American/French poet and actress, Tama Leia, is poised to make a significant impact with her upcoming release, Little Poets, which is one of her lovely modern love stories with larger than life characters. This deeply personal collection draws inspiration from her own life, exploring the magic of childhood and the role of poetry in shaping her identity. Set amidst the charm of her upbringing in sunny California, Leia deftly captures the innocence and wonder of youth while reflecting on the profound connections forged through words. Her evocative writing style invites readers to journey through the eyes of young dreamers, revealing the beauty and complexity of their experiences. With Little Poets, Leia not only showcases her exceptional talent but also reaffirms her position as a vital voice in modern literature, celebrating the transformative power of creativity in our lives.
LONDON: Your writing is nothing short of mesmerising. I found myself in tears while reading excerpts from Little Poets. It’s heart-wrenching, raw, and profoundly honest. What inspired this emotional depth?
TL: I’m truly honoured, thank you! It’s fascinating how life’s experiences can shape our careers. I never imagined I’d be penning books that delve into my private life, yet here we are. It all unfolded so organically, almost like a beautiful surprise that I’m grateful to embrace.
LONDON: Do you ever feel that anyone from your past might attempt to silence your voice?
TL: Honestly? No. I’ve always approached my writing with a sense of respect and integrity. I don’t aim to portray people in a negative light; that’s simply not my style. I am committed to honesty, but I strive to explain experiences with grace and generosity.
LONDON: That’s incredibly admirable. It seems that your upbringing has played a significant role in shaping this perspective.
TL: Absolutely! I was lucky enough to grow up in a home that celebrated kindness and the value of setting a good example. And my education felt like a masterclass in manners and decorum—addressing people as ‘Sir’ and ‘Madam,’ mastering the Queen’s English, and perfecting my etiquette for every occasion. Those lessons instilled a genuine respect for people that I hold dear. Of course, I still manage to put my foot in my mouth from time to time or say something completely wrong. I may not be perfect, but I do try my best to be considerate and appropriate for the occasion.
LONDON: In Little Poets, the narrative begins when you were just seven years old, correct?
TL: (laughs) Yes, indeed! The opening scene captures me as a young child already immersed in the world of poetry.
LONDON: And is it true that you created your first book at the tender age of five?
TL: Yes! It was a charming little creation made of paper held together by strings and adorned with finger-painted illustrations. There were no words yet, but I would passionately narrate the story to anyone willing to listen, and I proudly scrawled my name on the cover.
LONDON: At that young age, did you ever envision writing as your vocation?
TL: I always hoped so! My interests have always spanned across the arts: writing, acting, singing, painting… I have always been so enamored with all these forms of expression that I found myself dabbling in each one.
LONDON: What prompted a shift in your career toward writing as your main focus?
TL: It was a process of self-discovery and reflection. I began to evaluate what truly brought me joy. When I wake up in the morning, I don’t feel inclined to act unless it’s voice acting where I can tell my own stories. I don’t want to produce an album unless I’m writing the lyrics, and I don’t want to paint or create illustrations unless it’s for the content of my books. I realised that while I enjoyed all these artistic outlets, it became clear what my true calling was. Now, I’m more focused than ever on the daily practices that will bring my visions to life.
LONDON: Your clarity of purpose is inspiring. How do you navigate the challenges of the creative process?
TL: Navigating the creative landscape can be quite daunting, especially with the multitude of ideas constantly swirling in my mind. However, I have come to embrace these challenges as integral parts of my journey. Each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. I allow myself the space to feel, to create, and to sometimes falter. The key is to remain committed to my voice and to trust the process.
LONDON: What message do you hope readers take away from Little Poets?
TL: Above all, I hope they find solace in the shared experience of being human. Life is a world of emotions, and I want readers to feel seen and understood. My aim is to encourage a sense of connection, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles or triumphs.
LONDON: With such profound insights and a captivating voice, we eagerly anticipate the release of Little Poets. What’s next for you?
TL: Thank you! I’m excited for what lies ahead. I plan to continue my poetry collections and novels. I am also looking forward to my book tour. I love travelling so now I will get to do it as part of my job. I’m very fortunate to have created my dream career.
As Tama Leia embarks on this journey of creativity and self-discovery, one thing is clear: she is an important voice in our modern culture. With each word, she invites us to join her in celebrating the beauty of vulnerability and the power of forgiveness. Little Poets promises to be a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and we can’t wait to turn the pages.
