Lani Wendt Young's Blog, page 5

She's Got Six Boyfriends.

There was a disco at Bella's preschool tonight. She's been super excited for days. She picked out what outfit she wanted to wear and as I helped her get dressed, she said, "I'm gonna see my boyfriend there."

I'm calm, cool and collected.  "Oh really? Who?"

Bella fluffs up her skirt and answers, "Brayden. He's my number one boyfriend."

The Hot Man is not so calm, cool and collected. "What?! You have more than one boyfriend?!"

You can tell Bella thinks that's a dumb question. Hands on her hips. "Yes Dada, I have six boyfriends at school."

Bella is a bad-ass.

I laughed. But I also wanted to cry. Because I miss that. I long for that. The honesty, opennes and directness of a four year old. Because Big Son is seventeen and secretive. Furtive. Holding information close and his emotions even closer. There was a time when Big Son was Little Son. When he confided everything in me. Asked for my advice on everything from homework to hairstyles. From pimples to presents for the girl he had a crush on. There was a time when his hurts were mine. His worries kept me awake at night. His fears were mine to overcome. His joys were beribboned packages that we opened together. Big Son taught me how to love. How to place another's happiness above my own.

Now? Now Big Son puts up walls. Throws up smoke screens. Chucks angry rocks. At times it seems there is an ocean of distance between us, between me and this child who was the first to hear my heart from the inside. Yes,  I know our children must grow up and away from us. I know they must have privacy, independence, secrets and autonomy. Fall in love. Do stupid things. Make weird choices.

But it still hurts. And I miss him.  And it's hard. To try and forge a new relationship.With the adult, the young man that he is becoming. To make sense of the confused mess that we're in right now. To assert new boundaries and redraw the lines of our relationship.

What do I want? What do I hope for? Long for?

I want for him to confide in me.  I want us to negotiate a space where we can laugh, cry and contemplate the mysteries of the universe. (Diet Coke and Doritos optional.) I want to be the mother that he can talk to about anything and everything.

Even if its to tell me that he has six girlfriends. (Or boyfriends.)

Do you think that's possible? For those of you out there with teenagers and adult children, please tell me how you do it? How do you let go but still keep them close?

'When Water Burns' Comes to Life on Screen.

I'm thrilled to release the trailer for the second book in the Telesa Trilogy: When Water Burns - produced by Jordan Kwan and a fabulous team of models. As an author who writes with a constant "film" in her mind of the story she's writing on paper, it's incredibly exciting to see a story come to life on screen, even for only three minutes. I'm proud to have the support of a fellow Pacific artist on his creative journey and I'm in awe at his talent. The modelling team who contributed to this trailer have been tireless ambassadors for Samoan literature. Love you all, love this trailer! Thank you.

Unleash the Fire with Sexy Samoan Men, SUGA and More

Press Release from Shop Samoa

The success of the Telesa Trilogy continues to grow and its helping to fuel the creative fire of other Pacific artists and entrepeneurs. This Saturday 25th August sees the launching of the first contemporary Samoan woman’s magazine - SUGA magazine - with its special TELESA edition as well as the launch of gifted photographer Jordan Kwan’s ‘Sexy Samoan Men’ calendar. It’s all happening at Otara Market at the ‘Telesa Trilogy Celebration’, organized by Shop Samoa with the theme, “Unleash the Fire.”

 According to Rasmus Pereira of Shop Samoa, “Our goal is to showcase a variety of Pacific talent with a fun day out for the whole family.”
It’s going to be a day that celebrates literature. Telesa author Lani Wendt Young will be on site to answer questions from fans and sign copies of her books. She said, “One of the exciting things about the Telesa writing journey, has been the opportunity to work with and be inspired by Pacific artists like Jordan Kwan and the SUGA magazine team. I’m thrilled we can come together to help launch their work.”
 Lani will be joined by Filipo Sio, the author of the inspirational book, ‘The Samoan Who Said Yes’ who will also be signing books for readers. The event will feature performances from the dynamic South Auckland Poet’s Collective including vibrant Tongan poet and blogger, Maryanne Pale. The fiery Tatau Dance group will perform and there will be music from the acclaimed duo, Taufau Gardenia Aukuso & To’afa Te’o Ataata,  and from the reggae/hip hop band, Higher Ground.
 Those who have read ‘When Water Burns’ will know that fashion design plays a key part in the story. Not surprisingly then, there will be a fashion show in the Otara program with creations from the heralded Samoan design label MENA and a selection from Paula Chan Designs. Plantation House Samoa will also be there selling items from their distinctive Pacific accessories collection.
Otara Market is a place at the heart of Pacific identity in Auckland. And this weekend, it will be a heart which burns with Telesa Trilogy fire!

“Unleash the Fire” will be held on Saturday 25 August at the Otara Flea Market, Otara in Auckland from 9-12pm.

Deceit and Dorkville

Winter sales are wonderful. I bought Bella some new clothes for preschool. I love them. She doesn't. She doesn't want to wear new purple sweatpants from Cotton On Kids. With a matching hoodie top. No, she wants to keep wearing the pink pants with holes in them from TnT KidsWear that she's been wearing for over a year now.

"No mama, these are my favorite. I don't like those new pants." She pleads. Stamps her foot. Yells. And generally acts like a spoilt brat. But I am emphatic. I don't want my daughter wearing pants with holes in them. I don't want her wearing the same freakin pants she's been running wild in all year. Just For once, I want my kid to look like she stepped out of a catalogue. Just once, I want my kid to look like she has a mother who knows what fashion, style and color-co-ordination mean. And yeah, I'm well aware that this freakish desire is all about ME, but I don't care. Because everyone has to think about ME sometimes. So why can't this be one of those times?​ Let's agree that today, we're all going to think about ME...
​
So I am firm. Calm. Composed. Authoritative. I make that child wear her purple pants. And she looks fabulous. Which by osmosis, makes ME look fabulous. I feel good.
​
Until six hours later when Bella comes home from preschool. Wearing pink pants. With a hole in them. Looking like a child who's mother dressed her in a dumpster. I ask her, 'What happened to your purple pants?' Because you know, there are any number of inexplicable events that can happen at a preschool. Things involving paint, playdo, playgrounds and/or pee. Yes, it's entirely plausible that Bella could have fallen victim to any one of these things.
​
But no. She shrugs. Waves a hand at me with careless ease. "Nuffing. I was take my favorite pants in my bag to school. Then when you gone and you not looking at me, I take off the ugly purple pants and wear the pink ones."

What-the-purple-pants-hell?! I stare at Bella in awed horror. I am speechless. You are FOUR years old. And you're already sneaking alternate wardrobe options in your schoolbag so you can get changed when your mother isn't looking?! The last time I knew someone who did that, her name was Lani Wendt. She was sixteen and smuggling a black mini-skirt to school so she could change out of the dork clothes from dorkville that her mother made her wear.

Bella stares back at me. She gets tired of waiting for me to speak. She runs off to play on the trampoline. In her pink pants with holes in them. Looking like she has a mother who dressed her in a dumpster. I shudder. Today, its ugly pants. What's tomorrow? Stiletto heels, pink fishnet stockings and a spandex Dora bodysuit? If this is what my devious child can do when she's four, what will she dare to do when SHE'S sixteen?

The future is flashing before my eyes.  And it's saying to me.

Lani, be afraid. Be very afraid.

A Freakazoid Conscience Can Drive You Nuts

A conscience. It's that little voice that tells you when you did something wrong. When you should feel bad about it. Reminds you what you should do to fix it and make amends. A conscience is an important thing. Heck, if I didn't have one, I would be way meaner than I am now. I would have doped my screaming babies on panadol every nite so I could sleep. Instead of only every now and then. Think about all the things you would be doing if you didnt have a conscience...*shudder*.

So yeah, a conscience is a good thing. But sometimes, too much conscience can drive you nuts. Or more particularly, drive your mother nuts.

Little Daughter has a freakazoid conscience. And its driving me nuts. A while back, she tells me, 'I think I lost my school library book.'

I tell her, 'Dont worry. Its around somewhere. Im sure it will turn up.' (Translation: In the universal scheme of things, I dont really care but I'm going to pretend that I do. In the meantime, I hope you turn on the TV and get distracted by Hannah Montana.)

Time goes by. I forget all about lost library books. Then one night, she wakes me up. Distraught. Tears. Sobs, 'I can't sleep.'

Its 3am. I'm not impressed with being woken up. Especially since i just went to sleep at 1am. But Little Daughter is crying. In a very heart-rending way. A kinder, gentler mother takes over. 'Oh no, what's wrong?  Don't cry. Come, let me give you a hug. Did you have a bad dream?'

Little Daughter chokes out, 'No. I can't sleep because I feel so bad about my lost library book. I'm scared to walk past the library. I feel so bad. The librarian is going to look at me and know that I'm a bad person who loses library books. I've been searching everywhere in the house and I cant find my book. I can't sleep, I can't eat, I can't be happy anymore about anything.'
Oh gimme a break. I roll my eyes. (But it's ok, because it's dark and she can't see me.) #MeanMother is fighting to take over #KindGentleMother. I take a deep breath. 'Don't worry. I will rip this house apart and find that library book for you. What  is it called?'

More sobs. Dramatic pause. She wails. 'I don't know. I can't remember!' It seems this is the pinnacle of the massive summit which is the towering accumulation of all her sins. Not only has she lost the freakin book and proven her disrepute, but she has also FORGOTTEN what the freakin book is called. A true sign of her ill-worth.

I'm very tired. But #KindGentleMother is winning this battle tonight. 'I have an idea that will fix everything. Tomorrow, you will go to the library and tell them you've lost it. Ask how much it costs and I will pay for it.'

'But I'm scared.'

'Why? Is the librarian a demon witch who yells at children and steals their lunchmoney?'
'No, she's a nice lady.'
'So dont worry. She will understand. The important thing is that I'm going to pay for the book. So nobody is going to hate you.' This child is soo freaked out. An emotional mess. No confidence, assertiveness, or kick-butt strength at all. I must be a crap mother. Why didn't I pay more attention to The Help? You is kind. You is smart. You is important.  Dammnit. I need to make a sign and stick it in her room. Or tape it on her head.

Actually, I could definitely use a sign like that myself. Tattooed on MY brain...but i digress.

Finally, finally Little Daughter's spirit is appeased. She goes back to sleep. Thank you. The next day, I give her lots of positive vibes. Extra hugs and smiles. Cookies in her lunchbox. (Hey, they always work for me...) She goes to school. I spend the morning tearing the place UP looking for school library books. I find chocolate wrappers in Big Son's room, eighteen 'lost' hair ties, a pair of shoes I didn't even know that I had, but no library books. I am annoyed.

At school, Little Daughter confesses her sins to the librarian. The librarian checks her computer and tells Little Daughter, "No. You dont have any books out. You returned all your books long time ago."

Yes, you read that correctly. Little Daughter spent weeks, sleepless nights, guilt-ridden hours - fretting about a lost library book that wasnt lost at all. She comes home with a gigantic smile on her face to share this glorious news with me. I have spent hours rearranging the mess in my house (when I was perfectly happy with the mess the way it was) - searching for a library book that doesnt exist. I am not happy. I grit my teeth and #MeanMother struggles to say, 'You DERWIT DER-BRAIN!'

But #KindGentleMother chants in my brain... You is kind, You is smart. You is important.

I know I must be thankful for a child with a functioning freakazoid conscience. But sometimes, it just makes me want to get doped on too much Vicodin panadol and sink into a sleep so deep that even library-book-guilt cant wake me. ...cos Im in a faraway place, bustin a move with Thor and Capt America...

Watch out for Wandering Chickens (Plantation House goes Live)

You've heard me ramble / rave / rant about my mum's fabulousness and the amazingness that is her Pacific Design Store - Plantation House, right? Well, she's finally joined the ranks of the internet-literate ( kind of) and a selection of her products are now available for the WORLD at her online store. Yes, she's on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific ocean. And yes, she still doesn't know how to make the cash register open without muttering incantations under her breath at it. And yes, somebody at the shop left the back door open today and a chicken wandered in and was sitting in the middle of the deluxe four-poster display bed in the store...BUT I assure you, the wondrous stuff they make at Plantation House can be bought online and posted to you. Super wonderfully. (Minus a wandering chicken.) I'm super excited for her taking flight into the internet world like this. (And Im wondering if she will give me a discount on that fabulouso bed-duvet cover set because I'm a wonderful daughter who's shouting out to the WORLD about how wonderful her designs are..hmmm)
Plantation House makes stunning designer gifts for the home (outside and in) and for your splendid self as well, with jewellery and other accessories. They design, print, sew, handblock and package everything themselves - an epic task that must overcome frequent local EPC power-cuts, happy hungry mosquitoes, and of course, wandering chickens. Plantation House really is the bestest way for you to have a piece of the Pacific, of Samoa.
Don't take my word for it, go have a look for yourself. But be careful, looking at these pics can incite uncontrollable urges to run wild with your credit card. Restraint, caution and sanity are required!
http://plantation-house.myshopify.com/

A Night From Hell.

I  suffer from a very rare disorder. I am - 'navigationally-directionally challenged.' This disorder is so rare that I can't even find it on Google yet. (I may have to start my own support group.) Anyway, this disorder means that I have trouble with directions, spatial concepts, and basic remembering where the hell I'm supposed to be going. Its the reason why I only ever park my car in places where there are NO other vehicles in sight - because I struggle to gauge distances. And why I sometimes can't find where I parked my car at the mall. (Or else somebody moved it just to be spiteful...) It's the reason why I panic if I have to change lanes - because I can't figure out how much space or time I have before the other car smashes into me....why I chucked my GPS in the rubbish after cursing it repeatedly - because it says stuff like, "Turn left after 30 meters." How in heck am I supposed to know where to turn left when I dont know how far is 30 meters? How stupid can a talking machine be? It's the reason why I can still get lost driving to the bank and it explains why I am  a prisoner of Te Atatu in West Auckland - because I'm too scared (stupid) to drive outside my safety comfort zone. Finally, it's the reason why I've been in several car accidents - because I misjudged vehicle speed and timing and I stopped when I should have gone faster, and because I went faster when I should have stopped...

In other words, I am a crappy driver. To compensate for this failing, I try never to go outside my comfort zone. I have the routes to key places mapped out - the doctor, McDonalds, Wendy's, the mall, Dunkin Donuts on Lincoln Rd, church, and the Fab5's schools. Anywhere else? Forget it. I just dont go there. Except in case of dire emergencies.

The other day was one of those dire situations. Great-Nana was here from Samoa for hip-replacement surgery. She was out of hospital and invited us over for dinner. In Mt.Roskill. She may as well have been in the furthest reaches of Siberia. Because that's how I felt about driving me and the Fab5 there. At night. But this was important. This was Great-Nana.

I did my research. I mapped it out on Google-Map. I wrote the directions down. I drove the route 'virtually' online. I picked out landmarks along the way. And then I went over it all on the computer again. And again.  We set off into the wilderness. The Fab5 and I. Without being asked, Little Daughter prayed first on our behalf. I know that was supposed to make me feel better. But her quickness to appeal for divine help further confirmed what my gut was already telling me. This has the potential to be a night from hell...

Against all odds, we arrived safely at our destination. We had a lovely dinner with Great-Nana. We said goodbye and set off for home. Ha. It all went downhill from there.

Because I had neglected to do a very crucial thing. Google map myself travelling FROM Mt.Roskill BACK TO Te Atatu. Yeah, for SOME people retracing one's steps is a simple thing. But not for a person suffering from navigational-directional-idiocy. I got lost. And it was dark so all the landmarks on my list? Couldn't see 'em very well. Lost. Lost. Lost.  No cellphone. No Hot Man to save me. Nothing. Just lost.

 So there we were. One hopeless woman driver. And five children ranging in age from four to seventeen. Did I have a map? Yes, I had two. But I was having trouble figuring out which way the map should be pointing. I may have had it upside down. Big Son endeavoured to assist me with navigating. I may have yelled at him. (Blame the stress.)  An hour later and  we were still lost. The Bella Beast exclaimed, "Ooh look! We're going to visit the Sky Tower!" Yes, it was true. We were in the city and the wonders of the sparkly Sky Tower were beckoning before us. I didn't want to go to the Sky Tower. I wanted to pull over and cry. I felt the beginnings of a panic attack...what if we drive all night and never find our way home? What if the police notice I'm driving in circles  and pull me over and find out I don't have a proper NZ license and I get arrested? What if gangsters or the mafia spies or the triad assasins figure out I'm a lost loser and car-jack us and sell us all into slavery? What if the car engine blows up because it's sick of being confused and we're charred to a crisp? What if ...you see how my brain works, don't you? Thank goodness I write books, or else my imagination would drive me insane.

And then at that most emotionally fraught moment, Big Daughter decided to share her wisdom. Because of course she navigates for Christopher Columbus in her spare time. She says, "Dad said that the reason why you never know how to get somewhere is because you DONT WANT TO know. You don't want to learn . You dont want to get better at driving."

Very nicely, I said, "Thank you for your comments. Sometimes that may be true, I dont pay attention to where we are going BUT that does not apply at this time. On the way here, I was very careful and very observant because I was very worried about driving to a new place on our own. I went to GREAT LENGTHS to get this trip right."

Any other child would have shut up at that moment. But not my child. She said, "We are not lost anyway. Dad said its impossible to ever get lost in Auckland. As long as we have a map, we can find our way no problem. Auckland is a very logically and straightforward planned city. Its easy to drive in Auckland." Says the kid who's never driven bloody anywhere. Ever.

 I want to chuck her out of my lost car. I want to call her father in Samoa on my imaginary cellphone and yell at him for spreading such blatant truths  lies about me. I said, "You better be quiet."

Alright I lie, I said, "You better shut up."

Bella said, "Mum you said bad words!" I think Little Daughter started praying again.

Any other child would have shut up at that moment. But not my child. Big Daughter MUTTERS from the back seat, "Fine. But I'm telling you that we're not lost and if I was navigating, I would prove it to you. And Dad was right - you have a mental block on purpose when it comes to directions...mutter mutter..." Muttering. It should be punishable by death. Dismemberment. Or at the very least - deserve 24hrs worth of tape on the mouth.

This time, I didnt want to chuck her out of my lost car. I wanted to smash her with my lost car. Thankfully, Big Son must have had similar feelings. He said, "Be quiet! You're not helping at all. Can't you see you're making everything worse?"

My rage had one advantage. It killed the panic attack. I stopped hyper-ventilating and wanting to cry. Powered by anger, Big Son and I figured out where we were on the map. It took us two hours, but yeah, we finally got home. Alive. Safe. Un-lost.

I thanked Big Son for his navigational help. I thanked Little Daughter for her prayers.  I thanked Little Son and Bella Beast for their patience. I told Big Daughter she needed to look up the definitions for "tact" and "diplomacy" and "sensitivity" and "effective communication". And learn them. Practise them.

And then I called up the Hot Man in Samoa. And blasted him for having illegal conversations with Big Daughter about my crappy driving skills. He was sufficiently apologetic.

And then I told him about the horrors of being lost in Auckland. At night. With five kids. I recited all the possible horrors that could have happened to us. The fear, the panic, the tears..all the killers and car-jackers and muggers and assassins that COULD have got us.

He said, "Don't be silly. You weren't really lost. It's impossible to be lost in Auckland."

A fittng end to a night from hell.

I Vlogged! (Can I get anymore CLEVER!?)

Ok, so I tried this vlogging thing. You dont even want to know HOW LONG it took me to figure out the blasted video tech stuff. Ugh. Anyway, here it is. The first in the "Fiapoko Woman" series where I talk about writing stuff, answer your TELESA questions and generally ramble about random things (when I should probably just keep my mouth shut.) In this one, I take on a reader question: 'Where did you get the inspiration to write about telesa?' If you watch it - be nice okay? Its my first time on this thing!

Winners Announced for the Telesa Trilogy Gratitude Celebration

Unleash the FireHuge appreciation for all those who participated in the 'Gratitude' Celebration Feature Blogpost. I asked you to share what YOU were thankful for and more than one hundred of you responded. If you haven't had a chance to read the entires submitted, I encourage you all to do so. You will find it a humbling AND uplifting experience reading about so many different blessings and gifts that so many are grateful for. Every day for the past week, I have been inspired by your thoughts and insight. Thank you for sharing them. There were so many entries that I added some more prizes. (you all rock!) The winners are as follows. Please email me at LaniWendtYoung@hotmail.com with your postal address so I can get your prizes sent out ASAP.

Winners:1.       Plantation House Handbag – Laureen Tia-Leituala 
2.       When water burns Print book – Nomad from soo se alalafaga 
3.       Telesa Trilogy Charm bracelet, Unleash the Fire – Lita Sagato
4.       Organza scarf, Plantation House – Normatika
5.       ONE e-copy of Telesa – Kittyb78  Bidelia78@yahoo.com
6.       ONE e-copy of Telesa – Katrina Willams stepartdesigns@hotmail.com
7.       One telesa water bottle – Freddy Nomura
8.       Telesa tank top – Menne Talivaa Hall
9.       Telesa coasters – Jody Hassel
10.   When water Burns Print book – Lani Smolik
11.   Sexy Samoan Man 2013 calendar – Kristian Scanlan
12.   When water burns Print book – Shawnrowan Numa Fatialofa
13.   Telesa Trilogy keychain – Josie  (in the airforce, USA)
14.   Trapezoid bag, Plantation House  – QueenB
15.   Team Simone Charm bracelet – Andriana.
16.   One TELESA print book – Therese
17.   Telesa Ebook – Anonymous commenter who is studying in Thailand
18.   Telesa print book – Nui Iafeta  (NZ)
19.   Set of Telesa books – Rachel ( American Samoa)
20.   Telesa  Trilogy Keychain – Sila Aiono
21.   Telesa Trilogy water bottle – Margaret Reuelu


22. Telesa Trilogy T.Shirt - Sherre Leach  (USA)


23. Telesa Trilogy Charm Bracelet 'Unleash the Fire' - Louise Gabriel


24. One TELESA Print book - Tusi Faasoo


25. One TELESA Print Book - G.Faitele Afamasaga  (NZ)


26. One 'Sexy Samoan Men Calendar' - Fetu Sheck  (Samoa)


27. One Plantation House Travel Bag - Ronnie McGrath (Aust)


28. One Telesa Trilogy Charm Bracelet 'Unleash the Fire' - Alica McKenna Johnson


29. One 'When Water Burns' print book - Molly Stansfield Tanuvasa (Hawaii)


30. One Plantation House Travel Bag - Laura Toailoa ( NZ)

My name is Daniel Tahi. And this is my story.

Photograpy by Jordan Kwan. Model - Ezra Taylor.
Sometimes, I wish Leila and I had never met.

Before we met, I knew who I was. Where I was going. The path I walked had a sure foundation. Now? I see that the world I once knew - veiled many secrets. Now, there are things in me that I don't even recognize. They tell me that a telesa's power is birthed with them. But is that really true? All my life, I felt nothing for the sea but hatred. All my life, the sea cared nothing for me. Until I met Leila. Until her fire burned me, in more ways than one. Would I be vasa loloa if I hadn't met her? Now, I don't know what to feel. They tell me my mother worshipped the ocean. And in the end, it took her life. They tell me my father shared her love for its mysteries. But in the end, even that wasn't enough to make him stay.  Now, the ocean speaks to me - and I don't want to answer. How can I be a son of the ocean when the ocean took my  birthparents from me?

Yeah, sometimes, I wish we had never met. Don't get me wrong - I love her. After all we've been through. All we've endured together. My life's path is inextricably linked with her's. She's fanua afi and I'm supposed to be  this vasa loloa thing. Everything tells me  we are bound by something greater than ourselves. But there is a finality about it that suffocates me sometimes. Drowns me.   
Would I love her this way if we weren't telesa? 

All I ever wanted was to make her smile. That day seems so long ago now. An English debate show-down, a hostile girl that hated me even before she met me. It all started because I wanted to make her smile... And now, here we are. 

 For a smile - I love a fire goddess who can incinerate me with a thought.  For a smile - I have put my grandmothers life in danger. For a smile -  I'm supposed to be some hero in a screwed up Pacific legend. What guy likes to find out that his girlfriend was 'foretold' in a prophecy? How does it feel? I'll tell you - it sucks. Those epic love stories that live on for generations? They're always tragic tales of doom. Yeah, we remember them forever because the two lovers always end up DEAD. Maybe, I don't want epic. Maybe, I want Leila but I just want 'regular' and normal. You know - boy meets girl. Fireworks. Sparks. Light. Laughter. Love stuff. Will we or won't we...A touch. Her lips on mine. Skin. Heat. A song that only you two can hear.

Is it so wrong to want less than what we have?

But even these questions are a stupid waste of time. Because all the wondering in the world wont change the facts. Because I do love her. I am vasa loloa. We are both telesa. And right now - there is a psycho bitch telesa  called Sarona who wants to kill us.

Whether I like it or not, I'm pretty much stuck with  EPIC...

                 **********************************************************

A book announcement. And one that I hope you don't throw rotten papayas at me for. I am not focusing entirely on finishing the third book in the Telesa Trilogy. Because I'm writing a different book. It's a novella. It's written from Daniel's perspective, a retelling of key sections of books one and two. I dont have a title for this book yet. How did it come about? While I was writing the first two books, I found it helpful to 'get inside' different characters and try to see things from their point of view. To do this, I started writing scenes from Daniel's POV. (And from Sarona's. And Keahi's. And even from Tavake's.) I'm enjoying the different POV writing so much that I have decided to finish an entire novella for Daniel. At the same time, I'll be working on 'The Bone Bearer'. Daniel's book will be completed first and I would like to see it released before December. (Merry Christmas to me!)  It's a very new experience writing from a "dude" point of view and hopefully, all the Telesa "dude" readers out there will give me lots of helpful advice and suggestions. But then, Daniel is a fantasy male character - so maybe all the women in the house should be the ones sharing their thoughts on what they would love for a fantasy male to think and say! Either way, thank you everyone for your continued support and encouragement of this writing journey. You all make this adventure a blast.

Unleash the Fire - and Always delight in Creativity!