When we hear about people turning to drugs, and committing crimes to feed their habit and lifestyle, we never hear about those people who have turned their life around. One person who has turned their life around is D’Angelo Stefani.
Not only has D’Angelo Stefani who calls Boston his home walked away from the life of crime and removed themselves from the temptation of drugs, he has also decided to become an author and write about his life.
On My Own: Reflecting on Yesterday is an honest and powerful account of D’Angelo Stefani struggles, triumphs, and ultimate redemption. It is a book that is hard to read without having a lump in your throat and emotion going through your body. Some reviewers have already called it one of the most compelling accounts of how a person has struggled with addiction.
I sat down with D’Angelo Stefani to learn more about his life and his book On My Own: Reflecting on Yesterday, this is what he had to say.
You were once a drug addict and a bank robber but now your have turned your life around and become an author, which I have to say is an inspiration, what have you learnt about your journey?
The three biggest things I’ve learned is that I had to go through everything I did in order to be who I am today. That time waits for no one, and everyone deserves a second chance.
They say that everyone is one step away from self-destruct, what led you down the dark path of drug addiction?
I think not knowing or even wanting to deal with my childhood played a big part. Getting high was my escape from the feelings I was running from.
Do you have any regrets about your life as a drug addict or do you believe it has shaped you into the person you are today?
Like I said earlier, I believe the things I went through made me the person I am today. Do I have regrets? A few but if I could go back and change anything knowing what I know now, no I wouldn’t change a thing.
As mentioned, you have turned your life around and now you are an author, what made you decide to become an author?
I honestly don’t consider myself an author. My way of dealing with emotions while I was in prison was writing. I’ve been so self-destructive for so long that finding another outlet, was life changing.
You have written On My Own: Reflecting on Yesterday, what inspired you to write the book about your journey?
I wanted to make some sense out of my past. When I used to think about my past, all I could see were puzzle pieces. My writing became a way for me to put the puzzle together.
Are you expecting people to be shocked, surprised, or inspired by your book?
I think all three. I lived a double life for many years. So I’m sure a few emails and phone calls are making their way to me.
You say you were a bank robber, was this just once or more than once, and if you could go back in time to the day you were robbing the bank, what would you now say to yourself?
I wish it would have been just one. All together there were 13 banks. To be honest, when I was robbing banks, I was so high that nothing I would have said would have changed anything. It was something I had to go through.
The book has already gained rave reviews, would you like your book to be turned into a film and if it was, who would you like to play you?
That would be cool! I always hear from people that I resemble the actor, Ray Liotta. As we all know he has passed away. I don’t know. That’s something I would have to think about but if they DO turn it into a movie, I wouldn’t care who played me. I’d be too excited!
So, what is the next step for you, can we expect to see more thrilling books and if so, are you currently writing one now?
I just completed a book about drug addiction. As far as another book. Maybe. Probably!
“On My Own: Reflecting on Yesterday” is available for purchase on https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZCVNBD4 and other major book retailers.