Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis, renowned for her illustrious acting career spanning over 46 years, including iconic roles in horror films and her memorable Oscars speech for “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, is also a New York Times best-selling children’s book author. Her latest release, “Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait … and Wait … and Wait“, marks her 13th children’s book. This book, illustrated by Laura Cornell, emphasizes the virtue of patience, especially in anticipation of exciting holidays and events.
In an insightful interview with Shondaland, Curtis shares her journey as an author. She describes her writing process as spontaneous and unforced, with ideas often striking her unexpectedly. For instance, her book “Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day” was born from a casual conversation that sparked a creative rhyme. Another book, “Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Mystery“, was inspired by a real-life incident at a children’s birthday party. Similarly, “Just One More Sleep” was conceived from a brief exchange with a neighbor’s child on Christmas Eve.
Despite not planning a writing career, Curtis has found success and fulfillment in authorship. Her approach to writing is deeply connected to her emotional experiences, particularly those involving children. This authentic and heartfelt approach resonates in her works, making them impactful for both children and adults.
Curtis also reflects on her reluctance to publish a memoir, respecting the intimate nature of personal stories. She prefers focusing on storytelling that respects others’ privacy while sharing meaningful narratives.
When asked about advice for aspiring children’s book authors, Curtis emphasizes the importance of writing from personal passion and perspective. She advises against writing to emulate others and encourages embracing one’s unique voice and experiences.
Concluding the interview, Curtis addresses the current challenges with book bans, advocating for the freedom of speech and expression. She believes in using one’s voice and choices boldly, echoing the sentiments of her own book, “Is There Really a Human Race“, which encourages making the world a better place through individual actions and compassion.
This summary is based on the original article “Jamie Lee Curtis on Her 13th Children’s Book, ‘Just One More Sleep’” by Sandra Ebejer, published on Shondaland on January 16, 2024. To read the full interview and gain deeper insights into Jamie Lee Curtis’s journey as a children’s book author, visit the original article here.
Featured Image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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