We recently connected with Laurie Markvart and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Laurie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

As I wrote in my memoir, “Somewhere in the Music, I’ll Find Me,” my parents saw early on in my childhood that I had a natural ability to play music. They encouraged me by providing lessons in piano, voice, and guitar. Our family also has a rich history in music as pianists and singers, and while some found success, some also had difficulties with addictions. While my parents supported me, I knew they were also cautious that a music career could lead down a dark path. Ultimately, their encouragement was the best thing they did for me as, to this day, the ability to play and write music has saved my mental health many times.

Laurie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a musician, singer, songwriter, and author. And mental health advocate. My music and creative passions started as a child, being trained in piano, guitar, voice, and theater. Honestly, I was obsessed with music. I joined my first rock band at 15. Once I started playing live music shows, I was fixated on being a professional musician or actor. I toured in various bands for years, performed in many community theaters, and auditioned for Broadway multiple times. But what I didn’t expect is that I would write a book about all of this! So, I am most proud that my creative experiences formed into my memoir “Somewhere in the Music, I’ll Find Me” and how it includes my battles with anxiety and coming to terms with my mother’s mental illness. It took me nearly a decade to get the book from the idea stage to published in July 2022. And now, I’m excited to add “narrator” to my creative attributes as I’m currently in the studio recording the audiobook of the memoir that will release in Fall 2023 on Audible. But beyond this, knowing that my memoir is helping to remove the negative stigma of mental illness and serve as a resource for the mental health community gives me the greatest satisfaction.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2020. The diagnosis, treatments, and surgeries halted all book publishing plans, and my ability to play live music shows for nearly two years. Before one of my breast reconstruction surgeries in July 2022, I decided to self-publish the book. I worried about what would happen if I didn’t get the book out. As in, what if I wouldn’t wake up from the surgery? I had significant anxiety at this stage as I had already gone through chemo and radiation, and I knew the book release could not wait. So, literally the night before the surgery, I self-published the book on Amazon and felt that no matter what happened, at least my story was told.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

To be able to create, whether it’s music, writing, performing, or collaborating, means that I feel fully alive and have an outlet to express myself. It’s a place where I can find freedom, peace, joy, and a way to connect with others. While some creativity is for self-pleasure (some songs or stories I never share), the best is when creativity connects people and improves situations. This is the best reward of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lauriemarkvartdiary.com
• Instagram: @lauriemarkvart
• Facebook: @lauriemarkvart
• Twitter: @lauriemarkvart
• Youtube: @lauriemarkvart
• Other: https://a.co/d/7DSStYh

Image Credits
Photography by Kathryn E. Russ Book cover design by Jesslyn Bundy