What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I was on a flight back to Hawaii, returning early to attend my cousin's halau (hula school) competition. The teamwork, personal ambitions, social interactions of the halau intrigued me. Fortunately, the flight had a reliable wifi connection, so I was able to do research, rough draft, and generate front and back covers before I landed.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Funny you should ask; I actually made novel soundtracks for this book to afford my readers a more immersive experience. I provide a link and QR code to access these in the book.
#1 Cherished & Despised - for Darwin, the main protagonist
#2 We Pau (We're Done in Pidgin) - for Lisa, Darwin's wife
#3 Big Time Ikaika (References Darwin's Music Producer cousin)
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I do very little book reading but like "reading" people, events, and situations. Since I'm Hawaii-based, I am inspired by and write about these things with a local point of view. Though things have changed up a bit - I've done a lot of songwriting lately, which is giving me novel writing ideas.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
None really, I am intrigued by the unique "stories" each and every single one of my patients brings in session with me in my role as a psychiatrist. I sure do get my fill of the "human novel" in these interactions. It never gets old.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The musical trio's first performance together on foreign soil.
Do you have any quirky writing habits?
I wear over ear headphones listening to songs I made via based on story scenes I envision and this process helps with story building and flow.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
For general day-to-day existence as well as creative efforts, I try to maximize this time on earth living by "the pleasant grind".
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Ambition is a hell of a drug!
