First Book Stories: Wai-nani High Chiefess of Hawaii Featured at The Professional Writer Connection

In celebration of authors, during the month of May, The Professional Writer Connection is hosting the first book stories of authors. Today, I am featured there with my first novel, Wai-nani.

Ano Ano (the seed) for Wai-nani High Chiefess of Hawai’i-Her Epic Journey took root in my heart thirty years ago when I lived on the north shore of Kauai. Since that time, I became a successful real estate sales person in Southern California, published numerous travel articles in national magazines and evolved as a human being. Self actualization on so many levels gave me the courage to tackle my long-buried dream of publishing the historical novel I’d quietly been working on all those years.
When I lived on Kauai, I became smitten with the great personage of Ka’ahumanu, a childless chiefess who was the favorite wife of Kamehameha the Great. This was in the late 70’s, a time when

Read more here at The Professional Writer Connection

Read about my first visit to The Book Connection

Great Outdoor Day in L.A. #14 Taking Time to Smell the Roses

I never promised you a rose garden, but Descanso is one that will sate the appetite of any romantic. Garlands of pink, magenta, and yellow roses drape sweeping arbors that lead to a courtyard graced by a Roman fountain. Benches tucked into shady nooks beckon to lovers or friends to share. A meandering stream whispers as it steals sweetly through wooded dells. Each season brings a new face to this less-traveled garden. In January and February

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Great Outdoor Day in L.A. #14-Taking Time to Smell the Roses - Los Angeles Outdoor Travel | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/outdoor-travel-in-los-angeles/great-outdoor-day-l-a-14-taking-time-to-smell-the-roses-review#ixzz1MkqGW4JW

Outdoor Fun on the Southwest Gulf of Florida is Featured in Real Travel Adventures Magazine

My article Outdoor Fun on the Southwest Gulf of Florida is Featured on the site Real Travel Adventures.

A three-mile causeway from Fort Meyers across San Carlos Bay to the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva takes you back to a gentler time. People seem to move slower here where there are no stop signs, no street lights, and no structures over three stories. The year-round population of about 6,200 souls bulges to 20,000 in winter when snowbirds of all stripes migrate here from the frozen North. Twenty-five miles of biking trails along with a 100-mile kayaking trail called the Great Calusa Blueway, the best shelling in the world, and opportunities for sport fishing make this a great getaway for those who love the outdoors.

Read the article here at Real Travel Adventures;

Read the article here at this blog;

Praise for Lost Angel Walkabout from Across the Pond

I am Thrilled with this review from the Quirky Traveller, Zoe Dawes, who hosts travel writer and blogging workshops in England.

5.0 out of 5 stars Feisty tales from a brilliant storyteller, 2 May 2011

By Zoe Dawes "Quirky Traveller" (Cumbria)

This review is from: Lost Angel Walkabout (Paperback)

So enjoyed this book. Linda has a really engaging way of writing and manages to change the style and tone of her stories depending on the circumstances. I was fascinated to read of her adventures in Canada and America; Alaska, the Yukon, New Hampshire, Hawaii and many more; evocative places that she brings to life with humour and insight. New Zealand is more familiar to me and I share her love of Maori culture and the way New Zealanders look after their environment.

This book made me want to take up riding again and acknowledge that I don't want to go white water rafting, much as I enjoyed reading of her risky exploits! But what lingers longest is a sense of place, spirituality and inspiration - and genuine enjoyment sharing Linda's "... quest to see as many magnificent places on the big blue before they are gone ..."

**Even more pleased to know that Zoe plans to share Lost Angel with her students!

Zoë Dawes
http://www.thequirkytraveller.com/about-zoe-dawes/


Travel Writing and Blogging Workshops | Quirky Traveller's Tales
www.thequirkytraveller.com
Travel Writing and Blogging Workshops Cumbria Lancashire

Renegade Way to Get Great Trips at CWC Presentation

You are invited to hear my talk at the California Writer’s Club on May 21, 2011. I will give you tips on “How to Make Travel Writing Work for You” followed up with a slide show spotlighting the geographical setting of the stories in my book Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales.




A love triangle of extremes has proven to be a solid base for my writing. From my roots in Alaska I received strength, solitude, centeredness and respect for the awful power of nature. While living in Hawaii I found nurturing, a spiritual awakening and the heroine for my historical novel, Wai-nani—High Chiefess of Hawaii.



In proud California I obtained a degree in English Literature from Northridge University and a doctorate in urban savvy. In Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales, an eclectic mix of essays filled with chills, spills giggles and squeaks, I share my most meaningful outdoor adventures. I continue to enjoy opportunities here in Los Angeles for intellectual stimulation, exciting contacts and friends.

Each week I share a Great Outdoor Day in L.A. in my column on Examiner

I am also the Adventure Travel Expert for the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. Each month I post an article on www.NABBW.com
with nuts and bolts information about how to get more out of your outdoor explorations. I have enjoyed being an adventure travel writer for the last decade.

You may go to my website www.lindaballouauthor.com
to view a host of articles and photo essays. If you are not careful, you might learn the secret to youth!

The meeting on May 21, 2011 at 12:30pm is held at
St. Martin-In-The-Fields
7136 Winnetka Ave.
Canoga Park, Ca 91306

Members are Free. Guests pay $5.00

See you there!

Charms of the Grand Canyon - Interview with River Guide Marty Mathis

The charms of the Grand Canyon have captured the imagination of those lucky enough to experience them ever since Powell did the first recorded run down the Colorado in 1869. Marty Mathis, Vice President of Grand Canyon Expeditions, is one of those people so taken by the magic of the canyon he has made sharing the canyon his life’s work. In my article “Not All Outfitters are Created Equal” I talked about what makes a good outfitter. In my interview with Marty, I think you will find he has all the right answers.


Read the rest of the interview here

Featured Writer for NATJA for the Month of May

I am honored to be the featured writer on the North American Travel Journalist Association http://www.natja.org/

home page. I have been a member of NATJA for over a decade. It is a wonderful organization providing a platform and resources for expert, or budding travel writers alike. They help writers get their pieces placed and provide up to date information about what is happening in the travel world. Travel World International http://www.travelworldmagazine.com/ began as the publishing arm of the organization for members. It has grown into a very impressive online magazine with feature articles written by top professionals about trips around the globe. My interview in the spring issue appears here http://www.travelworldmagazine.com/node/147

This is a proud moment for me.

Linda Ballou, author

Lost Angel Walkabout, One Traveler's Tales

Great Outdoor Day # 13- Lake Cachuma-Godda Bless

If you sneeze you will miss the entrance to Lake Cachuma Recreation Area midway between Santa Barbara and Los Olivos on Highway 154. The sparkling man-made lake flanked by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains fills a valley that was once a sacred meeting place for the Chumash people. Resting in the Pacific Flyway, (read more here at Examiner)

Not all Outfitters are Created Equal - Questions You Should Ask of Your Guides

The story “Falling in the Footsteps of John Muir” in my book Lost Angel Walkabout, describes the scariest situation I’ve experienced in my travels. I tripped and fell upon a splintered log that broke two ribs. This would not have been so horrific, but I was in the heart of the High Sierras at about 10,000 feet surrounded by even taller granite spires that blocked cell phone transmissions.

The total medical arsenal of my guides consisted of one sleeping tablet. I was told the assessment of my medical situation was up to me. My young, inexperienced guides asked me what I wanted them to do! I told them I could not ride or walk five hours from the campsite to a hospital, and scribbled authorization for a helicopter on a paper bag.

This accident took place before I was a professional travel writer, and the experience taught me many lessons—most importantly that not all outfitters are created equal! When you are considering an outdoor adventure with an outfitter, ask them questions before putting your life in their hands.

Read the questions you should ask at NAABW

Rafting in the Grandest Canyon of All

Last April, I crawled out onto Shoshone Point on the South Rim and stared into the Great Abyss. It was a bit windy that day so I held onto a boulder to keep from being blown into oblivion. As I watched the fast moving clouds cast shadows upon the striated walls of amber, purple and mauve, I yearned to know the pulsing heart of the grandest gorge of them all. The terra cotta river carving its path a mile below held mysteries for me that I had to know. In May, I will meet the challenge of rafting the tumultuous Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Mode of transport—a motorized launch that gets through hairy rapids and down the entire 227 mile run in only eight days. This trip is perfect for people with time constraints who want to experience the thrill of the canyon without straining a muscle or risking an unwanted dip in bone-chilling water. The pontoon-craft used by Grand Canyon Expeditions seats 14-people and carries supplies for the all-inclusive holiday. This is an incredible time to be on the river with temps around 80 degrees, fewer rafters than in the full tilt summer season and a dazzling desert wildflower show. Visit the Grand Canyon and all of its beauty at Grand Canyon Expeditions.