Yvette Prior, PhD interviews Author Lauren Scott: Chapter 9: Numbers Lie in THIS IS HOW WE GROW (2023) – a book for Perspective Taking

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anthologies, Author interviews, Book Promotions

Dear Family and Friends,

I am honored and thrilled to be a part of Yvette Prior’s newly released anthology, This is How We Grow. She has worked hard with thirteen contributing authors to make this special book a reality. If you haven’t met Yvette, I encourage you to visit her wonderful blog. Below summarizes what you’ll find when you visit:

  • Priorhouse blog is continuing with the interview series  – the master page is HERE
  • Priorhouse blog continues to join in with photography challenges, which mainly includes the Lens-Artist’s Photo Challenge (LAPC) and sometimes Thursday Doors.
  • Priorhouse Street Shots continue to surface 
  • Other posts unfold naturally, which include book reviews, movie reviews, opinion posts, extra photo challenges (besides the LAPC), writing challenges, and the annual spring #Dickenschallenge.

Yvette also surprised me by inserting a plug for my new book, a poetry collection, Ever So Gently, which is available now, and I will do a post soon! Her book and mine just happened to release around the same time.



And now for Yvette’s interview:

Hello Readers,

Recently we introduced  the book,THIS IS HOW WE GROW, and I will be posting about it on and off for the four weeks. 

Today’s post is to share about Lauren Scott’s chapter, Numbers Lie

But first – let me share that Lauren has a collection of poems – hot off the press – in her book called Ever so Gently. My paperback copy is on the way and I look forward to reading it in August.

Ever so Gently is on Amazon here

Now back to today’s post.  

Author Audio:

From Lauren:

Numbers Lie (fiction) –

She still cringes when she peruses old albums with photos of her as a young chubby girl. The memory of her ten-year-old self in the hospital after having her tonsils removed causes her stomach to somersault. Following the tonsillectomy, she rested in the recovery room with other children. A blonde-haired boy about her same age wore a wicked grin just before the words slid from his tongue, “Hey, fatso!” Those three syllables caused her to crumble into the white sterile bed sheets. Maybe they sparked her insecurities. Or perhaps the childhood chubbiness that dogged her footsteps into adulthood goaded the insecurities to surface. 

Lauren’s commentary:

Keri’s narrative is fiction, but I can insert it into my life story for an accurate fit. When hurtful words are tossed at us, they remain audible. We cannot throw them back because their effect is branded in our psyche. Traumatic moments and events stick with us regardless of how vigorously we try to peel them away from our memory. I endured similar moments on the school playground as a chubby little girl. Throughout the years, I could gain ten to twenty pounds, then lose it, stare at my reflection, and still view myself as chubby. I dislike the word fat, so I never use it. No one deserves to be called fat.  

Lauren Scott’s chapter in This is How we Grow is an engaging fiction followed by author commentary about the topic of weight, labels, and adjusting a critical spirit to become more accepting. Her story reminded us that empathy consists of both affective and cognitive components and Lauren reached a cultural artery as her wisdom reminded us that people are more than externals as we have “heart, soul, and beauty, inside and out.” 

Bio: 

Lauren Scott is an author, poet, and blogger who specializes in short stories, both fiction and non-fiction, about life reflections and finding joy in the simple things. Her new collection of poems, Ever So Gently, was released in July 2023 and her first children’s book will be released later in 2023.

She has published two poetry collections, New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015), a memoir, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose (2021), was  a contributing author in Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships, and was nominated “Author of the Month” May 2023 at Spillwords Press. 

Lauren and her husband, Matthew, have two grown children and a Labrador named Copper. Her writing inspiration comes from family and the great outdoors while enjoying small-town living in Northern California. Lauren can be found online at baydreamerwrites.com.

Other social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/BaydreamerWrites/

https://www.instagram.com/baydreamerwrites/

This is How We Grow has 13 authors providing poems and personal stories:

  • Dragonfly by Ana Linden
  • Untangle & Learn by Mahesh Nair
  • Made My Day by Sherri Matthews
  • Beneath by Trent McDonald
  • Ground Zero by Jeffrey D. Simmons
  • Combatting Caregiver Burnout by Mike F. Martelli
  • There’s No Return to Sender by Robbie Cheadle
  • Numbers Lie by Lauren Scott
  • Grateful & Graceful Grandparenting by Miriam Hurdle
  • Seeing Through by Yvette Prior
  • Winding Road of Writing by Mabel Kwong
  • Blogging & Rekindling by Marsha Ingrao
  • Right and Wrong by Cade Prior

     Each author in this book hopes that you enjoy the personal narratives

offering unique outlooks and ideas about assumptions and cultural

differences and similarities. We hope these stories transmit important

information and values from one individual to the next because this is how we grow.

Thank you for stopping by to read and listen, and I encourage you to share any thoughts in the comments below.

~ Lauren ❤️

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98 thoughts on “Yvette Prior, PhD interviews Author Lauren Scott: Chapter 9: Numbers Lie in THIS IS HOW WE GROW (2023) – a book for Perspective Taking”

  1. Congratulations, that’s amazing!

    Your short fiction was so touching. I grew up chubby and people called me fat pretty often when I was growing up and it really messed up my self-esteem. I’m the same way and even if I lose weight I still look in the mirror and feel like I look chubby. Although I’ve lost most of the weight and am the size I’ve always wanted to be I’m still not fully happy with how I look.

    1. Thanks so much, Pooja! I’m glad my excerpt touched you, but I’m sorry to hear what you’ve gone through too. Kids can be cruel. I’m much older than you are, so all I can say is that over time, the self-esteem rises and the compassion for yourself grows. My story is about my youth and how that meanness seeped into my adult years. But it’s mind over matter. Go easy on yourself. Don’t give those ugly words residence in your mind. Love yourself because you are deserving and beautiful! Hugs!

    1. Thanks, Robbie! It’s an honor to be a part of this book with you and so many wonderful writers. And I’m thrilled you have a copy of my book; you made my day. I truly hope you enjoy the collection. ❤️

  6. Lauren I loved your short story. It sounded so real. Congratulations to one and all but more to you and Robbie. Keep up the short stories. You are awesome. All the very best for your new book. Thanks a lot.

  8. This is fabulous Lauren! Congratulations on your new book (I ordered a copy and it should arrive soon) and your contribution to the anthology about Growth. You know I love that topic! I loved hearing your voice, you did a wonderful job on the reading. I’m so excited for you. Hugs, C

    1. Thanks so much, Cheryl, for your good wishes, and I’m thrilled that you ordered a copy. I hope you enjoy this collection as much, if not more than, More than Coffee. 🙂
      (that was a mouthful)
      Thanks also for listening to my audio and for your kind words. I think I recorded a dozen times, aiming for perfection when perfection never presented itself. So, I went with this one and the stumbling over my words. Thanks again, and your support means a lot. ❤️🙏🏻

  9. alexcraigie's avatar alexcraigie

    Such an important topic! This collection sounds intriguing and I’ll be buying it just as soon as my Kindle becomes more manageable. I loved More Then Coffee!

    1. It really is, thanks so much, Trish! I understand how the ‘stack’ of books to read can begin to tower. 🙂 I’m so glad you loved More than Coffee, and when you have the chance, I hope you enjoy both Yvette’s anthology and my new book. 🩷

  10. I understand Keri, Lauren. I made a mistake by letting my daughter play Barbie when she was young. She told me as an adult that she didn’t feel good about herself comparing to Barbie.

    1. Well, I think that’s one complaint about Barbie and the ideal of what women should look like. But I don’t think you made a mistake, Miriam. I played with Barbies too, but they were just a fun toy to play with. I think it was more of the ugly words that shadowed me into adulthood. When you read the whole story you’ll see that I’m not that person anymore. With age, we grow in many ways. I hope your daughter has grown too, and please go easy on yourself. As parents, we make mistakes, we can’t help it, but we do the best we can, and I know you are a loving mom. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And I’m happy to be part of this book with you. ❤️

      1. Thank you for your kind words, Lauren. Yes, my daughter has grown. She understands her size has changed after having two kids. I think I told her first I changed from size 6 to size 8 because my rib cage expanded after the pregnancy. She said being healthy is more important.

        The new Barbie has a different waist line. Even if I saved the old Barbie clothes, they may not fit!! 😅😅

      2. I’m glad to hear that, Miriam. I had a feeling that was the case. I still have my old Barbies with all the clothes and my daughter played with them too. They were just fun. My friend and I had play horses too, so Barbie owned a ranch and went horseback riding all the time. 🙂 I don’t even know what Barbies today look like. Maybe I should check them out for the fun of it. The bottom line is we need to love ourselves! Hugs to you!

      1. I played with Barbies instead of dolls, but they didn’t have that affect on me, Liz. They were just fun. It was the ugly words that stayed with me too long. But all is good now. It definitely was a journey of growth. ❤️

  11. I think it’s a cop out for us to excuse the kid who says cruel things. How often have we heard people say, “Kids can be cruel”? But parents should be teaching their children empathy right from day one. Anyway, congrats on your contribution to this book, Lauren. I’m sure you’ve improved the book with your input.

  13. This entire post resonated very strongly with me. I was a chubby pre-teen as well, and I still cringe when I see pictures of myself. I’m still struggling to accept my postmenopausal body. 😦

    1. I’m sorry you struggle with this issue too, Liz. I was hesitant to share, but then again, I knew that many people, both men and women, struggle with weight, body positivity, and low self-esteem. I’m glad I did; it was liberating. And I’m no longer that insecure, young girl or young woman. Thanks for reading (or listening), and I hope your struggles lessen over time; just remember you’re beautiful. 🤗

  14. First thing’s first: Congratulations on “Ever so gently”! As soon as I return home [I’m on a very short break] I’ll get my copy! …and then, what a heartfelt story you share. Hurtful words buzz in there for a long time. Children can be very mean as they are not aware of the power of words. Congratulations on both, my dearest friend! xoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Thanks so, so much, Marina, especially for popping in while you’re on break! I hope you love this collection, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Yvette’s book has been wonderful to be a part of, and in a profound way, liberating for me. To give my story wings because others struggle with the same issue. I hope my story will offer some level of comfort. Thanks again for your wishes on both books, my amazing friend! Enjoy the rest of your break too!
      ❤️🙏🏻🤗💞🌻🦋

  15. Hey Lauren,
    I listened to your audio. Fabulous.
    Your story sounds honest and relevant.

    I was over to Priorhouse earlier, as Trent had posted about his contribution. It’s wonderful to see you, Trent and Robbie all in there.
    I saw the promo for your book. It’s great!

    We live in an ill fitting world.
    My insecurities led me to realize that I did have control over 1 thing,… my body.
    I was anorexic before anyone knew the word. As an 89 lb. 5’6″ female I was idolized and praised by many who thought “you can never be too rich or too thin”.

    Being thin never made me rich.
    Healing began the day I threw my scales away. I also know what you mean about looking in the mirror and seeing a perceived you, and not the actual you.

    The latest: I think I should go on a diet, and get skinny again. The hard realization is that I think I can be young again, if I am skinny again. Not.

    However, being creative makes us wealthy in a spiritual way.
    So, I’ll sum this lengthy comment up by saying, I’ve met a lot of rich people out here in blog world.
    “Ever So Gently” is wonderful. I will also say it is different than “More Than Coffee”, a new experience.

    Take care! xoxo

    1. Hi Resa, thanks for taking the time to listen. I recorded a million times, striving for perfection. But when perfection never arrived, I thought, what the heck? I may have stumbled over some words, but like you said, it’s honest. I am so honored to be in Yvette’s book, and the next story to read is Trent’s. I don’t know him, but it’s great to meet new bloggers/authors. I think the book is enlightening and empowering, and I hope my story provides comfort to those who have struggled with weight issues, labels, etc.

      I’m sorry to read about your struggles, though, and everything you said makes sense, especially, “you can never be too rich or too thin.” And the scales! I own one, but it doesn’t hold control over me like it did when I was younger. Hence, numbers lie. We can’t let them determine our worth. I’m glad you’ve healed. ❤️ As to mirrors, there’s a poem in the book. Have you read it yet? I almost took it out, but it’s part of who I am, and my growth journey.

      I love that you shared your story, and I too have met so many wealthy people in this community.

      And thanks for all your support and kind, kind words about Ever So Gently. I’m doing a preliminary happy dance right now. Sending hugs for a great weekend. xo

      1. YES! I have read Mirrors….twice.
        Thank goodness you left it in.
        It was one of the first chocolates I plucked out of the box.
        Mirrors… reflection…
        You know I love to do outside the box reviews. I’m not a writer, so these suit my creative ways.
        I’m getting a few Ideas as I read. I might email you a question, or 2!
        Great Weekend! xo

      2. I’m glad I left it in then, too, Resa. Those reflections are ever-changing. And I love your outside the box reviews. You have a talent and skill for creating entertaining, poignant reviews through your words and artwork. I look forward to your email. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend too! ❤️

  16. Congratulations on your new book and being included in “This is How We Grow.” I’m so glad you checked out my blog so I could discover yours. I understand your memories of being called chubby. My daughter still remembers parents on the swim team commenting about her belly and baby fat. She suffered through eating disorders and is healing in her mid 20s after lots of work and care.

    1. Thanks so much for the wishes, and I’m glad I visited you too. I just followed you which I meant to do earlier. My brain has been frazzled lately.
      I had a feeling my story would ring true for others too. But I’m sorry to hear what your daughter encountered by parents, no less, not other kids. That’s even more infuriating because they know better. I’m happy to hear she is healing though. She’s still young in her 20s, which will make the years to come even more joyful. Thanks for sharing your daughter’s story. ❤️

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  19. I enjoyed the commentary so much. Also could relate. I think I have passed the body insecurities after focusing and building self respect more, also helped the time. 😊

    1. Thanks so much! It’s hard to say that I’m glad you can relate, but I’m glad you enjoyed the commentary. And you have the right attitude which is how I feel now. I think growing with age has its perks. Thanks again! ❤️

  22. Lauren, well done you, for the courage you showed in hitting “send” on your story and commentary. I am sure it will be comforting to many, and I hope it helps you in the healing from meanness you experienced.

    A “friend” made a derogatory comment about my appearance a couple of years ago, flippantly, then later retracted it. But the damage was done and it’s taken a lot of work to not think about it every day. Words matter. Kindness matters.

    Congratulations on your story!

    1. Thanks for reading (or listening), Steve, and for understanding. I’m sorry you received the same cruel treatment. You’re right, words matter and they stick, whether they’re kind or cruel. And when they’re cruel, they take longer to fade away. I hope you’re doing better now, and thanks for your wishes! 🙏🏻

      1. Thanks very much, Lauren, doing much better. Repeating a positive inside voice, and listening to what my sweety says about me instead. 🙂

        And by the way, I listened as I was interested to hear the words in your own voice!

      2. That’s great to hear, Steve, and it’s mind over matter, isn’t it? So hard sometimes, but doable. You and your sweety are so darn cute! I’m lucky to receive the same positive, loving words from my guy too. 🙂 And thanks for letting me know you listened to the audio. I recorded a million times, aiming for perfection which never came. But it turned out okay. Anyway, have a great Monday!

      3. Aw, you’re so kind, Lauren. It’s great to get to know you through your words and sharing. (And now voice… btw, you nailed it! Sounded very polished and professional!) Have a wonderful week! ☀️

  23. What an empowering post, Lauren! Congratulations on your publication accomplishments and bravo to you for having the courage to share part of your personal history. 💐

    1. Thanks for reading or listening if you did, Michele. This has been a special and liberating experience, and I hope my story provides consolation for others who have struggled with the same issue. 🩷🌻🩷

      1. You are welcome, Lauren, and yes, I listened. 💗 Wouldn’t miss a chance to hear you read/talk. Your testimony is relatable, and I am certain it will comfort, uplift, and encourage others.

  25. Pingback: Author Lauren Scott: Chapter 9: Numbers Lie in THIS IS HOW WE GROW (2023) – a book for Perspective Taking | Everything Richmond

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