The Power of Voice in Writing and Art
Tommy Tutalo discusses his transition from soccer to storytelling, the creative process behind his novels, and how personal experiences and cultural influences shape his work, offering readers stories that inspire and resonate.
Tommy Tutalo is a storyteller in every sense of the word. A writer, visual artist, and screenwriter, he weaves narratives that transcend genres and generations, offering thought-provoking experiences that linger in the minds of his readers. His journey from the world of competitive soccer to the realm of creative expression is a testament to his resilience, discipline, and passion for the arts.
With works such as Esperanza, Modest Marine, and The Mime, Tommy explores themes of immigration, identity, self-discovery, and legacy, crafting stories that reflect both personal and universal truths. His ability to blend rich cultural influences with compelling narratives has earned him a devoted readership.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Tommy shares his inspirations, creative process, and the powerful messages behind his work.
What inspired you to transition from playing soccer to pursuing a career in the arts?
Soccer and the arts have always been the two passions of my life. At an early age I developed a love for soccer and devoted my life to the beautiful game. After years of playing at a high level, and acquiring multiple accolades, I was able to play at the collegiate level for The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (Stockton University). The transition from soccer to the arts happened after winning the 2001 DIV III National Championship with the Stockton Men’s soccer team. This was the pinnacle of my soccer career and when I decided to refocus my energy on the arts. During college and after graduating I studied and pursued various art mediums such as graphic arts, painting, drawing, sculpting, photography and writing. With a love of storytelling and a long-term vision of getting into filmmaking I decided to focus more on writing, since writing to me was necessary to write a script. I began writing short stories, then novels and eventually screenplays.
Can you share more about the process of writing “Esperanza” and how it reflects your views on immigration?
My background with soccer has helped with shaping me as a writer. From soccer I learned essential skills such as patience, discipline, having a strong work ethic, time management, having vision, being adaptable and having a competitive growth mindset. Writing my first novel Esperanza took me 10 years, an enduring process I began after graduating from college in 2007. Utilizing all the skills and mindset from soccer enabled me to stick with a strict writing schedule and set small goals that would eventually get me to the big goal of completing and publishing Esperanza. The immigration situation in the United States has been an ongoing issue throughout the years. When I began writing Esperanza it was a hot topic in the news and one of the influences in how I molded my story, along with knowing many legal and illegal immigrants whose stories I heard helped me with shaping characters and plot.
How did your background in New Jersey influence your writing and artistic style?
The melting pot of a community I am from has influenced my writing and artistic style by creating stories that not only reflect the various cultures and demographics I grew up with and live within but by making universal stories that people from all walks of life can connect with.
What led you to write “Modest Marine,” and why did you choose to honor your grandfather’s story in this way?
After 9/11 I became very interested in geo-political issues, conspiracies and nature of reality. This deep dive into the rabbit hole led me to start asking my grandfather about his time on Iwo-Jima during World War II, which he never talked about. It wasn’t until I was in the final years of completing Esperanza that I asked my grandfather if I could write a book about him being in the United States Marine Corps C/1/24th Marines, Fourth Division. This would be a new book project for me and a way to honor him. He said sure, but little did I know it would take about 4 years to get all the information out of him. I would visit him every other week to talk about his time in the military and eventually travel with him to various 4th Division Marine reunions. Short conversations eventually turned into talks all day, him showing me all his photos, telling me about everyone in each photo, where he was and eventually the details of war and being on the battlefield.
How did your experiences as an independent author shape the content of “An Indie Author’s Way”?
After publishing Esperanza I have been approached by many aspiring writers asking me about my book and how I wrote and self-published it. Since I was being contacted often, I decided to write a book about my writing process and philosophy along with some insights into who I am and what genres and writers inspired me.
In “The Mime,” the theme of self-discovery is central. What message do you hope readers take away from Florina’s journey?
After reading The Mime I hope that my readers walk away with some insight into how powerful their voice is, that they can use their voice to change the world. Everyone has the potential to uplift others and create change in the world. You need to first discover your voice and then not be afraid to use it. Speak your truth.
