Meet Max Teia, who wrote an endearing book for the little ones, “Nicholas and Sofia discover Pordenone”. Max is a father, husband, friend, and, as they say, last but not least - a Privacy Lawyer.
- Max, you are a top-notch lawyer in your field - data protection law - what led you to such a very different activity - writing a book for kids - what inspired you?
My wife is Colombian, and I am Italian, we both live in a “foreign” country, the United States of America; it was important for me that my kids understood where they come from in terms of cultural background: through a graphic book I decided to introduce them to my hometown in Italy, and its beautiful places in an imaginary trip visiting theirs Nonno and Nonna.
- What did you enjoy the most about the writing process?
I enjoyed the most getting to learn new things about my city, and I also enjoyed the publishing process, which was alien to me before starting this journey.
- What was the hardest part in writing a book?
For me, the hardest part was collaborating with the illustrator and delivering my vision. My illustrator did not use any digital tool and created everything by hand on paper with watercolors, adding a bit of magic to the entire process.
- What’s your most favorite book of all time and why?
"The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde. It's an allegorical tale with moral themes about selfishness, redemption, and the beauty of nature.
The story is about a giant who owned a beautiful garden, but was selfish and wouldn't allow any children to play in it. As punishment, the garden became perpetually winter until the giant had a change of heart after befriending a young child. His selflessness then restored the garden to its former glory. It's a touching parable about the transformative power of empathy and generosity.
- How did your family react to the book?
My family was happy and surprised: they did not know that I had been working on the project for all those months without telling them. I showed them the actual book during dinner on Christmas Eve.
- What are you reading now?
I am reading to my kids “Heart” by the Italian author Edmondo De Amicis. The novel is written in a diary form as told by an 11-year-old primary school student with an upper-class background who is surrounded by classmates of working-class origin, and each monthly chapter contains several short stories and anecdotes that convey moral lessons about values like compassion, honesty, courage, hard work, and patriotism.
Heart is a classic, as intended by Italo Calvino, who once wrote a “classic” is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say. It remains fresh and relevant across eras, continuing to speak to new generations of readers.
- Are there more books in the plans?
Yes! When I wrote my book my wife and I were not expecting Leonardo (my second child) and in the book, I created a fictional sister for Nicholas, Sofia in their trip discovering Pordenone.
- What would you advise to people who dream of writing the book but are too afraid to do it?
Writing a book, especially your first one, can feel incredibly hard. I remember having so many doubts and fears myself when I started. Those doubts try to hold you back.
But here's what I'd say to anyone who dreams of being an author - writing is an intensely personal experience. You have to silence those self-doubting voices and accept that not everyone will connect with or enjoy your book. That's just the nature of creative expression - you can't please everyone. What you write will resonate deeply with some readers and leave others cold. And that's okay.
Focus first on getting your vision onto the page in a way that feels authentic to you. The hardest part is only the beginning. Once you take that leap of faith and start writing consistently, the momentum will build.
- What would you like to wish Little Cups Tea?
As a fellow entrepreneur, I understand the immense dedication, passion, and hard work that goes into turning an idea into a tangible product. The fact that you have created something made with love, aimed at benefiting children's health and well-being, is an accomplishment in itself, beyond any monetary success.