Featured Interview With “The Whisperer” & Donna Earl “The Urban Soap Opera Diva”
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
“The Whisperer” (To Remain Anonymous)
Donna Earl, aka The Urban Soap Opera Diva is originally from Chester, Pennsylvania, now residing in Washington, D.C. She received her education from Morgan State University as Kaplan University. She is also the author of When I Close My Eyes and Eyes Wide Open.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
“The Whisperer”
My age of recognition of my fascination with books was since the first time someone (at teacher) asked me to write a sentence. It was at that point that I realized “someone” had to write this, it didn’t just appear out of thin air. I wasn’t just reading pages, I was getting between someone’s ears, that was very powerful to me. I have always written things since I can remember. I used to keep a diary when it wasn’t “fashionable” for men (or boys) to do so, keeping my thoughts since I was about 11 years old.
Writing poetry, songs and sharing my thoughts happened depending on whether or not I was in love or in a relationship. If I wasn’t I didn’t write, I always wrote when I was in a relationship. I didn’t actually pin a book until about 10 years ago.
Donna Earl “The Urban Soap Opera Diva”
I came late with my fascination with books. I was about 26 yrs old. I relocated to Washington DC and roomed with my friend Teeann Hawkins. She was an avid reader and she shared her love of books with me giving me my first book to read entitled “The Home.” It was a great read so she shared “Son of the Endless Night. Wow!!! Then I was off and running. I started reading Stephen King, VC Andrews, Terry McMillian, Walter Mosely…even Zane. I just read…
I started writing in 2004. My friend had shared her life story with me (it was a story and a half) and I felt she should share it with others; to be used as a service to those who suffered the same beginnings. She declined for personal reasons, so after her passing, I took on the task to bring it to life. That’s how “When I Close My Eyes” came about. Then Eyes Wide Open and now The Chameleon Judge.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
“The Whisperer”
I have always been fascinated by James Baldwin, Alex Haley and believe it or not Dear Abby. All of them brought something to the mental table of a young person with a drifting imagination. I don’t really have a favorite genre, it really depends on my personal what, when, why and how at that particular time. My musing inspiration changes all of the time. As I mentioned earlier, my relationships (various types), someone new I may meet, something I may see or possibly read. It’s why I never “plan” to write, when the feeling hits, I literally go with the flow.
Donna Earl “The Urban Soap Opera Diva”
Favorite authors are Stephen King, Walter Mosely and Terry McMillian. Those are my top three but I have a library of all types of books. My favorite genre to read, I can’t say but I have to admit I enjoyed books written by Ashley & Jaquavis and a brother by the name Kwan ( I like a little danger). I also like the Coldest Winter by Sister Souljah. I believe family and friends have been my inspiration to continue storytelling, if you call it that. I have a new story on the burner, entitled “BaLink” that is inspired by a friend of mine that use to be a DJ in Washington D.C. Was working on it the same time as “The Chameleon Judge” and I have another idea whirling around about another story that will be next.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
I was inspired to write this book to defend the victim. Sexual Abuse/Molestation is a violation that was swept under the rug until recent years. The violation, however defined, leaves scars the victims have been left to deal with. One needs to understand the sexual violation is a sore that never heals. The scab comes and goes. We want this book to show for one victim, Jake Turner, how his sore remained open all his adult life and how it oozed, damnation, shame and how even after therapy, the sore could not be healed. Another inspiration is telling the story that despite having negative, dominating experiences one can still persevere and be a successful professional. Ultimately, getting the story told, using musing as therapy to deal with one’s past.
I Would like the readers to understand sexual abuse leaves a stain of shame that is not easily erased. The scar of this violation cannot be eliminated with the word sorry or with financial payoff. It’s an everlasting noose that pulls tighter and tighter around the neck of the victim nearly cutting off the victim’s well-being. Additionally, we don’t want readers to feel or believe that all members of the LGTBQ Community are predators, this book is loosely based on the experiences of a real-life person who lived with them.
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