Ebony Ali 'Beauty for Ashes: An Exchange for Hope' Interview
Where are you from?: I live in Hackney, east london but I’ve also lived in south-east london. Originally both my parents are Nigerian.
Tell us the story of how you got into writing: I’ve loved writing ever since I knew I was good at it. So I would say since I was 10 years old. I loved reading as a child so storytelling was my speciality. My background is in international relations and Journalism, however I started writing my first book in 2016.
What was your favorite book growing up?: The entire Harry Potter Franchise, Although I’m no longer into it. I still don’t think I’ve read any books as imaginatively captivating as that franchise written by JK Rowling.
What is your favorite book as an adult?: I haven’t read a good fiction book for a long time but I would say it has to be between The Shack by William P. Young and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. As you can see my taste in books has definitely changed.
What is the name of your new book?: Beauty for Ashes: An Exchange for Hope
What inspired you to write the book?: This book is based on my life experiences, I would say God inspired me to write it. It’s to help those who have experienced similar struggles in life.
Tell us more about your new book: Beauty for Ashes: An exchange for Hope is my memoir.
Description
What drives a woman in the prime of her youth to a mental breakdown?About to enter her final year of university at the age of 19, Ebony Ali suffered a psychotic episode and was sectioned in a mental institute for three months. As she recounts her struggle with low self-esteem stemming from a history of childhood abuse, Ebony is open about the fight to overcome her heartbreaks, conquer her addictions; and how she turned her life around through her rediscovered faith in Jesus Christ.In this book, Ebony identifies with the pains many often endure alone. She demonstrates God's transforming power in her life and shows us her journey through dark despair to a place where she is now enveloped in the love of Christ.
Where do you go to get into writing mode?: Anywhere out of my house, I like the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre because of the environment and scenery. I love to write in coffee shops as well.
Who needs to read this book?: Anyone who feels broken, lost or confused. Anyone who is struggling with their mental health or knows someone who is.
Who inspires you?: Other than Jesus, I’m inspired by anyone who goes after their dreams. I think it takes great courage to do so- which is a trait I admire most in humans. I’m also inspired by humbled people who aren’t motivated by clout or material things but genuinely want to help others. Those are the kinds of people who inspire me.
How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?: I think they are both extremely important, reading not only expands your world view but it helps you to be a good communicator. I believe you can gain a lot of knowledge and wisdom through reading, something that our generation needs more of. In order to predict the future you need to study history and as the world is rapidly changing being able to predict the future is becoming more important. Young people need to know their words matter and their voices are important, through literacy they can explore their ideas as well as challenge their beliefs and opinions. Young people should know their words have the power to shape the future.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to create something they dream of?: Just do it because there is a feeling of personal fulfilment you get when you achieve a dream. Don’t worry about seeking approval from others, believe in yourself. You just don’t know if you fulfilling your dream will change the world- or even spark the mind that will change the world as Tupac said.
Where can people find your new book?: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beauty-Ashes-Miss-Ebony-Ali/dp/1731411979/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=beauty+for+ashes+ebony+ali&qid=1597689047&sprefix=beauty+for+ash&sr=8-1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebonyswords/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ebonyali1?lang=en
Facebook.com: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1178985326
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