Today we’d like to introduce you to Liv Laughlin

Hi Liv, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I started really loving writing when I was in third grade. My teacher would pick my writing pieces to share with the class and I remember feeling this humming in my chest, an eagerness to explore this new interest. I started writing poetry when I was in fifth grade and was experiencing bullying. Writing was a powerful outlet for me back then and has continued to be throughout my entire life. I started performing and competing casually in slam poetry competitions throughout undergrad. I began writing a poetry book in 2017. Since then, I have hosted my own poetry and art showcase, have been the feature of multiple open mics and am continuing to work towards publishing my completed poetry book.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

No road worthy of travel is completely smooth, at least in my opinion. There were performances and competitions I blanked on stage and placed last. I’ve been trying to find the right publisher for my poetry book for almost three years now. I’ve received upwards of 60 rejection letters from journals and presses who did not want to publish me. The publishing process has been especially discouraging because it is a very tangible form of rejection I’ve struggled a lot with, which led to me taking about an eight month break in submitting my book to publishers. After taking some time to rebuild some of my confidence, I am back to submitting to publishers.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a school counselor/social worker in Lawrence MA and I’m very passionate about the work I do. My job incorporates my love for kids, my interest in mental health work and my goal to create more equitable opportunities and access to resources for minority populations. In my free time I paint and write poetry. I am known for my heart wrenching poems and speaking about things most are too scared to put into words. My paintings usually display realism mixed with abstract depictions of a particular reality. I am most proud of who I have become despite the setbacks I’ve experienced. I have created and become a more powerful version of myself each time something has attempted to destroy me. I’m proud I continue to honor the rejected parts of myself as much as I do the well-loved parts.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

It is a gift how I love and feel and fall apart and try again. It is the most magical part about me, how human I allow myself to be. And as many spaces and people may try to make me feel like I need to make these parts of myself smaller, these are the parts of me that write the poems. They are the hands that paint.

Pricing:

• $50 for poetry feature
• $50-$300 for paintings

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oliviasfavoritecolor.wordpress.com
• Instagram: poetic_art_by_liv
• Facebook: Olivia Laughlin
• Youtube: livlaugh613