Kate Elliott's Blog, page 66

They're out there. We just don't see them.

A shark cruises the North Shore (right in waters where I often paddle, I should note). Seen from a traffic helicopter, there's even a shot of how close it comes to a surfer who has no idea the shark is there; later, the shark goes after food . . . that is, fish.

A gentle reminder -- although everyone in the water out here already knows -- that sharks are out there all the time; we just don't see them.


I should note, by the way, that 1) this was probably a black tip, which is smaller and not par

The Contest Finalists and Winner: What They Wrote (Favorite Character)

Previously, I had a contest to give away the last Advanced Uncorrected Proof of the forthcoming Traitors' Gate (only 17 more days!). Those who were interested were to write an email describing their favorite character in the Crossroads books and why. I loved all the entries, and found it impossible to choose a winner. In the end I asked my children (two of the three agreed to do it) to read through all the entries and pick 3 or 4 as finalists. Oddly enough -- or perhaps not odd at all -- the

Samuel Delany's "On Writing"

triciasullivan asked me if I'd seen Samuel Delany's book On Writing and if so what I thought of it.

I own it, although I've only read bits and pieces. I think my daughter borrowed it, but as some of my books are still in moving limbo I'm not sure if she returned it and it is yet to be shelved here or if it dwells somewhere in her apartment over the seas.

Anyway, while I enjoy reading books "on writing" in the general, I find that many of them are really addressed to writers with, well, less exper

"two words of English, responsibility and privilege, are one word in Hawaiian"

The quote is from educator Kala Hoe, as quoted in the article "We need you to succeed" in this week's Honolulu Weekly. Curt Sanburn's article describes a recent meeting on the island of Moloka'i, a two day SustAINAable Moloka'i: Future of a Hawaiian Island Conference (the letters AINA are capped because AINA means "land" or more specifically this land, this place, that is, this Hawaii).

This newly invigorated activism on Moloka'i comes about because the huge landowner and employer, the Moloka'i

Final 2008 Film review: and onward into 2009

This one took forever because I kept getting an error message every time I tried to post it. I had to retype by hand. Weird.


Warriors of Heaven and Earth

On paper this had everything I love in an historical film with fantastical elements:

handsome male leads in strong roles (one surely doomed; one you're not sure)

a strong and sympathetic female character (the general's daughter as calm, competent, courageous, but not--as she would not likely have been in that culture--secretly a ninja warrior;

"We just want to be free."

Via idiomagic


A Letter From Fayah

Through all of this work with Iranian protesters, I have come into contact and become friends with three people there.

For their safety, I can't give you any details of who they are, but I'll give you their names, since they're very common there.

Rashid.

Fayah.

Ali.

Two of them have become very influential on a grass roots level, partially because they are in contact with so many people internationally, and have access to better information than most.

Through many, many

Crown of Stars: Chapter Construct

cedunkley asks

I've been curious about how you came up with the chapter construct for the Crown of Stars books. Was that something you developed after the novel was written or did you have that in mind from the beginning?

I hope I am understanding your question correctly. If you read this answer and I'm not, then ask again with more elaboration. Otherwise, here we go.

I played piano as a young person. I really love piano, the sound, the action, the music, and I love the Western European traditio

My Favorite Book/Series That I Wrote

fezabel asks:

What is your favorite book or series that you have written? Or do you love them all equally?

Good question.

In a way my books are like my children. I love them all equally for what is best about them, and I put up with the faults since there's now nothing I can do about those -- unless I was willing to revise and republish, and I am not at this time interested in revising and republishing any of my already published books (even if I could find a publisher to do so), because

1) I have

Late July--Iran--Questions

Twin A and I attended the United4Iran rally here in Honolulu this afternoon. What this means, in Hawaii terms, is that the participants stood curbside in front of the Hawaii State Capitol (which is done in an architectural style meant to symbolize an island volcano) along Beretania Street and waved signs. Because Hawaii is all about sign-waving.

Some drivers honked support; some waved or made a shaka; many just drove past. Still, it always matters to make a stand.

Our group was small, perhaps

July 25 United4Iran

On July 25 rallies will be held in cities worldwide, a global day of protest in support of the people of Iran. You can find more information at the web site for United4Iran.

I just received email from a work colleague and friend of my spouse's that there will be a rally even here in the uttermost west. Honolulu: Hawaii State Capitol lawn, 3 - 5 pm this coming Saturday.

Wear green.