Unscripted with Lauren Marie Fleming

Reflections on growing up on the U.S.–Mexico border, my long relationship with Mexican culture, and what it means to love a place that isn’t mine.

This is a personal letter about privilege, borders, discomfort, and the questions that don’t have easy answers—only ongoing responsibility.

For photos, links, and the full written letter, visit the full post at Unscripted.LaurenMarieFleming.com.

You can subscribe there for weekly letters, and follow the podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss future episodes.

Sharing Is Caring

Here are some relevant resources that you might find helpful if you liked today’s letter:

* Interested in learning more about the effects of gentrification and over tourism on CDMX? Check out The Gringo Tax Solidarity Fund (GTSF), an organization dedicated to creative solidarity, coalition-building, political education, and resource redistribution.

* Wondering how I’m able to have both the confidence and resources to travel around the world? The key is creative resilience, and my 33 Asks® program can help you build up your own.

* One of the books that helped me learn about the literal streets of Mexico City was The Interior Circuit: A Mexico City Chronicle by Francisco Goldman. It’s a beautiful story about dealing with grief by learning to drive through this complex maze of cobblestone calles, while also exploring organized crime and the dark sides of this massive city. Order it from an independent bookstore here or get it on Kindle here.

* Want to learn more about Mexican culture and practice your Spanish? Check out these shows I’ve enjoyed on Netflix:

* El Niñero (The Manny) – a family-friendly drama-filled show that bridges rural rancheros and city culture

* La Casa de Flores – super LGBTQ friendly and full of hilarious twists and turns, plus one very iconic accent

* Club de Cuervos – think Running Point meets Ted Lasso

*Some of these links might be affiliate links, but I only share resources I love, regardless of affiliate status.

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

I don’t want to talk about ICE — and yet, here we are again.

This episode is for anyone who feels reluctant, exhausted, scared of “doing it wrong,” or unsure how to keep using their voice in sustainable ways.

From Mexico City, I reflect on the tension between wanting to live a soft, creative, human life and the reality of ongoing human rights violations back home.

I share why activism feels especially hard right now, how overwhelm and perfectionism are often by design, and why imperfect action still matters.

I also walk through three imperfect principles that are helping me stay engaged without burning out.

For photos, links, and resources mentioned in this episode, plus to comment and join the conversation, head to my Substack at Unscripted.LaurenMarieFleming.com.

Subscribe there for weekly letters — and follow or subscribe to this podcast wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss future episodes.

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

In this voice-over letter, I reflect on my first night in Mexico City — a missed queer party, a cup of esquites in the plaza, and an unexpected lesson in what bravery actually looks like right now.

I explore discernment, boundaries, nervous-system safety, and the quiet courage of trusting myself in a culture that often rewards performance over presence.

If you want to see the (hilarious) photos, stickers, and links referenced in this episode, you can find the full letter on my Substack at https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com

Subscribe there to receive new letters in your inbox, and follow the podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss future episodes.

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

In this first episode, I share why I’m returning to letters — after blogs, funnels, experiments, and pivots — and why this space is now centered on writing to you, as a friend. A reflection on attention, values, and choosing connection over mass produced content.

Get the full experience, including photos, bonus content, and links, visit my Substack: https://unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/p/a-letter-about-letters.

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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit laurenmariefleming.substack.com

Want bookstores to stock your book and host your events? In this episode, I share my experience coordinating successful multi-state book tours and building relationships with bookstores nationwide for my novel "Because Fat Girl."

Drawing from both successful and challenging experiences, I reveal:

* How to choose the right bookstores for your book

* Ways to approach stores authentically

* Tips for making your event successful

* Strategies for building long-term relationships

* The difference between chain and independent bookstore approaches

Perfect for: Authors planning book launches, writers wanting local bookstore presence, and anyone interested in the business side of author life.

Letters from Lauren is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to Unscripted at unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit laurenmariefleming.substack.com

As someone with ADHD, I understand the unique challenges and incredible opportunities our neurodiverse brains present when writing a book. In this episode, I tackle a question many writers face: How do you transform years of scattered writing into a cohesive book when your brain works differently?

Instead of viewing ADHD as an obstacle, I share how it ca…

Get full access to Unscripted at unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

Join me as I demystify the complex world of bestseller lists and publishing success. Learn what it takes to hit prestigious lists like the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller rankings. I share insider knowledge from my 20+ years in publishing about:

* How different bestseller lists calculate their rankings

* What qualifies as a "bestseller" in today's market

* The path to achieving bestseller status

* Common misconceptions about bestseller lists

* Real talk about my novel "Because Fat Girl" and its success

Whether you're an aspiring author or curious reader, this episode provides valuable insights into the publishing industry's definition of success. I bring my signature authentic, no-nonsense approach to explaining these often misunderstood aspects of book publishing.

Perfect for: Writers, authors, publishing industry professionals, and anyone interested in how bestseller lists really work.

Sign-up for a course, grab a freebie, or connect more:

* Not sure where to start? Check out the long list of freebies at SchoolForWriters.com.

* Ready to Write Your Friggin’ Book Already®? Get on the waitlist to join our next cohort at WriteYourFrigginBookAlready.com.

* Want to overcome a fear of rejection and market yourself and your creative projects with ease and joy? Check out 33 Asks®.

* Want your question answered on a future episode. Subscribe to Letters from Lauren at LaurenMarieFleming.com.

* Looking for more insights? Subscribe to my School for Writers® podcast as well.

#WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #BestsellerList #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #BecauseFatGirl #BookMarketing #AuthorSuccess #WritingAdvice #PublishingTips

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenmariefleming.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unscripted at unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

Struggling with how to start writing your book? You're not alone. In this episode I share my number one tip for aspiring authors and help you start that book.

Drawing from my experience helping thousands of writers, I reveal why the secret to getting started is embracing imperfection. Learn why:

* Your first draft should be complete and total crap (and why that's a good thing!)

* Perfectionism is the biggest barrier to finishing your book

* Writing 10,000 words a week for 4 weeks can transform your writing journey

* The first 5 drafts will be bad - and that's exactly how it should be

* Starting with an outline might actually hold you back

Perfect for: Aspiring authors, creative writers, and anyone who's ever dreamed of writing a book but feels stuck at the starting line.

Source: Based on my experience as founder of School for Writers and author of "Because Fat Girl" (Entangled Publishing).

Sign-up for a course, grab a freebie, or connect more:

* Not sure where to start? Check out the long list of freebies at SchoolForWriters.com.

* Ready to Write Your Friggin’ Book Already®? Get on the waitlist to join our next cohort at WriteYourFrigginBookAlready.com.

* Want to overcome a fear of rejection and market yourself and your creative projects with ease and joy? Check out 33 Asks®.

* Want your question answered on a future episode. Subscribe to Letters from Lauren at LaurenMarieFleming.com.

* Looking for more insights? Subscribe to my School for Writers® podcast as well.

Loved this episode? Subscribe to get more!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenmariefleming.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unscripted at unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe

I’m interested in what imperfect art looks like, so I’m creating a real-time, unedited, private podcast to chat intimately with you as my friend.

The first three episodes are free, the rest require a paid subscription. Check out LaurenMarieFleming.com to subscribe.

Let’s dive in.

Sign-up for a course, grab a freebie, or connect more:

* Not sure where to start? Check out the long list of freebies at SchoolForWriters.com.

* Ready to Write Your Friggin’ Book Already®? Get on the waitlist to join our next cohort at WriteYourFrigginBookAlready.com.

* Want to overcome a fear of rejection and market yourself and your creative projects with ease and joy? Check out 33 Asks®.

* Want your question answered on a future episode. Subscribe to Letters from Lauren at LaurenMarieFleming.com.

Love this episode? Subscribe to get more!

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurenmariefleming.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Unscripted at unscripted.laurenmariefleming.com/subscribe