LILY’S RAW REVELATIONS

We chat to the actress and model about her brave new book

This is Lily Collins like you’ve never seen her before. In the actress’ debut essay collection, she is revealing some ofo the most personal moments from her life. From her relationship with her famous father Phil Collins, to abusive boyfriends and eating disorders, Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me is a book you won’t be able to put down. Woman’s Day chats to the brunette belle about opening up her life to the world ...

Congratulations on Your first book! What inspired you to write it?

So many young women have shared their stories, experiences and insecurities on social media – specifically Instagram. I thought that if they’re brave enough to share theirs, I can be brave enough to share mine. I’ve struggled with things growing up just like everyone else, and now is the time for me to be open and start these conversations.

It’s such a raw and Honest book. How did you feel writing it?

I felt so extremely raw and honest writing it too. Sometimes scared, sometimes nervous, but proud that I was able to articulate thoughts and

struggles I had endured for years, and had finally come to terms with enough. It was therapeutic to put pen to paper and really helped bring a sense of closure to some of the things I discuss.

Why did you choose to name the work Unfiltered?

Choosing a title was one of the hardest things about this whole process! I went through so many, but when I thought of how social media has greatly inspired my book – as well as the fact that all the photos I included were originals and not retouched – I felt that “unfiltered” appropriately described it. Plus, writing this book has made my voice more unfiltered as I’m no longer hiding or holding things back as much. I’m more upfront and bold.

Do you feel nervous sharing such personal stories with the world?

I’m very anxious and excited about the book finally coming out. Of course, there are nerves too. It’s so personal, but I’ve chosen to talk about these things for a reason, and doing so has opened me up and literally made me far more unfiltered in my daily life. It’s felt like a giant sigh of relief.

You talk in your book about your time working in journalism. Did that experience help you when it came to writing?

It completely helped me because I feel like I’ve already been finding my voice. I’ve always loved using journalism and writing as a form of self-expression, so writing this book was a continuation of a journey I’d already started.

We loved how honest you were about your past relationships. What’s your ultimate piece of advice when it comes to dating?

When someone shows you who they are, believe them. You can’t enter into a relationship assuming they’ll change or thinking you can change them. The most important relationship you can have is with yourself, so make sure that you love yourself fully before you focus on someone else. It’s only when we feel solid within ourselves that we feel solid with someone else.