Todd Lawson LaTourrette - Author Life

Todd Lawson LaTourrette has overcome more than his fair share of hardships. Battling against mental illness and self-destructive behaviours, he is now a published author. His memoir, Consumed, gives an open insight into his illness. His answers to the author life questionnaire are truly inspiring.

Did you always dream of becoming an author?

My professional career aspirations have always gravitated toward performing, whether on stage or screen. My career as a writer began out of pure necessity…a base need to heal from my self-destructive past. At the onset, I never planned to publish Consumed. As the lengthy process of editing and writing progressed, I discovered that my conflicted journey may assist others in circumventing a very similar path as mine. Today, several very positive reviews on Amazon have shown that I have accomplished my desired goal, for which I am honoured and grateful.

What was your first job?

At the age of sixteen, I earned my first job as a professional lifeguard in Okinawa, Japan. I guarded swimmers at two beaches on the small island. After two years, I worked at beaches in Florida, and several Olympic pools throughout the United States. During my six year career as a lifeguard, I made over ten life threatening rescues.

How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

Thus far, writing my memoir has been the most difficult task in my life...to endlessly edit, write, and survive. My family was very concerned during my dedicated efforts to translate my story. They believed that doing so, in the brutally honest manner which I did, may cause self-destructive behaviours to reoccur, through possible harmful memories and debilitating ruminations. I persevered in order to release the very same memories and ruminations from my mind. Presently, my mind is much healthier and truly open to long-term assistance with my mental illness.

What was your life like before you became an author?

My personal life has been consumed with shame for many, many years…shame for being bipolar. As the reader will witness, I did not properly care for my mental illness and thus I perpetuated my own life threatening instability. Writing my autobiography may have saved my life. Throughout the process, I gained insight into how harmful my self-destruction was, not only upon my own existence, but also upon that of my loving family. I was, and remain grateful to my loved ones. Without their endless support and understanding, I would most assuredly have departed this earth in the year 2001.

Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

Every person struggles, and then must overcome. My life is no different or more difficult than any other. Millions of people suffer from mental illness. We strive to make heathy choices and attempt to properly care for ourselves. I am very fortunate to have the systems of support which are within my grasp. My most difficult choice has been to consciously choose to seek assistance. My failure to do so, throughout my adult years, caused a type of chaos. Presently, I feel I have overcome by simply swallowing (metaphorically and literally), my prescribed medications every morning. After doing so, anything and everything is possible.

Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

As a published author, the one aspect of my life which has been altered the most is my pride. I am proud of my ability to completely care for myself today. This fact would never have occurred if it were not for the writing, editing, and the release of Consumed. It has translated positively into other lives. I do not project to be a spokesperson for mental illness, but I do view my present role as powerful…powerful, only should I continue in my efforts for stability.

Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

I will reiterate this fact further…my day begins with the consumption of my prescribed medications. My work day starts with a cup of water and a handful of colourful psychotropic drugs. The remainder of my day is filled with hope for a brighter future. I do attend film and television auditions quite often, and book roles occasionally. The pen is never far from my grasp…my second book, Mother’s Nurture, was released by Pegasus on December 1st of 2016. Further publications are a goal as well.

What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

My book signings have been very, very gratifying. The toughest aspect is admitting I am bipolar and that Consumed is a mental health memoir. After “breaking the ice”, the person and I usually delve into the challenges many people face every day. Most of my patrons have a dear friend, family member, or are themselves mentally ill. Thus, the interaction is revealing and rewarding. My hope is for the reader to discover hope within the overwhelmingly challenging journey as a mentally ill individual. We shall all witness a revitalization within ourselves…throughout our lives. What path we consciously choose truly defines our character. I have experienced a reawakening. The past is just that…the past. Today, I, Todd Lawson LaTourrette am more than willing to work, to overcome and to survive the discourse of my bipolar disorder. “The beginning…”