International Feature: Tami Fiore

You were featured in Tan Lines, what was your inspiration for the poems you wrote?

Yes, that was an honor for me when Kailla contacted me! I was very excited to do this! The theme of the issue was TAN LINES, so I walked through the forest as I always do when I need ideas. The calmness and the fresh air did the rest…

Can you talk a little bit about where you grew up and how you became a writer?

I grew up in a very small village, with loving parents, a little sister and a lot of pets. I was always dreaming of not becoming a 9 to 5 jobber. I wrote a lot. But until I met my husband I never thought of publishing a book. With his encouraging words I dared to do so and the result is: two books within a year! I've never been that proud! Also because I am a self publisher. Which is way harder than having a publishing company who supports you. And I am not a native English speaker.

What was the publishing experience like?

I love books. And first of all, I did not really think of doing it. But my husband encouraged me to do so. So I just did. I just tried. More people fail at not trying rather than at doing. So I tried and it was a wonderful feeling, holding my words in my hands and people wrote that they got inspired and love it – so what money can pay this feeling of inspiring others?

To publish my first book “bittersweet – a collection of poetry” was really hard though, I wanted it to be perfect. But at the end, you learn through the process of doing it. My second book “SUN x MOON” was exciting again as I worked together with an illustrator, that was really cool and challenging at the same time. Both books are available on amazon worldwide or get a preview on instagram @tami_fiore.

I saw that you partnered with artists to bring your poetry to life in your books, how did you find the artists and how did the collaboration work?

Yes, I asked Laura Klinke, I found her on Instagram. I just asked her and she said ‘yes’. I love her art. We met at a cafe and she’s a really nice girl and talented illustrator! So we decided to work together and I really love our result.

 Other than writing, what do you like to do on your free time?

Just going for a walk with my two dogs, doing sports and spend time with family and friends. I love nature. And to combine all of this is heaven for me.

If you weren't a write what would you be doing?

 Writing is only a hobby and not a profession but at the moment I would say: being happy to become a mum soon. :)

 What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

 Just try! If you don't try you won't ever see if you would have been successful!