Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Moa series – Moa, The Statue of Ku, and Iron Shinto was sparked by my firsthand encounter with an ancient Hawaiian spirit. All three books, takes readers on a journey of exploration through a world of spiritual healing. Each chapter of the books begins with a meditative ritual that pertains to that chapter. The rituals from the first book have been published in both eBook and audio form as The Gatekeeper’s Guide to Ancient Essential Oils and Rituals.
My beautifully talented nine-year-old daughter, Sydney is the cover photographer and illustrator of all three books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Iron Shinto,” the third book in the Moa Series is my latest book. My inspiration stems from an experience I had when I was five years old. I was visited by a vision. I’ll never forget it, I was running down the stairs and the entity, a girl with dark hair, stopped me in my tracks. The spirit said that I would go through a deeply challenging time in my life, but would resurface, later in life, with unimaginable joy and fulfillment. That vision stayed with me. In middle school, I would sit quietly at my desk adding up the years to figure out exactly when my life would turn around.
And then I forgot. I got busy, my work and the stress of family life took over and I was completely overwhelmed and in desperate need of a vacation. My husband, daughter and I decided to go to Hawaii.
When the plane landed in Honolulu, I remember feeling the difference in the atmosphere as I disembarked. The air made me somehow, remember that there was a part of me that knew…something…what was it?
Never mind, I was in Hawaii it was time to see the sights! So, I sped off to see Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and then headed home for an afternoon nap before an evening luau. As I drifted toward sleep, I heard my name being called. In my mind’s eye, I saw a beautiful young woman with dark hair, who said her name was Moaahuulikkiaaakea’o Haanaapeekuluueehuehakipuunahe’e—Moa for short.
And then I remembered.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I have a personal experience, I must write about it. Inspiration comes from my act of expressing those emotions, thoughts, beliefs, judgments and, yes, stories that bubble up from deep within.
The location does not really matter, however, my process follows whatever my inspiration brings. Every day is different. Sometimes words pour out faster than I can write or when I’m not near a computer so I have to grab a grocery receipt and quickly squeeze in all the juiciness that comes forth. Other times, I space out the writing and sit in a busy cafe listening to snippets of stranger’s conversations.
One thing is consistent. I do not judge myself, my writing or my process. If I do, I stop and give myself time to let that go. Then I begin again and pick up where I left off.
The stories come in, in waves of loveliness, or shards of anger, or slippery plots that I have to chase around and around to find my path. Whatever my course, I stick with it, I can edit later and I only edit after I let it all out–every last bit.
After I’ve done all of the above, I write a loose outline. It doesn’t include numbers and I’m the only one who knows what it means. Parts are in my head, parts are on receipts, tucked in the depths of my purse or in my computer, labeled with the story, date and version.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was in middle school and read James Joyce’s “Portrait of an Artist” for the first time. About an hour later, I was overcome by an urge to write, and indulged the impulse. Time stood still, I have no idea what happened. All I remember is coming to, with pages upon pages filled with words in front of me. It felt incredible to express myself so freely and I never looked back.
What are you working on now?
Book Four in the Moa Series will center around Stonehenge and I’ve already begun writing! I’m also starting the process of recording the other rituals from “Statue of Ku” and “Iron Shinto.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There is nothing better than an “in-person” meeting. Looking a reader in the eye and signing books personally is an incredibly enriching and powerful experience. That said, no one can be everywhere at once, so I would say my blog is the best way to stay connected with my audiences and promoting books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Each of us has at least one divine gift to remember. The moment we wake up and retrieve the memory of who we are and what we are here—on earth—to do, the adventure begins.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Here is, Anne Lamott, one of my favorite authors, perspective on literary criticism. “You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it too.”
What are you reading now?
“The Straight A Conspiracy,” by Hunter Maats and Katie O’Brien.
It’s never to late to debunk a myth.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Grind some beans, brew a pot of fresh coffee in my french press and crack open a fresh, uncreased book.
Paradise.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Bird by Bird,” Anne Lamott
“Kitchen,” Banana Yoshimoto
The Norton Anthology of American Literature
Author Websites and Profiles
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