Meet D.A. Alston of The D.A. Way in South Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to D.A. Alston.

D.A., let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
D.A. Alston was birthed at an Ihop with my mother while we awaited our food for a late dinner. I was bouncing off ideas of coloring book as I doodled on the back of a place-mat. The ideas began snowballing as I created a theme for my coloring book, It went from a story about girls, to make sure they were diverse, into superheros into an outline of a seven book series. The Unlikely Tale of The Royal Elite Squad is where The D.A. Way empire began. It’s a story of four girls who get paired together for a science fair project. After an untimely accident, a major explosion leaves their school in shambles. They are left trying to piece together their lives all while juggling home, new friendships, being teenagers and newfound abilities. This diverse superhero tale opened many doors for me creatively. Soon after, The Unlikely Tale of the Royal Elite Squad was released I started ‘Just Write’ a creative writing workshop that focused on ages 8-16. The workshop helped give them tools and tips on how to cultivate their own unique voices and how to write their own stories.

One idea of a potential coloring book has birthed a ya novel series, creative writing workshops, speaking engagements, creative art classes, and so much more.

It goes to show you what happens when you chase your dreams, so many other doors can open.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth? Ha! Not even in the slightest but I’ve learned to embrace the curves and dips and twists life brings. I go at things with bulldog tenacity and if door 1 doesn’t open I’ll knock on door 2 and continue until something gives. Now, from the outside looking in it may appear everything goes smoothly but that isn’t the case . I simply just choose not to dwell on or give power to the hiccups in my life. No mistakes, simply happy accidents.

My biggest struggle is not anything else going on in the world, it’s just me. Learning to do things afraid or in spite of what others or even myself may think.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a published author, teacher, artist and overall vision cultivator.

I am the proud author of The Unlikely Tale of the Royal Elite Squad. It’s a young adult novel that showcases friendships, diversity with a superhero twist.

I created Just Write a creative writing workshop for ages (primarily) 8-16. For those individuals who may struggle with how to write. It also gives tools on how to give power to your voice to better articulate yourself.

Painting with D.A. is a creative experience, unlike most painting classes. It’s an introspect session where you are given various materials and asked various questions while you create as a form of therapy and discovery.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The future is bright and I’m ready!

The Unlikely Tale of the Royal Elite Squad is my baby and I can’t wait to see her soar. I’m talking about tv shows, movies, memorabilia and so much more.

I plan to introduce Just Write into schools to help encourage the next generation of writers.

Pricing:

• The Unlikely Tale of the Royal Elite Squad is $15 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thedaway.com
• Email: theonly.da.alston@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/d.a.alston
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheOnly.DA.Alston
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/da_alston_

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