I am honored to interview Todd LaTourette…..author, actor, singer and friend.
(book cover design created by Todd Lawson LaTourrette)
My review of Consumed:
“An emotional and enlightening journey into the life of a brave soul battling bipolar disorder. Todd takes us on his journey with raw honesty.Unlike many who suffer with this he was fortunate to have a loving family that supported, comforted and worked with him without fail.” (the remainder of this review may be viewed at the bottom of this page)…
Consumed is a must read for anyone who wishes to have a better understanding of those struggling with mental illness, or afflicted with a similar diagnosis themselves. It will give hope to those suffering and offer solace… even perhaps guidance to their own loved ones.
Todd is so much more than his “bi-polar disorder”. He is an accomplished actor and classically trained singer (at the bottom of the Q&A I have included, within the link, his professional film and television bio, with a second link to SoundCloud). You will see from his bio that he has not let bi-polar disorder discontinue his want desire for the creative process.
However, Todd truly believes his greatest accomplishment, thus far, is gaining control over the illness itself, which overwhelmingly affected his entire life.
I urge anyone that suffers from a mental illness, or has a loved one that does, please do take the time to read Consumed… within which you will discover pure honesty, hope, and an unquenchable thirst for mental stability.
INTERVIEW WITH TODD
Q: You are multi-talented as an actor, singer and now writer. Which vocation is your main passion?
A: My Passion for every facet of life’s Journey co-exist. I am honored to be a professional actor, feel the power of release when singing, and the healing process of writing.
Q: What was your most memorable acting role?
A: I was truly Honored to portray the role of “Ben Fulsom” in “the Messengers.” The character is a former United States military soldier, post-combat, and dealing with the difficult adjustments to a civilian existence. His inner conflict truly caused my “method” acting approach in television to surface, and thus I completely digested his challenging Journey, as an actor and sympathetic human being.
Q: Do you prefer theater or film?
A: The acting process is completely different for stage, than acting on-screen. I believe the stage requires more discipline, due to the memorization of a complete role, and usually eight performances a week. However, SAG film and television can prove to be exhaustive, due to long days on set (a minimum of eight), and reenacting the same scene many times over. Thus, the challenges of each are very appealing to me.
Q: Do you have a favorite song?
A: Some people believe a singer simply sings. The fact is that performing a piece of music requires a great deal of acting, and living the character…if one is to portray the role effectively. My most challenging song is “Falcon in the Dive” (link available on bio). The piece requires several high notes, and steadily increasing rhythm. Add a convincing performance to such and the end result is exhaustion.
Q: The entertainment industry can be brutally cruel, yet you are brave enough to continue in it. What helps you cope with the pitfalls of this industry?
A: I did make another effort in Manhattan recently, in order to pursue my stage career, once more. Of the 15 Equity auditions I attended, I received not one call-back. I performed well, but concluded that my prosthetic kept producers and directors from witnessing my true abilities. I left Manhattan and returned to screen acting, which embraces my individual “look” and effective performances in front of the camera.
Q: Was there an event that prompted you to share your story?
A: I began writing “Consumed” in 2008…in order to release my ruminations of a painful past, and Heal from my own inner conflict. As time progressed, I began to witness a change in me, and came to the conclusion that the retelling of my process and Journey as a mentally ill person (not properly caring for my illness) may assist others in circumventing the same tumultuous path, which I consciously chose throughout my life. For many years, I did not seek available support systems (namely, medications), and thus my life was purely self-destructive…not only to me, but also to my ceaselessly loving family, whom had to witness my inner turmoil, and outwardly projection of such. Eventually, I finished my memoir, published it, and am healing day by day. I truly hope that my generous readers will heal as well, or possibly assist a family member who is suffering from a mental illness.
Q: Was this book difficult for you to write?
A: The arduous process of writing/editing/writing/editing, and so forth, regarding my relentless efforts of self-destruction was truly mentally exhausting. Writing “Consumed” was the most difficult process I have ever encountered and conquered in my Fragile existence. My parents were very concerned that I would “relive” my past, as was I, during the long, painful eight years while honestly writing and translating such.
Q: Tell us about your publishing process. Did you have an agent to help you find a publisher?
A: I spent days on end researching publishers of mental illness memoirs. I personally submitted three chapters of “Consumed”, as well as a refined query letter, and marketing strategies to over 45 publishing houses (for six months), until I was honored by Pegasus’ offer to be my representative of such.
Q: Are you currently working on another book?
A: The day after “Consumed” was released I started writing a tribute to my extremely supportive and loving mother. The story is very simple, and showcases 15 of her beautifully respectful Native American depictive watercolor paintings. The aptly titled “Mother’s Nurture” is being released by Pegasus and I this upcoming November 24th, 2016.
Q: Now you have written your first book and shown an obvious talent for writing, have you any interest in writing fiction?
A: I have no talent for creating a story. Thus, my third book is my father’s memoir…in support for his dedicated and honorable service as a jet airplane fighter pilot (United States Air Force) during the Vietnam conflict.
Q: Knowing there are many individuals that are on the same or similar journey as you have traveled, what would be the most important advice you would offer?
A: Simply stated, but very difficult to accomplish…seek-out support systems. Namely, a psychiatrist, prescribed medications, family, and counselors.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: My Journey for the future is to continue seeing my psychiatrist on a regular schedule, and swallow (metaphorically and literally) my medications daily. After that…Anything is possible.
Thank you Todd for sharing with us, your story will help many others.
Click on the link below to view Todd’s bio, picture with movie television roles and link to him singing.
Click on the link below to go to his book on Amazon. Consumed a must read!
(remainder of my review)…His honesty is so real that at times the reader may find themselves so drawn in they are urging him not to do what he is doing. Yes, it’s that real.Just when you think he has things under control the disease takes him spiraling in another direction. I was continually amazed at the strength of his parents, their unfailing love and devotion to their son. They didn’t give up and neither did he.Todd is an amazing talented young man with an illness that is so misunderstood. His story enlightened me and I am sure it will enlighten all who read his story.I learned there is no quick fix for bipolar disorder, trial and error with medications, counseling, family support are all just part of the journey to wellness.With the love of his family, his own conviction and strength, with the help of medications Todd is able to function to his full capacity. His talents are many, as you will learn in his story.It took great courage for him to reveal his most private thoughts and actions. His courage will help others. Thank you Todd for sharing and helping us understand.Your accomplishments are many and you will succeed in all you do, you are blessed in many ways.”
