Bestselling Author Lauren Hammond
Hatred often acts like a slow, systemic disease, taking root in families and communities before consuming everything in its path. Young people raised in environments dominated by prejudice and extreme ideologies face an agonizing choice: conform to inherited hostility or risk isolation, conflict, and destruction to forge their own path. Breaking free from a toxic family legacy requires incredible courage, self-awareness, and a vision for something better.
Bestselling author and former literary agent Lauren Hammond tackles these urgent themes in her powerful novel, Graffiti. Through the story of Cyril Jergen—a teenager raised by white supremacists who rejects their hatred—and Delia Steinberg—a Jewish girl who sees his potential—Hammond explores the transformative force of love and art in the face of extremism. We sat down with Hammond to discuss the inspiration behind the book, the psychology of her characters, and her message of hope.
Q: Your novel tackles the heavy topic of inherited white supremacy through a story described as American History X meets Romeo & Juliet. What inspired you to explore these intense dynamics?
Lauren Hammond: Just observing the world. We are still so divided, and we all need to remember that we are one race, and that is human.
Q: Cyril turns to street art and graffiti on abandoned buildings to process his environment. How does painting serve as both his emotional release and a form of peaceful rebellion?
Lauren Hammond: I think it allows him to think of something else other than what he lives with every day. It is an emotional release for him because it allows him to focus on creating and putting emotion into that creating rather than focusing on the hate that his parents try to force feed him. It’s peaceful because he can do it on his own terms, and doesn’t have to answer to anyone.
Q: The relationship between Cyril and Delia crosses deeply hostile boundaries. How does Delia’s belief in Cyril give him the strength to resist his family’s expectations?
Lauren Hammond: Cyril was never really living up to his parent’s expectations. He has never believed what they believe and has never conformed to their beliefs. I think Delia’s belief in him is what really pushes him to put plans into motion to end the hate once and for all.
Q: Beyond their personal connection, Cyril and Delia decide to actively confront the hateful organization threatening their community. What drives them to take such a dangerous stand?
Lauren Hammond: The fact of the group seeking to destroy so many innocent lives. Also to stand up and do the right thing.
Q: You bring over twenty years of experience as a literary agent and bestselling author to your work. How did your background in the publishing industry shape how you approached this story?
Lauren Hammond: I think writing for so many years has taught me how to grow and evolve as a writer. As you grow as a writer, you start to want to challenge yourself more and more and take on more difficult topics and narratives.
Q: The emotional heartbeat of Graffiti is the message that “hate is heavy, but love is louder.” What key takeaway do you hope readers carry away from Cyril and Delia’s journey?
Lauren Hammond: That hate can not drown hate. Only love can do that.
Our conversation with Lauren Hammond highlights the power of storytelling to confront difficult social realities and unpack complex psychological trauma. Graffiti demonstrates that while prejudice can be passed down through generations, young people possess the agency to reject hostility and choose compassion. Hammond’s narrative serves as a stark reminder that love, courage, and human connection can dismantle even the most entrenched ideologies.
As society continues to grapple with division and extremism, socially conscious fiction remains a vital tool for empathy and understanding. Hammond’s novel offers readers an emotionally resonant story that inspires change while encouraging open dialogue. Readers can find Graffiti on Amazon, view her author profile on Goodreads, and follow her updates on TikTok for pre-order announcements and news.
Get a copy of the book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HCM7TBQC
Learn more about Lauren Hammond at https://laurenhammondbooks.com/books