Kauai is a special place for my family and I try to visit as often as I can. Over the years, I've spent a lot of time writing on our lanai on the north shore and most of Soothsayer was born there. In the picture on the left, I am holding a version of Soothsayer that I was still writing and editing on the beach, along with the final product.
Soothsayer takes places in a small beach town and though Kauai and Pismo are very different, the inspiration I gathered from the island can be found throughout the book. The waves crashing 100 feet below me on the lanai, informed the view in the Maxwell's backyard. The feel of sand on your feet, the smell of the salt, humid air and the small town feel, all helped shape the book I was writing.
Being on the island again, sitting on the same lanai with the same view and holding my book is a moment in my life, that I'll never forget. Kauai has a very special place in my heart, not because its a beautiful island (which it is) but because of the role it played in creating my first novel. I can't wait to write on that lanai again and dream up a whole new world!
Until Next Time!