We had the good fortune of connecting with MARIANNE LAUREN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MARIANNE, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“I am an artist. I am here to live out loud.” ⁓ Emile Zola

Though I have many favorite quotes, this is the one I relate to the most. I love quotes for their brevity and potency. My appreciation for them inspired me to start my own collection, which I will present in my next book. Here’s a little taste:

“I love, therefore, I am. I am, therefore, I love.” ⁓ Marianne Lauren

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I prepared for an acting career while life led me to become a writer. On August 17, 2023, I offered my debut memoir, An American in … Tehran, Roses Are Red Publishing, to the world with love. The joyous rush of holding the first copy in my hands made my investment of time, blood, sweat and tears worth every moment.

Description:

“Born in Los Angeles in a hospital near Hollywood, Marianne Lauren swears she saw the Hollywood sign from the window as her mother held her in her arms. She grew up surrounded by singers, musicians, actors, poets, and artists. At an early age, she decided she would be a performer. Her mother, Ava, a singer and dancer, encouraged and supported her big dreams.

Influenced by pop culture during the 60s and 70s, free-spirited Marianne continued her quest toward Hollywood. And then she met Amir … and then she went to Iran in March 1979 during the aftershocks of its seismic, political shift from a monarchy to an Islamic Republic…”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love L.A. and offer out-of-town guests who visit us a Grand Tour! I conduct my tours à la Amelie in the scene where she grabs a blind man by the arm to help him across the street and describes what and who she sees on the sidewalk up until she leaves him at a Metro station.

Because guests must see certain places, I avoid meals at restaurants and pack a healthy sack lunch and snacks. I am also a home chef, and a pre-planned dinner awaits at our home.

As a coffee (snob) fan, I include a coffeehouse stop. Currently, Gnarwhal Coffee in Santa Monica is a favorite. If guests request lunch at a restaurant, I suggest Petit Trois, mais bien sure!

My L.A. Tour Must-Sees:

The Santa Monica Pier; Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk; Malibu Lagoon State Beach, also known as Surfrider Beach; Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame; Grauman’s Chinese Theater; Dolby Theater; The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; The Musso & Frank Grill; Hollywood and Vine; Capitol Records; The Hollywood Bowl; The HOLLYWOOD Sign; Griffith Park Observatory, where they can see a great view of my L.A.!; The corner of Sunset Boulevard and Crescent Heights Boulevard, where I point out the location where Schwab’s Pharmacy once stood, the historical Laurel Canyon community across the street, where Crescent Heights Boulevard becomes Laurel Canyon Boulevard, and the Chateau Marmont Hotel.

When we reach the Sunset Strip, which extends from Marmont Lane to Phyllis Street, I point out The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go, the Roxy, and the trendy shopping and hangout spots in and around Sunset Plaza. The Sunset Strip is a popular destination, where one can see a constant stream of tour buses. We continue to The Beverly Hills Hotel; Rodeo Drive; and The Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

We make a full circle back to the Santa Monica Pier, where, if timed perfectly, we’ll see a magnificent sunset before heading home.

When I travel, my favorite places to visit are museums. If our guests are interested, I’ll include them in the itinerary. Which museums in L.A. you may ask?

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Getty Center
Hammer Museum
The Huntington Library
LACMA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art
MOCA, The Museum of Contemporary Art
Natural History Museum

Time permitting, we can include a visit to Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. The urban artists’ colony in the ’70s has re-emerged as a popular spot for creative souls.

“Los Angeles right now, is the most creative city on Earth, at any time in history.”
~ Michael Govan, LACMA

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am forever grateful for my parents, family, friends, mentors, and guides for their love, encouragement, and support. They continue to influence my evolvement and success.

Website: www.mariannelauren.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannelauren8/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-lauren-857b07b9/

Image Credits
All photos are from my personal collection.

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