Unscripted with Lauren Marie Fleming

Lauren Marie Fleming
Lauren Marie Fleming
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A podcast about the creative process, resilience, and building a sustainable artistic life. Personal reflections on publishing, filmmaking, and what it actually takes to thrive as an artist today. unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com

  1. 4d ago

    If the Idea of Calling Yourself an Artist Feels Scary, This Is for You

    Why is the title "artist" so hard to claim? In this episode, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming breaks down the cultural trap surrounding the word "artist"—how we raise artists onto pedestals while simultaneously demeaning their worth under capitalism. From ghostwriting $50k client books to casual boardwalk encounters with local shirt designers, Lauren reflects on why making money off your art doesn't invalidate its depth, why storytelling is fine art, and how unlearning creative imposter syndrome allows us all to step into our power. WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your story? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: - Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com - Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com - The Writer's Career Guide: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming IN THIS EPISODE: - 00:00 - Why Calling Yourself an Artist Feels Scary - 01:00 - Pedestals & Demeaning: Culture's Double Standard on Art - 01:40 - "I'm Just a Storyteller": The Fine Art Imposter Syndrome - 02:15 - A Conversation on an Avocado Farm with a Photographer - 03:30 - The Double Standard: Commercial Work vs. Working for Free - 04:45 - Does Making Money Taint Your Artistry? - 06:20 - Crayon Drawings & The Kindergarten Table Standard - 07:30 - Spray Paint on the Boardwalk: "Please Don't Touch the Art" - 09:00 - Why Small Business Owners Get Encouragement (But Artists Don't) - 10:00 - How We Rise Together as Artists Because the world needs our stories and our art now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

  2. Oct 22

    Two Years Ago, My Novel Because Fat Girl Came Out and Completely Changed My Life — But Not in the Way I Expected

    It has been two years since my novel, Because Fat Girl, hit bookstores and airports across the nation. I waited 20 years for a traditional publisher to say yes to my story—and while having a "hit" book changed my life, it didn't happen the way I thought it would. In this episode, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming shares an intimate reflection on what traditional publishing actually gives you, unlearning the hustle for status symbols, and why seeing her community show up at book launches gave her the courage to launch a film production company. SPECIAL $0.99 BOOK BIRTHDAY PROMO: To celebrate two years of Because Fat Girl, my publisher has put the eBook on sale for $0.99 and the Audiobook (narrated by me!) for 60% off starting November 11th! Grab your copies here: http://becausefatgirl.com WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your story? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: - Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com - Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com - The Writer's Career Guide: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming IN THIS EPISODE: - 00:00 - Two Years Since Because Fat Girl - 01:00 - Waiting 20 Years for Traditional Publishing - 02:15 - What Success in Publishing Actually Looks Like - 03:00 - The Real Magic: Friends Flying Across the Country - 03:50 - Why Publishing Won't Love You Back - 05:10 - Unapologetic Queer Stories & Industry Backlash - 05:50 - How Book Community Gave Me Courage to Make Movies - 07:10 - My Birthday Gift Request: Tell Your Story - 08:20 - The $0.99 Book Birthday Promo & Final Thoughts Because the world needs our stories now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

  3. Oct 15

    Why I’m Making a Micro-Drama (and Bypassing Hollywood)

    I loved making my last film so much that I decided to do it again—and now I'm running a production company and a publishing imprint! In this episode, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming shares why her next project is a queer vertical micro-drama about activist assassins fronting as a feminist book club. After waiting 20 years for mainstream publishers and Hollywood studios to approve messy, chaotic, unapologetic lesbian stories, Lauren breaks down why micro-dramas are a game-changer. From providing equitable opportunities for local San Diego actors and crew to reaching isolated queer viewers in small towns, discover why bypassing traditional media gatekeepers is the ultimate act of creative autonomy. WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your story? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: - Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com - Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com - The Writer's Career Guide: How to Build a Sustainable Creative Life on Your Own Terms: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming IN THIS EPISODE: - 00:00 - Becoming a Publisher and a Producer - 00:50 - Stepping Away From Corporate Funnels to Make Real Art - 01:40 - Why Waiting for Hollywood or Publishers Takes 20 Years - 02:20 - Introducing My Micro-Drama: Activist Assassins & Feminist Book Clubs - 03:20 - From 1980s Novel to UCLA TV Script to Vertical Series - 04:05 - What Is a Micro-Drama? - 04:30 - Why Short-Form Works for Queer Creators & Audiences - 05:40 - Creating Low-Cost, Equitable Film Sets in San Diego - 06:20 - Reaching Queer Viewers in Small Towns & Online Spaces - 07:20 - Why Hollywood Looks Down on Micro-Dramas (And Why It’s Misogyny) - 09:20 - Casting Call Announcement & How to Be a Cheerleader Because the world needs our stories now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

  4. Oct 8

    What If the Most Rebellious Thing You Can Be Is an Artist in Love?

    What does it mean to want to be an artist in the modern world? In this episode, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming reflects on a major life shift: letting go of the 20-year drive for fame and wealth to step fully into being an "artist in love." From early internet fame, writing for Vice, and speaking at Ivy League universities to seeing her book in airports nationwide, Lauren shares why peak success left her feeling as unmoored as peak tragedy. Now, embarking on a 40-day Venus Retrograde in Scorpio journey, she invites you to explore what happens when we center love, community, and unarmored creative vulnerability over capitalistic hustle. WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your story? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: - Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com - Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com - The Writer's Career Guide: How to Build a Sustainable Creative Life on Your Own Terms: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming IN THIS EPISODE: - 00:00 - Wanting to be Rich & Famous Since Age 12 - 01:00 - Early Internet Success, Vice Columns, & Speaking at Yale - 01:50 - The Loneliness of Fame & Corporate Power - 02:30 - Why Making Money Couldn't Save Us From Bad Politics - 03:30 - Peak Success vs. Peak Tragedy - 04:40 - Realizing What I Want: Becoming an "Artist in Love" - 05:50 - Why Writing About Love Scares the Crap Out of Me - 06:40 - Letting Go of Spite & Choosing Art Over Commerce - 07:45 - 40 Days of Venus Retrograde in Scorpio Deep Dive - 09:50 - Join the 40-Day Rebel Journey Because the world needs our stories now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

  5. Oct 1

    How Directing a Movie Taught Me to Stop Trying to "Fix" Myself

    Have you ever had a moment where you felt completely, totally, and holistically yourself? In this episode, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming shares the behind-the-scenes realization from directing her latest indie film—and why it felt like the ultimate act of creative protest, queer revolution, and personal alignment. From rejecting corporate leadership models and setting collaborative values on set to wearing a "Femme Daddy" shirt in the director's chair, Lauren breaks down what happens when you stop trying to "fix" or censor yourself and instead give everyone around you permission to be fully who they are. ✨ WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your story? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ 🌴 ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 📚 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: - Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com - Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com - The Writer's Career Guide: How to Build a Sustainable Creative Life on Your Own Terms: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming IN THIS EPISODE: - 00:00 - Have You Ever Felt Completely Yourself? - 00:45 - Reassessing Life & Unlearning Taboos - 01:30 - Directing a Movie as an Act of Artistic Protest - 02:15 - Building a Queer Revolution on Set - 02:50 - What Corporate America Gets Wrong About Leadership - 03:50 - Balancing Comedy, Drama, & Aesthetic Brand Vision - 05:00 - Bringing "Femme Daddy" Energy to the Director's Chair - 05:40 - Creating an Accessible, Collaborative Set - 06:20 - Realizing You Don't Need to "Fix" Yourself - 07:15 - Letting Queers Be Queer & Making Revolutionary Art Because the world needs our stories now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

  6. Sep 26

    I Made a Movie Last Weekend! Here's What Was In My Director’s Binder.

    I made a movie this weekend, and it was the most "me" I’ve ever felt in a very long time. In this episode, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming walks through her physical, analog Director’s Binder—the exact tool that kept her grounded, organized, and creatively inspired on set. From building a visual shot list without overwhelming spreadsheets to creating set rules, honoring past queer filmmakers, and redefining what success means, Lauren shares a raw look into making art on your own terms outside of AI, tech, and corporate pressure. ✨ WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your story? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ 🌴 ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 📚 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: - Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com - Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com - The Writer's Career Guide: How to Build a Sustainable Creative Life on Your Own Terms: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming IN THIS EPISODE: - 00:00 - Show and Tell: Why I Created a Physical Director's Binder - 01:00 - Staying Tangible in a Digital World - 01:45 - The Amateur Cover & Defining Success On My Own Terms - 02:15 - Books That Influenced Me (Break the Frame, George Cukor, & Katharine Hepburn) - 04:05 - Standing on the Shoulders of Queer & Trans Filmmakers - 06:00 - The Vision Board: Doing It for 18-Year-Old Me - 06:35 - Building a Visual Shot List (Without Overwhelming Spreadsheets) - 08:30 - Handwritten Cast, Crew, and Set Rules ("Don't Be an A*****e") - 09:55 - Redefining "The Dream": Why Local San Diego Art Matters - 11:35 - Making Tangible, Unapologetic Art Outside the Tech Noise Because the world needs our stories now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

  7. Sep 10

    You Can Do Anything, But You Can’t Do Everything

    In this episode, Lauren shares why she's postponing her September publishing series — and what that decision taught her about being a kind boss to yourself instead of a relentless tyrant. 🎬 The cycle of doing so well that you take on more until you break — and why Lauren keeps falling into it 🎬 Why making a movie right now means the publishing deep dive has to wait 🎬 "You can do anything, but you can't do everything" — on focusing on what truly matters this season 🎬 How the Creative Life Blueprint helps Lauren make choices aligned with the boldly creative life she wants to live 🔗 The Making Money as a Writer series: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/t/making-money-as-a-writer 🔗 Learn more about the Creative Life Blueprint: http://creativelifeblueprint.com 🎥 SUPPORT MY SHORT FILM: 🔗 NoAnimalsHarmedFilm.com ✨ FOLLOW ALONG IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS: ✍️ Subscribe on Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ 📷 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming 📚 READ MY BOOKS: 🔗 Escape into my queer romcom Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com 🔗 Learn to profoundly love your body with my workbook Bawdy Love: http://bawdylove.com 🔗 Build a writing career with my Writer's Career Guide: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide 🚀 RESOURCES TO BUILD YOUR BOLDLY CREATIVE LIFE: 🔗 Learn more about the Creative Life Blueprint: http://creativelifeblueprint.com 🔗 Learn more about 33 Asks®: https://33asks.com Because the world needs our stories now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

  8. Sep 3

    I got the book deal. Here’s why I wish I didn’t wait 20 years for it.

    I patiently waited 20 years for traditional publishing to give me a book deal, and I was rewarded with seeing my novel in airports and bookstores across the nation. But looking back on my 13 manuscripts, waiting was probably the wrong move—and it’s not a mistake I want you to make. In this episode, author, filmmaker, and story coach Lauren Marie Fleming breaks down the un-gatekept reality of traditional publishing versus taking ownership of your creative work. From a 2006 heartbreak and free tea at a coffee shop to navigating Big Five corporate backlash, Lauren shares why waiting for permission suffocates artists—and how to build a lasting legacy on your own terms. WORK WITH LAUREN 1:1: Ready to build your book strategy, unblock your creative career, or get support writing your book? Book your VIP Story Coaching session or ghostwriting consultation: https://laurenmariefleming.as.me/ ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AT A CREATIVE RETREAT: Creativity is better in person and with community! Join us to leave the everyday grind behind and make art in a room together. Sign up for information on upcoming retreats: https://forms.gle/yR9GBCy8g9vT22Kc9 BOOKS & PROGRAMS BY LAUREN: - Queer romcom fiction Because Fat Girl: http://becausefatgirl.com - Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body: http://bawdylove.com - The Writer's Career Guide: How to Build a Sustainable Creative Life on Your Own Terms: https://laurenmariefleming.com/books/writerscareerguide CONNECT WITH LAUREN & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Read the Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMarieFleming IN THIS EPISODE: - 2004: Heartbreak, Female Assassins, and Free Tea - Film school warnings & entering the publishing world - Writing 13 books and the "not enough following" catch-22 - What 'Because Fat Girl' had that my other books didn't - The reality of gatekeeping and conservative corporate backlash - Self-publishing wins: Bawdy Love & The Writer's Career Guide - Why you should stop waiting for approval and publish your story now Because the world needs our stories now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

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A podcast about the creative process, resilience, and building a sustainable artistic life. Personal reflections on publishing, filmmaking, and what it actually takes to thrive as an artist today. unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com

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