However, though past events still
haunted her, her experiences helped her
hone her craft. “I spent many hours writing
and drawing by myself,” she stated.
“Things were very lonely at first, but my
loneliness faded, as the characters and
worlds I created came to life. I didn’t feel
so bad anymore, because I was creating
something that no one else can give
me. All of it manifested into a rewarding
outcome.”
While she was in college, Labat began
hunting for publishers to publish her
manuscript. “It was probably the most
humbling experience of my life,” she
recalled, citing the numerous rejections
she received from publishing houses
nationwide. But she remained determined
to win, and she did.
In her senior year in college, Labat
connected with Night to Dawn Magazine
& Books, a widely recognized publishing
firm in the horror genre. Within a
few months of non-stop teamwork, they
published The Sanguinarian Id, when she
was only 22-years old.
The support Labat received from her
mother and other relatives continue
bearing fruit. Today, at 25-years old, she’s
an author and illustrator with one book
published, five other completed novels
waiting for release, and more works on
COVER STORY
the horizon.
As a one-woman powerhouse, with her
publisher, Labat wrote and illustrated
her first novel, The Sanguinarian Id. The
book, envisioned as the first in its series,
tracks the harrowing exploits of a dhampir,
half-vampire, named Hael that embarks
on a journey for vengeance, during World
War II.
Action-packed with creatures, monsters,
and medical history, The Sanguinarian
Id, and the sequel The Sanguinarian Id:
Schwartzwald, is unlike any other thriller,
horror, or historical fiction novel ever written.
The dynamic artwork dives head-first
from Labat’s mind and onto the pages.
There’s no middle man and no holding
back, from cover to cover in this series.
Both novels are being polished for their
exciting release, on Friday, May 17, 2019.
In the book, Labat’s hard work earned
glowing praise from her peers, other bestselling
authors, and critics in the historical
fiction, action, and horror field. Alongside
this, Labat has done book signings in
high-visibility venues, which include the
National World War II Museum’s BB
Stage Door Canteen in New Orleans, as
well as other venues. With a new book
under her belt, Labat graduated from
Xavier University of Louisiana, with a
B.A. in Art, a B.S. in Psychology, and a
Biology Minor. In both degrees, she graduated
with Cum Laude honors.
“I love my life and I am proud of myself,
but I know that there’s more. I always
want more,” she said.
Optimistically believing
that her biggest achievement
is yet to come, she
added, “When it comes,
I will probably strive for
more, because I never feel
satisfied.” Acknowledging
that she is a perfectionist,
Labat said she wants
to make sure that she
always gives her audiences
her best.
With everything that
Labat does, we asked
what her message was to
her readers. “Keep going,” Labat stated,
holding a stoic look in her eyes. “No
matter what crosses your path, and no
matter what’s put up against you, keep
going. You have a voice. You have a mind.
You aspire to do great things. You have
one life. Do not waste it or belittle yourself
from what’s promised for you. I am
no different from anyone else on this
planet. Like millions of people breathing
the same air I do now, I strive to reach my
fullest potential, and I will continue to do
it, until I shut my eyes for good. Steady
yourself, get your mind right, take a deep
breath, and keep going.”
You can follow and befriend L. M. Labat
on her website at https://www.lmlabat.com/,
Facebook, and Instagram. ��
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIONCA FLOT SYKES
PHOTO BY DAVID RAE MORRIS
PHOTO COURTESY OF L. M. LABAT
18 | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | breakthrumediamagazine.com MARC H / A P R I L 2 0 1 9
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