I began over 25 years ago trying to write screenplays. I also had this thing about writing life quotes for motivational reasons. I think I had an inkling I might work in the self-help space in the future but kept with performance writing for a while given it's what I knew being an actor for most of my career. This morphed into writing plays when I ran a performing arts school and found it easier to create my own material for drama students. From there other drama teachers, actors and casting agents requested to use my material and monologues for acting classes. I kept dabbling into screenwriting with a few feature films and TV series in development along with short films. About 2022, I decided to take some old film scripts and try novelising them as a need to pivot. I had a blast writing projects for the youth space from picture books to YA and still have plenty of those in the drawer. But the pull for writing more real stuff became more apparent in 2023 when I wrote a self-published book on people pleasing. I needed to get my 50 years of experience out of my head and it opened the floodgates to even more ideas that had been brewing for a couple decades.

I'd been involved in men's groups and self-help for a while here and there. Having two adult sons and teaching a lot of young boys, I really felt drawn to wanting to be a mentor/father figure to help steer them on a healthy path. I've had my own 'missing father' issues (which is a long story in itself!) that made we want better for my sons. But the past ten years I've watched fellow men around me struggle with identity in such a changing world. I know I'd been doing my own personal development over the years and discovered my own ways to deal with struggles that I wanted to share my thoughts with other men. One day on a whiteboard when I was trying to figure out how I would do it, the idea to write my feelings in poetry form came out of nowhere—this was titled The Umbrella Men—and I wrote it in a flurry of 15 minutes as if I was in a trance. It was so bizarre, but it encapsulated everything I'd been feeling for so long that I knew it was the kernel for a book idea.

Doesn't every writer? :) As I mentioned I have multiple kids books that all feature boy protagonists trying to deal with their unique coming-of-age struggles. It ranges from a 4-year-old's panic about growing too tall or eating food (both inspired from my kids), a middle grade (Pixar-esque) action comedy about a house fly who finds his bravery within a chaotic adventure, an alien chasing action romp that happens under 24 hours, to a hi-tech sci-fi trilogy YA around a futuristic concept of Augmented Reality video game tournament. They're all designed to appeal to boys of all ages who love action, humour and adventure while subtly getting in some messaging around being a healthy male.

I do have an idea for a teenage version of The Umbrella Men Project that is brewing but told in a fictional medieval setting—a bit fable-esque around a damaged prince who needs to learn some compassion for him to be a true king.

I've been a performer since the age of eight, but professionally for 30 years. An all rounder (because you had to for making a living!). I acted, sung or danced in theatre, film, TV, radio—you name it. I hosted Here's Humphrey for three years in the mid 90's which was one of my favourite gigs. A multitude of TV commercials, bit parts in films or TV series, stage shows and touring cabaret performances. After coaching, writing, producing and directing dozens of plays and musicals I moved into short film and documentary making. I became head of production for Channel 44 in Adelaide developing local TV programs and festival content while mentoring loads of emerging media interns. With several short docos in the First Nations space featuring on SBS/NITV, some have managed to pick up an award or two but more importantly created a platform to showcase our diverse voices and community impact. I'm always looking out for the next great story to tell in that space which I hope is aligned with the men's work I'm now focusing on.

Any advice for me comes from a playwright and screenwriting background. That is to get out of your bubble and talk it out loud! As an actor by trade I would often get scripts from writers and we'd do a table read. Inevitably what sounded okay on the page is totally different when read out loud. I transferred this practice to my literary writing which helps with sentence flow whether it's dialogue or action.

Another tip from those writing years (including my stint in radio), was how to condense where possible. It's not just about helping the general flow for readers but especially if you're writing for a younger audience, you're battling with declining attention spans! There's an old saying in film script writing—get into a scene late and leave early!

I'm inspired by seeing untapped potential in the humans around me. I get inspired when others push beyond their fears, back themselves to strive a little closer towards their goals. It's why I loved coaching youths in the performing arts. Seeing their faces filled with a rush of confidence and self esteem they never thought possible when stepping on stage to expose their vulnerability in front of an audience. That's what inspires me.

For a good escape I love reading anything by Dan Brown and pretty much have read every Mathew Reilly book. For more insightful work that resonates with me it's the work by Steve Biddulph on Raising Boys.

This sounds a bit like a dating profile blurb but I do enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and took up competitive sprinting at the age of 50 where I now compete in local pro runs and masters athletics on a national level—aiming for world's masters is the next goal. I'm a sucker for a good horror movie (usually on my own in the cinema!) and swimming in the ocean is my ultimate moment of chi—regardless of what time of year.

Well I'm the only Albert Jamae out there so you can find me on Facebook, Instagram (also as Alby the Author), Linkedin, my personal website www.albertjamae.com.au or connect with The Umbrella Men Project on www.theumbrellamenproject.com.au.

Email: saygday@albertjamae.com.au

Or come down to Willunga in the wine region of McLaren Vale. I'm likely to be sitting at one of the cafes musing over some new idea. We have great coffee and an ambiance to die for.