Local book launch and 10 other weekend events in San Diego
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Lauren Marie Fleming released her new book "Because Fat Girl" on Oct. 22. Photo: Angela Garzon
Local author Lauren Marie Fleming always dreamt of becoming a Hollywood filmmaker, but it was a recurring dream about her rejecting Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's proposal to date her — a fat, queer person — that led to her new book released this week.
Zoom in: "Because Fat Girl" is a queer contemporary romantic comedy exploring questions of who's worthy of love and success, of being in Hollywood, making a movie and telling their story.
- The fiction novel is a reflection of her life in some ways — if Fleming wasn't steered away from her Hollywood dream because of the stigmas in the industry.
- "I wrote the book so others could believe it was possible for them," Fleming said. "Stories transform our communities."
Between the lines: This book would have ended up in the slush pile with the dozen other books before it that were rejected by publishers if not for the supportive community of published and aspiring authors in San Diego, Fleming said.
- That includes local writing groups, the library system and independent bookstores.
- Fleming has expanded that community, founding her School for Writers online education company to help amateur and professional writers publish their books.
Driving the news: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Point Loma is hosting an interactive discussion about Fleming's book and publishing experience, with a Q&A, prizes and a book signing.
- Xe and two other local authors, Sarina Dahlan and Caroline Fowler Davis, will be hosting the event on Sunday at 1pm.
More events happening this weekend:
Stop by the street festival with 100 booths featuring local booksellers and authors, comic stores, zinemakers, art, food, music and a Halloween costume contest.
- When and where: Saturday, 10am-5pm outside Verbatim Books.
- Cost: Free
The masked South African country musician's Stampede Tour features artists Nikki Lane & Emily Nenni opening.
- When and where: Saturday, 7pm at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
- Cost: $55+
🌬️Jeppe Hein's "Breathe with Me"
Be mindful at this world-renowned artist's multi-day public art and breathing project focused on mental health that includes live painting sessions.
- When and where: Thursday-Saturday, 10am-5pm or 7pm, at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on UC San Diego's campus
- Cost: Free, but register here and here
🌼 Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival
This family-friendly cultural event celebrates "Day of the Dead" with community and family ofrendas, food vendors, a parade and live music and dances.
- When and where: Sunday, 10-5pm in Downtown Oceanside
- Cost: Free
🎃 Pumpkin patches, spooky attractions and Halloween festivals
Embrace the spirit and get an extra round of trick or treating in with the kids at events around the county:
- Fright Night in Vista on Friday
- India Street in Little Italy on Saturday
- Trunk or Treat at The San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park on Saturday
- Birch Aquarium's Halloween Aglow in La Jolla on Saturday and Sunday
- Liberty Station on Sunday
- Solana Vista and Skyline's Halloween Carnival in Solana Beach on Sunday
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show the author's name is Lauren Marie Fleming (not Laura).