Wai-nani Catches a Big Wave

 I’m off to Maui to meet up with the Aloha Trio for our book signing at the Barnes and Noble in Lahaina on Dec. 14th.  I met hugely popular Toby Neal, author of the Lei Crime Series, online. I found her writing to be crisp, contemporary and fun. According to Toby, born and raised in the Islands, my book Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i “Casts a hypnotic spell that takes us to ancient Hawai’i. Coming from Toby, someone with an intimate knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, this is quite an endorsement.

I was having lunch with book guru, Carolyn Howard Johnson, here in L.A. and she introduced me to Lorraine Brodek, author of A Nobody in a Somebody World.  Lorraine's book is filled with insider juice on Hollywood celebs she grew up with in Beverly Hills. Being a Hawaii aficionado, my personal favorite is her rendering of her life in Hana, one of the last enclaves of old Hawai’i, where the threat of wild pigs calls for a luau.

Lorraine read Wai-nani and said “The rhythm of Linda Ballou's writing is sheer poetic dialogue. Her descriptions are as mystic as the ancient Hawaiian culture she so graphically describes in this wonderful story that she tells using the voice of Wai-nani (aka Ka'ahumanu, King Kamehameha's favorite wife). Chiefess Ka'ahumanu's birthplace was in a cave at Puu Kauiki in Hana--a hill that exists today in this charming town that truly evokes the beautiful spirit of old Hawaii.

We became friends and Lorraine invited me to stay at her exquisite home high on a knoll overlooking Hamoa Beach in Hana. How could I say no?

 Being a person who gets things done, Lorraine arranged for us to have a reading at the Coast Gallery at the luxurious Travaasa Hotel Resort on Dec. 17^th, .

Writing the Hawaiian story became a beautiful obsession for me that spanned twenty years. I had no idea where it would lead me, or the doors that it would open. I can only say I am grateful for what has come my way.

I have arranged a Kindle Giveaway for Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i on Dec. 14-17th on Amazon for those who can’t make it to the Islands for our events. REVIEWS ARE WELCOME

Wishing you all a very Maui Christmas with warm Aloha-In the name of Wai-nani.

Heaven Doesn't Have to Wait

Hana, Maui-Sunrise

 Writing Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i has brought many wonderful people and fine experiences my way. Lorraine Brodek, author of A Nobody in A Somebody World, a sneak  peek into lives of celebrities she grew up with, and I are signing our books at the Coast Gallery  at the Travaasa Hana Hotel on Dec. 17^th.  Ka’ahumanu, the Hawaiian chiefess who was the inspiration for my character Wai-nani was born in a cave in Hana. Lorraine has graciously arranged a canoe outing for me to her birthplace.

In addition, she has invited me to stay with her and producer husband Tom in their spectacular home sitting on ten acres high on a hill overlooking Hamoa Beach, deemed one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When I saw the video of her home.

 I couldn’t believe my good fortune. Who could ask for a more gracious estate amidst gorgeous grounds overlooking the rugged coastline of pristine Hana, the last bastion of old Hawai’i.

A couple of years ago I drove the fabled Hana Highway laced with waterfalls. My piece 

Doing theHana Highway My Way details how you can experience the curvaceous road overlooking the sequined Pacific without rubbing bumpers with all the other tourists.  Most visitors stop at the Haleakela National Park and hike through the bamboo forest to a dramatic waterfall and cap off their visit with a plunge in the pools of Oheo Gulch below the highway. At night they head back to “the other side” of Maui leaving residents to stunning sunsets and tranquility of water-rich Hana. The lush tropical forests and dew –laden pastures are still once more as the sun rises announcing another day in paradise.

If you dream of making heavenly Hana your home contactMary Anne Fitch at (808)-250-1503 http://www.soldmaui.com/