Jamie Lee Curtis: From Scream Queen to Children’s Book Author

In the realm of entertainment, Jamie Lee Curtis has left an indelible mark, captivating audiences as a scream queen in horror classics like “Halloween” and “The Fog.” Yet, beyond the silver screen, she has embarked on an unexpected literary journey, emerging as a prolific and acclaimed children’s book author.

An Unforeseen Path to Authorship

Curtis’s foray into writing was an unplanned and serendipitous one. She never harbored aspirations of becoming an author, but inspiration struck when her then 4-year-old daughter, Annie, made an offhand remark. This chance encounter sparked the creation of her first book, “When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old’s Memoir of Her Youth,” which captured the essence of childhood from a young child’s perspective.

Drawing Inspiration from Real-Life Moments

Curtis’s books often draw upon real-life experiences and observations. Her latest release, “Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait…and Wait…and Wait,” was inspired by an incident at a children’s birthday party, where a sudden storm led to a group of balloons being released into the sky. The children’s reaction to this event sparked an idea for a story about patience and waiting for special occasions.

An Emotional Connection to Her Work

Curtis’s writing process is deeply emotional. She doesn’t force it but waits for inspiration to strike. When a story idea comes to her, she immerses herself in it, allowing the emotions to guide her writing. This emotional connection ensures that her books resonate with young readers, touching their hearts and minds.

No Plans for a Memoir

Despite her success as an author, Curtis has no plans to write a memoir. She respects the privacy of others and doesn’t want to share intimate details of her life with the public. She believes that memoirs often require sharing personal interactions with others, which can be uncomfortable and intrusive.

Advice to Aspiring Writers

Curtis encourages aspiring writers to embrace their passion and let go of the result. She believes that writing should come from a genuine desire to express oneself, rather than a pursuit of fame or recognition. She emphasizes the importance of having an independent mind and not being constrained by societal expectations or the opinions of others.

Concerns About Book Bans

As a parent and an author, Curtis is deeply concerned about the recent surge in book bans and challenges. She sees this as an attack on freedom of speech and a betrayal of the country’s founding principles. She believes that book banning is a slippery slope that can lead to further restrictions on freedom of thought and expression.

Promoting Unity and Kindness

In her books, Curtis weaves messages of unity, kindness, and empathy. She believes that children can make the world a better place by helping those in need, using their voices to speak up for others, and valuing the diversity of the human race.

Full Interview with Sandra Ebejer

Sandra Ebejer (SE): Given that you never planned to write books, how do you feel about the trajectory your career has taken as a New York Times bestselling author?

Jamie Lee Curtis (JLC): It was an unexpected career that I didn’t think would be a career at all. It’s based on passion and comes when inspiration strikes. I’m not required to churn out books on a schedule, so I feel no pressure. If the book comes, it comes. They’re born out of situations with children.

SE: Did you have any trepidation or sense of impostor syndrome when you wrote your first book?

JLC: No, because I didn’t write it; it wrote itself. My 4-year-old inspired it. She said, “When I was little, I wore diapers. Now I use a potty!” That sparked the idea for “When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old’s Memoir of Her Youth.”

SE: Does your work as an actor influence your work as a writer, or vice versa?

JLC: The only requirement is that it moves me. I think life and being a child are hard. I try to connect to the real complication of being human, even at a young age. As long as I hit that emotional note, I know it’s a good book.

SE: You’ve also written a graphic novel based on a screenplay you wrote.

JLC: Yes, and I’ve written short stories that I’ll never publish. I have too much respect for great writing to publish anything like that. I won’t write a memoir. I don’t need to do that. I may write an essay to set some records straight after I’m gone.

SE: What advice would you give to aspiring children’s book authors?

JLC: Just write. Don’t try to write like someone else. The aspiration to write is the passion to write. Grab a pen and paper and put down what’s in your head. That’s what writing is.

SE: What do you say to those who are attempting to challenge literature through book bans?

JLC: We live in a country founded on the principle of freedom of speech, which is being betrayed by a hyper-conservative, authoritarian sect. It’s all about control, and you can’t have freedom and control in the same sentence. Book banning is a long-held first foray into attacking freedom. It’s a time to be vigilant and active.

SE: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

JLC: I try to practice what I preach. I try to use my bold voice and bold choices and make the world better for the whole human race.

Conclusion

Jamie Lee Curtis’s journey from scream queen to children’s book author is a testament to her versatility and passion for storytelling. Her books, inspired by real-life experiences and infused with emotional depth, resonate with young readers, encouraging them to embrace kindness, empathy, and the power of their own voices. Her commitment to promoting unity and speaking out against book bans further solidifies her status as an influential and inspiring figure.

Her words and stories continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of the importance of imagination, compassion, and the enduring power of a good story.