone’s hand who feels lost in a similar situation and needs a friend. If I can be that writer who helps a reader transition to be brave and heal from their hurt and pain, and ultimately finds themselves, I am a good writer.

Ashley: I loved the piece you wrote on not letting shame silence our stories. How do you personally decide when to overcome the fear and publish these stories and when to keep it personal?

Donnette: It takes guts to write about my personal life. Being vulnerable feels like walking on stage naked in front of an audience. Will they criticize, ridicule, blame or judge me? Supposedly someone I know read what I write? Are some of the questions floating around in my head that kept me from hitting publish when I first started on Medium. It was while listening to a recorded podcast hosted by my friend while she interviewed a woman who spent much of her life in abusive relationships that things changed for me. The woman sobbed throughout the interview as she relates and relived her gruesome story. Though, not a victim of abuse, it was what she said at the end of the interview that impacted me the most.

“How freeing to get this off my chest” she said and suddenly she stopped sobbing. It was in that moment; I felt the courage to be brave and write more stories about my life. Hoping that by sharing my stories I too could heal from some of my hurt and help others who are going through a similar situation, similarly the way that woman help me to overcome my fear of writing about my life stories. I published my first vulnerable piece on Medium that same night and have never held back writing vulnerable since.

Ashley: Writing is your passion, and I see that it helps you with self-expression like many writers. But how did writing and sharing your stories online help change you personally? Is there an article that touches you most that you would like to share with our readers?

Donnette: My favorite piece is “How my biggest mistakes became my lessons for growth” Every personal essay I wrote therafter,connects to this story. Identifying and admitting my wrongs was a big transition for me. It brought some well-needed healing and necessary change.

Ashley: You work two full-time jobs. How do you think these experiences helped contribute to your writing? Do you have any tips to help our writers manage both work and our writing endeavors?

Donnette:Yes, I am an entrepreneur. I owned and operated an exclusive marketing and distribution company for an international well-known and popular brand of electronics. I am a veteran at business — 20 years and counting. I managed remotely these days as I migrated to the United States about eight years ago for a change that I deemed necessary at the time to a new beginning of my personal life. I am a dual citizen, so I work a corporate administrative position in the United States. I also sit on two robust executive boards. My plate is full most days.

Time management is very important. Thankfully, I have mastered this aspect of my life in earlier days.Routinely,I read and comment on my fellow writers’ articles early mornings before I get out of bed. I usually do this from my phone. I repeat this process before I retire at nights. There are the occasional times during the days that I am compelled to read one or two stories that stands out. Unfortunately, I don’t have a writing routine. I write whenever I’m inspired and never feel pressured to write for the sake of publishing something. But more often than not, Inspiration usually struck in the wee hours of the mornings. So I make sure my Laptop is easily reachable.

Ashley: How do you think your Jamaican origins with the ‘no problem’ attitude contributed to your writing persona?

Donnette: Jamaicans are easy going people. We are known for our “No Problem” culture that I take with me everywhere I go. I write the way I speak and oftentimes sprinkles some of my warm Caribbean sunshine on the pages to brightens someone’s day.

Ashley: You wrote about being a true writer, and I understand that you’re not a professional writer. But on your terms, what do you think makes a successful writer?

Donnette:Success at writing is different for every writer. For some, it’s the pride of writing a book or even more, becoming a best seller. Other’s measure their success by the amount of articles they have published. A writer’s success is varied and personal. For me, it’s the ability to share my thoughts and feel the connection with my readers when they comment on a piece I’ve written. When a reader feels your words, it’s an amazing feeling.

Ashley: Eventually, do you have any writing projects you wish to tackle, and why do you hope to do that?

Donnette: I hope to write a book soon. Authoring a book will give me the stamp of approval for my story to live in the traditional printed form as part of my legacy.

Ashley: Lastly, could you tell us something that we don’t know about you?

Donnette :Ashley, my life is an opened book. I have shared much about myself in my stories on Medium.

But for those who may have missed out, Here goes —

I am the proud mother of an adult son from my previous marriage.

I will be celebrating my 52nd birthday this month - April.

But,here are a few things you may want to know.

I am a certified Interior Decorator. Interior design is my first love passion. I discovered this talent of mine since I was a child but somehow, never pursued it as a career due to societal influence.

I am big on organization and cleanliness — call me a clean freak if you will. everything has a place for me. I dry every drop of water from my kitchen sink every time I use it.

I am a minimalist by nature. I freaks out at clutter. I will walk in a room and detect a lean picture hanging on the wall or a cushion that’s out of place. Unkept disorganized spaces gets to me.I cant function in such environment.

I love clothes and shoes. I recently donated over 50 pairs of shoes, 15 handbags and three 30-gallon garbage bags of clothing last month to charity.

And how about this one?

I’m a cry baby. I get emotional watching sad movies and seeing human suffering.

Ashley: The story on sharing vulnerability touched me. I think it’s beautiful how vulnerability does wonder not just for us but for others as well, as unexpected they may be. It’s definitely not an easy feat to deal with.

I would like to express my sincere thank you to Donnette for this heartfelt and honest interview. It’s been great getting to understand the perspective behind her published works.