5Q :: Stuck in a bad romance? One author provides hope

Lauren “L.R.” Lawrence’s new book opens with a doozy. As a way of introducing us to Bad Boyfriend No. 1 in “Don’t Settle for Any Old Soulmate,” the Phoenix native recounts a harrowing story of being knocked out by jealous Stephan’s camera. Yes, you read that right: He swung his camera — traditionally the tool of artistic types who wouldn’t hurt any of God’s creatures — so hard at her head that she blacked out. She wasn’t even old enough to drive yet and she was already in an abusive relationship.

Unfortunately for the author, bad relationships just kept coming her way.

We sent a couple of questions to Lawrence to find out why she would possibly want to relive all of that heartache:

Budgeteer: What is “Don’t Settle,” exactly? Is it a self-help book about what signs to look for in the beginnings of relationships?

Lawrence: “Don’t Settle” is about going into the private attic of my mind to bring out the skeletons I am no longer hiding from. “Deliverance!”

Readers will, of course, take away a million different things from your book, but what are some of the most important points you want them to leave with?

I want people to take back their lives. Sometimes the paths we choose are terrible, but, if you live through them, that means you are given another chance to get it right. It doesn’t matter when you change, just that you do.

What prompted this book? Had you always wanted to write a book about your relationships?

“Life” prompted me to write this book. I had what people often like to call a breakdown. I had always told myself not to settle for any old soulmate. So, when I got to that lowest point of hurt and humiliation, I cried out to God, and began writing this book — turning my mess into my message. I finished it in three months. Then, of course, I did two more rewrites.

Did going over your past failed relationships open up old wounds, or did you kind of smirk because you were able to turn them into a book?

Writing this book made me reopen all of my scars and bleed on the pages. I had not ever imagined becoming a writer in my wildest dreams. But this goes to show you that sometimes genes may lay dormant until you’re ready to use them.

Finally, once you’re done promoting this book, what will you be working on next?

My next book I am writing is called “The Difference Between Black & White.” It includes interracial love, history and politics — all, of course, nonfiction. I like writing reality books!

Tags: budge a and e, arts and entertainment, online exclusives, lauren lawrence, duluth, books, 5q, interview, author, phoenix, arizona, romance, soulmate, relationships