What would you do if you had a dream where Dwayne Johnson wanted to date you? Would you use it as inspiration to write a colorful, fun, and empowering romcom about a queer fat girl and her diverse group of friends trying to get a movie made in L.A.? Because that’s exactly what Lauren Marie Fleming did! Her debut, Because Fat Girl, comes out next month and I recently had the chance to chat with Lauren about writing, her experience as a story coach, believing in oneself.
Can you tell me a bit about Because Fat Girl?
Because Fat Girl is one of those reads you pick up because it's fun and colorful, and then you suddenly find yourself feeling more confident, more understood, and less alone. My ultimate dream is that people read this novel and go out and tell their story, make a movie, write a play, bet on their own dreams like the characters in the book do. The story follows a queer fat girl and her diverse group of friends trying to get a movie made in L.A., and the adversity they overcome together to make space in this world for stories like theirs. It's got all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with hilarity and fries with cheese sprinkled on top. And it's a romance, so you know there will be some spicy scenes and the kind of happily ever after that will make you swoon.
What inspired you to write this book?
At the time, I was working on a heavier novel that centered around the breakdown I had after my younger brother died of cancer. It was rough going, but almost done. I went on a writing retreat to finish it and every night I kept having this recurring dream that Dwayne Johnson wanted to date me. And I kept turning him down. I just couldn't be the fat queer girl dating The Rock. Every day I woke up from that dream and thought "damn that would make a great book," but I didn't do anything about it for a couple weeks because I was there to write my "very serious adult novel" not a fluffy romcom about The Rock. Except the dream kept persisting until I couldn't help but write it. When I finally gave in, it took me two weeks to write one of the most profound books of my life. Yes, it's lighthearted and fun, and I love it for that. But at its core, it's still that book I was needing to write about coming out of the depths of despair when grief knocks you out.
In addition to being an author, you are also a storytelling coach. What is a storytelling coach and what excites you about it?
Everything excites me about story coaching! That's why I feel so lucky to have it be my career. Not only do I help people literally tell their stories through my Write Your Friggin' Book Already® program, but I get to support people in looking at the stories they tell in their daily lives and ask "is there a better story here?" For example, my Creative Life Blueprint course ask people to develop their 3-Pillar Legacy by looking at the stories they want to tell about themselves, the stories they want others to tell about them, and the communal stories we want to tell. For me, that's a story of a queer, fat, neurodiverse person living finding joy, love and perseverance through the ups and downs of life. For others it might be something else. I love watching my clients define what that is for them, and then go live a creative life built around that story they want told.
I see that you have gone to both film school and law school. How has your educational background influenced your writing and your coaching?
I use both my degrees every single day. Film school taught me to think in visuals and engage all parts of the reader in a story. Law school taught me to think in a completely different way and see the nuance in every situation – even when I disagree with someone. I'm so grateful I was able to work both sides of my brain in such an intense and profound environment at such prestigious top-tier educational facilities. And, I think I learned just as much from real life experience. So if you don't have formal education, that is okay! So much of makes me a great writer and coach was learned through life experience and books. One reason I started my company SchoolForWriters.com is because authors came before me and shared their wisdom, and I wanted to pay it forward.
What brings you the most joy while writing?
Snack breaks. LOL. It's funny cuz it's true...
While you’ve had an impressive career in the writing world, this is your debut novel. What advice do you have for aspiring authors, especially those who may feel things are not progressing soon enough?
It will be 20 years to the month between when I started my first novel and when my first novel will be published. In that time, I had three books go to publishers and fail at the last minute, multiple essays written all over the internet and print, and one self-published book. Yet, for some reason, now people are finally believing me when I say "I'm a writer." You have to believe it yourself first. You can't wait for others to approve you. In the world of viral hits and "overnight" successes, it can be hard to be patient. But publishing takes patience. You have to persevere, build resilience, and learn to embrace rejection as proof you put yourself out there. I developed a sticker chart to help me do just that (you can see it at 33Asks.com) but you have to find the thing that works for you. Whatever it is, make sure it's fun, creative, and has rewards built in because you'll need that dopamine hit. And if it gets hard, stop for a day, a month, a year even. I took time off because of grief, illness, and life. But always come back to the writing. It doesn't need anything other than for you to show up for it. All you have to do is keep being creative. The rest will flow from there.
Where can readers get Because Fat Girl?
You can grab it anywhere books are sold! Entangled, my publisher, is pushing it everywhere, so hopefully you'll see it in your local bookstores, libraries, and maybe even airports! If you want a link to all the places it's available, check out BecauseFatGirl.com.
What are the best places to follow you?
Instagram (@laurenmariefleming), TikTok (@laurenmariefleming) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/laurenmariefleming) are where I hang out the most. But the good juicy tips are shared in my newsletter. You can join that and get more insider sneak peeks at BecauseFatGirl.com.
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