Say Aloha to all our new members since the last Member News
Kahualani Aitken
Kahualani Aitken joined Hawaii Writers Guild in November 2022. She lives in Kapa’au on the Island of Hawaii.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? In The Kohala newsletter maybe?
What made you decide to join the Guild? Impulse.
When did you start to write?
I’ve been writing since I was small. Emily Dickenson was my first love and inspiration, “A little bird hopped down the walk, he did not know I saw…”
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
I write, therefore I am a writer. I still don’t particularly think of myself as an author.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
No.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I have a stack of short stories that eventually will come together, a mish mash of years of poetry. Nothing in particular and everything all at once.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing? I’m grateful for the writing group, for their friendship and kindness and collaboration. You are all so talented and inspiring. Thank you for including me!
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? In The Kohala newsletter maybe?
What made you decide to join the Guild? Impulse.
When did you start to write?
I’ve been writing since I was small. Emily Dickenson was my first love and inspiration, “A little bird hopped down the walk, he did not know I saw…”
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
I write, therefore I am a writer. I still don’t particularly think of myself as an author.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
No.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I have a stack of short stories that eventually will come together, a mish mash of years of poetry. Nothing in particular and everything all at once.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing? I’m grateful for the writing group, for their friendship and kindness and collaboration. You are all so talented and inspiring. Thank you for including me!
Phillip Anderson
Phillip Anderson joined Hawaii Writers Guild in September 2022. He lives in the Iao Valley, Wailuku, Maui.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
Internet.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
Interested in sharing writings and collaborations with others who enjoy writing and storytelling.
When did you start to write?
2010.
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
It’s a long-term process for me. I’m happy with documenting my thoughts on paper and telling stories, but being a writer or author seems to be limiting myself.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Magazine articles in local South Carolina publication.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
My genre of choice is screenplay or script. I have three feature films completed. Two are historic drama based on true events and one is science fiction – action. I do have room to grow…
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I do love feedback, positive and negative, of my work, and have enjoyed the Hawaii Writers Guild Readings and Responses meetings I have attended.
I feel that all artists need to understand how their art is received by others. I’m not one who likes to comment negatively on others’ work, but it’s a part of the process.
[Editor’s Note: Although Phillip is new to the Guild, he jumped right in to help when we needed someone on Maui to help a visiting writer from Canada find a place to read her work. Thanks for your Aloha Spirit, Phillip!]
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
Internet.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
Interested in sharing writings and collaborations with others who enjoy writing and storytelling.
When did you start to write?
2010.
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
It’s a long-term process for me. I’m happy with documenting my thoughts on paper and telling stories, but being a writer or author seems to be limiting myself.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Magazine articles in local South Carolina publication.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
My genre of choice is screenplay or script. I have three feature films completed. Two are historic drama based on true events and one is science fiction – action. I do have room to grow…
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I do love feedback, positive and negative, of my work, and have enjoyed the Hawaii Writers Guild Readings and Responses meetings I have attended.
I feel that all artists need to understand how their art is received by others. I’m not one who likes to comment negatively on others’ work, but it’s a part of the process.
[Editor’s Note: Although Phillip is new to the Guild, he jumped right in to help when we needed someone on Maui to help a visiting writer from Canada find a place to read her work. Thanks for your Aloha Spirit, Phillip!]
Jadelin Bennett
Jadelin Bennett joined Hawaii Writers Guild in April 2023.
She lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.
How did you find out about the Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
I found the Hawaii Writer’s Guild website on the internet while searching for ways to connect with other writers who are experienced with the process of publishing their works and also those who are new to the process. I am looking to utilize resources available to writers by joining a web of information as well as to contribute whatever I can to help others.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
I would say my writing began in my pre-teen years being an avid reader of Nancy Drew Books, comics, Judy Blume series, Beverly Cleary, and then of course, Stephen King; whatever I could get my hands on I would read and so I was inspired to write, although because I had a love for music too, I wrote mostly poems and songs early on.
I don’t really have conditions for when a writer can call herself an actual writer. I considered myself a writer from when I could put my ideas down on paper so that those ideas, feelings, and thoughts could be relayed to others and they could have some kind of experience. I am also the author of my works, although until I publish my work to the level that I would like to, then I will call myself a published author.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Up and coming!
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
Currently I am working on completing a memoir of personal short stories that encapsulates crazy, dramatic, and oftentimes dangerous experiences I had as a teenager in Hawaii and as a juvenile delinquent, what the justice system in Hawaii called us back then. The short stories include historical places and information behind those areas on the island. You won’t believe some of these true stories, but several are sure to evoke a roar of laughter and a few gasps!
A project I have been working on in the background is a sequel to a biography of my grandmother's book called Margaret of Molokai. It is about her story of being taken to the leprosy colony on Molokai at the age of twelve. Although my grandmother's book is a biography, my work is a fictional story including as much fact as I can find through research and filling in the story beginning when she was a small child in fear of the day she is taken to Molokai.
I am a domestic abuse survivor and am also working on a small booklet to print and share with the women of the domestic violence shelters here on the island. I also write and compose music and will be recording tracks to pitch to local artists this year.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
Mahalo for letting me be part of the group! I have been received with warm welcomes and I am excited to connect with other artists that I can learn from, so that I can grow as a writer and my hopes are also that I can bring value to the group in the future in some way.
She lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.
How did you find out about the Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
I found the Hawaii Writer’s Guild website on the internet while searching for ways to connect with other writers who are experienced with the process of publishing their works and also those who are new to the process. I am looking to utilize resources available to writers by joining a web of information as well as to contribute whatever I can to help others.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
I would say my writing began in my pre-teen years being an avid reader of Nancy Drew Books, comics, Judy Blume series, Beverly Cleary, and then of course, Stephen King; whatever I could get my hands on I would read and so I was inspired to write, although because I had a love for music too, I wrote mostly poems and songs early on.
I don’t really have conditions for when a writer can call herself an actual writer. I considered myself a writer from when I could put my ideas down on paper so that those ideas, feelings, and thoughts could be relayed to others and they could have some kind of experience. I am also the author of my works, although until I publish my work to the level that I would like to, then I will call myself a published author.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Up and coming!
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
Currently I am working on completing a memoir of personal short stories that encapsulates crazy, dramatic, and oftentimes dangerous experiences I had as a teenager in Hawaii and as a juvenile delinquent, what the justice system in Hawaii called us back then. The short stories include historical places and information behind those areas on the island. You won’t believe some of these true stories, but several are sure to evoke a roar of laughter and a few gasps!
A project I have been working on in the background is a sequel to a biography of my grandmother's book called Margaret of Molokai. It is about her story of being taken to the leprosy colony on Molokai at the age of twelve. Although my grandmother's book is a biography, my work is a fictional story including as much fact as I can find through research and filling in the story beginning when she was a small child in fear of the day she is taken to Molokai.
I am a domestic abuse survivor and am also working on a small booklet to print and share with the women of the domestic violence shelters here on the island. I also write and compose music and will be recording tracks to pitch to local artists this year.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
Mahalo for letting me be part of the group! I have been received with warm welcomes and I am excited to connect with other artists that I can learn from, so that I can grow as a writer and my hopes are also that I can bring value to the group in the future in some way.
John Blossom
John Blossom joined Hawaii Writers Guild in May 2023. He lives in Waimea on the Island of Hawaii.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
I was a member of the Central Coast Writers Club in Pacific Grove, CA. It’s always helpful for writers to commune with other people obsessed with storytelling and language.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
Art discovered me in high school. When I got to college, I learned that words can be just as fascinating a medium as paints and clay.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
There are three novels coming out this year: The Last Football Player, Mahina Rises, and To Be or Not to Be. Four previous novels and a memoir are published on Amazon and other platforms. Please see my website for titles, reviews, awards, etc. (JTBlossom.com)
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
The Last Football Player will be released on July 14, 2023. It is in the process of being reviewed by Kirkus and other sites, so the work now is to encourage pre-sales. The reviews have been good so far, and there has been interest in optioning the novel as a movie. I’m humbled.
Mahina Rises is in the line-editing stage. It’s about a Hawaiian teenager who fights climate change with her dreams. It is set in Waimea and involves lava tubes and caves. A quote from the book: “To make the extraordinary ordinary, so that ordinary has the chance to become extraordinary again.”
To Be or Not to Be is drafted and in the process of initial revisions after being edited by Kahina Necaise of The FABLED planet. If you write fantasy or science fiction and need an editor, hire her. She’s beyond amazing, a true storytelling genius, and a kind mentor. This novel is about a teen actor’s obsession with playing Hamlet and the physical and psychological limitations that stand in the way of his dream.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
My uncle, the late actor, Roberts Blossom, admired Alan Rickman who said, “Acting is listening.” I feel all art is that, or more specifically, art is the process of giving one’s self time and permission to listen to ideas that come to us from deep within. We invite those ideas into our consciousness with the invitation to stay a while and play, and, every once in a while, they settle in as conscious companions to our lives, molding us, demanding attention and work, and making us better and more compassionate human beings.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
I was a member of the Central Coast Writers Club in Pacific Grove, CA. It’s always helpful for writers to commune with other people obsessed with storytelling and language.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
Art discovered me in high school. When I got to college, I learned that words can be just as fascinating a medium as paints and clay.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
There are three novels coming out this year: The Last Football Player, Mahina Rises, and To Be or Not to Be. Four previous novels and a memoir are published on Amazon and other platforms. Please see my website for titles, reviews, awards, etc. (JTBlossom.com)
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
The Last Football Player will be released on July 14, 2023. It is in the process of being reviewed by Kirkus and other sites, so the work now is to encourage pre-sales. The reviews have been good so far, and there has been interest in optioning the novel as a movie. I’m humbled.
Mahina Rises is in the line-editing stage. It’s about a Hawaiian teenager who fights climate change with her dreams. It is set in Waimea and involves lava tubes and caves. A quote from the book: “To make the extraordinary ordinary, so that ordinary has the chance to become extraordinary again.”
To Be or Not to Be is drafted and in the process of initial revisions after being edited by Kahina Necaise of The FABLED planet. If you write fantasy or science fiction and need an editor, hire her. She’s beyond amazing, a true storytelling genius, and a kind mentor. This novel is about a teen actor’s obsession with playing Hamlet and the physical and psychological limitations that stand in the way of his dream.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
My uncle, the late actor, Roberts Blossom, admired Alan Rickman who said, “Acting is listening.” I feel all art is that, or more specifically, art is the process of giving one’s self time and permission to listen to ideas that come to us from deep within. We invite those ideas into our consciousness with the invitation to stay a while and play, and, every once in a while, they settle in as conscious companions to our lives, molding us, demanding attention and work, and making us better and more compassionate human beings.
Nicole Kepoo
Nicole Kepoo joined Hawaii Writers Guild in January 2023. She lives in Lahaina, Maui.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
I was looking for a writing group to join on the island and came across their website.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
Writing can be quite lonely and I decided to put myself out there and try out to be a part of something that could be so exciting and a great learning experience. I saw it as a possible outlet to motivate me to write more and meet writers.
When did you start to write?
I remember in sixth grade, I wrote random stories in my English class and since then, I’m still writing random stories.
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
When I did National Novel Writing Month for the first time in 2019 and achieved the huge feat of writing 50k words. That length felt so daunting and so satisfying to accomplish. The story is not close to where I want it to be with so many errors but it stands as evidence or proof that I am a writer.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
I did publish all 24 chapters of my fantasy novel about an assassin and a prince online on a website I created. I have a life goal to one day publish a novel and have it in bookstores.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I recently wrote the first draft of my first novella. I have five novels and one script, all rough drafts. I also have two ideas in the works and plan to write a second script. All fiction, mostly romance and fantasy.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
Thank you for accepting my application! I look forward to everything this new adventure with you guys holds.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
I was looking for a writing group to join on the island and came across their website.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
Writing can be quite lonely and I decided to put myself out there and try out to be a part of something that could be so exciting and a great learning experience. I saw it as a possible outlet to motivate me to write more and meet writers.
When did you start to write?
I remember in sixth grade, I wrote random stories in my English class and since then, I’m still writing random stories.
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
When I did National Novel Writing Month for the first time in 2019 and achieved the huge feat of writing 50k words. That length felt so daunting and so satisfying to accomplish. The story is not close to where I want it to be with so many errors but it stands as evidence or proof that I am a writer.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
I did publish all 24 chapters of my fantasy novel about an assassin and a prince online on a website I created. I have a life goal to one day publish a novel and have it in bookstores.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I recently wrote the first draft of my first novella. I have five novels and one script, all rough drafts. I also have two ideas in the works and plan to write a second script. All fiction, mostly romance and fantasy.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
Thank you for accepting my application! I look forward to everything this new adventure with you guys holds.
Karen Kuester
Karen Kuester joined Hawaii Writers Guild in December 2022. She lives in Kea’au on Hawaii Island.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
I found out about the Guild from Dawn Hurwitz, who hosts a writing salon in Puna.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
I wanted to be part of a writing ohana.
When did you start to write?
Seriously, in 2000.
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
Wow! How about that?
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Meraki, a collection of poems. [Note: See the story about this book, Kuestor’s first published book of poems, elsewhere in this newsletter.] I also have a selection of 21 poems in Out of Our Minds: Shadows and Reflections, published by the Volcano Writers Group. I have also been published in Alan Cohen’s book Happily Ever After and on the blog site A Widow’s Tale written by Donna Marie Todd.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I am working on short travel vignettes and recipes of the area to be called Recipes of a Life Well Lived.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
When I am with writers, I write.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
I found out about the Guild from Dawn Hurwitz, who hosts a writing salon in Puna.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
I wanted to be part of a writing ohana.
When did you start to write?
Seriously, in 2000.
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
Wow! How about that?
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Meraki, a collection of poems. [Note: See the story about this book, Kuestor’s first published book of poems, elsewhere in this newsletter.] I also have a selection of 21 poems in Out of Our Minds: Shadows and Reflections, published by the Volcano Writers Group. I have also been published in Alan Cohen’s book Happily Ever After and on the blog site A Widow’s Tale written by Donna Marie Todd.
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I am working on short travel vignettes and recipes of the area to be called Recipes of a Life Well Lived.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
When I am with writers, I write.
Terra LeMay
Terra LeMay joined Hawaii Writers Guild in March 2023. She lives in Kapolei, on Oahu.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
I’m currently a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, completing a master’s in public administration and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management. I discovered HWG last fall, while searching for a 501(c)(3) in Hawaii to study for a project in one of my classes. While HWG did not ultimately align with the needs of that particular assignment, I knew I’d want to join the organization when I had more time. (I may have joined prematurely, if I’m honest. I’ve been completely swamped lately, but when I can find a few minutes to spare, I’m hoping to get more involved in the writing community here in Hawaii.)
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
Like many, I wrote some stories as a small child, but didn’t carry on with writing until much later in life. However, I have always been an avid reader, and in 2003-2004, I discovered the existence of online critique groups for writers. To my astonishment, these writers would permit you to read their works for free, before they were even published, provided you were willing to offer some feedback on these early drafts. The only hiccup in my case was that the group I found required that you be a writer to participate, and you were required to submit your own work at least once per month. I did not consider myself a writer at all at that point, but I was pretty sure I could fake it and hopefully no one would catch on. Of course, there is a quote by Kurt Vonnegut—“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.”—which I had not encountered when I started pretending to be a writer. (So, let this be a warning to you!) A few months in, I realized I couldn’t stop.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
I sold my first short story to Apex Magazine in 2010 and have sold about a dozen others since to various science fiction and fantasy magazines and anthologies.
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
Unfortunately, most of my writing time is currently consumed by grad school right now. However, my most recent project is a dark epic fantasy novel, in which the half-human offspring of a captive pit demon beguiles a corrupt autocrat to acquire a secret that will enable him to liberate an enslaved people and topple a tyrannical empire. I hope it will appeal to readers of Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel’s Dart), Ellen Kushner (Fall of the Kings), or China Miéville (particularly Perdido Street Station and its sequels.)
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I currently work full time for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). (Email me at [email protected] if you have questions about SFWA.)
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
I’m currently a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, completing a master’s in public administration and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management. I discovered HWG last fall, while searching for a 501(c)(3) in Hawaii to study for a project in one of my classes. While HWG did not ultimately align with the needs of that particular assignment, I knew I’d want to join the organization when I had more time. (I may have joined prematurely, if I’m honest. I’ve been completely swamped lately, but when I can find a few minutes to spare, I’m hoping to get more involved in the writing community here in Hawaii.)
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
Like many, I wrote some stories as a small child, but didn’t carry on with writing until much later in life. However, I have always been an avid reader, and in 2003-2004, I discovered the existence of online critique groups for writers. To my astonishment, these writers would permit you to read their works for free, before they were even published, provided you were willing to offer some feedback on these early drafts. The only hiccup in my case was that the group I found required that you be a writer to participate, and you were required to submit your own work at least once per month. I did not consider myself a writer at all at that point, but I was pretty sure I could fake it and hopefully no one would catch on. Of course, there is a quote by Kurt Vonnegut—“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.”—which I had not encountered when I started pretending to be a writer. (So, let this be a warning to you!) A few months in, I realized I couldn’t stop.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
I sold my first short story to Apex Magazine in 2010 and have sold about a dozen others since to various science fiction and fantasy magazines and anthologies.
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
Unfortunately, most of my writing time is currently consumed by grad school right now. However, my most recent project is a dark epic fantasy novel, in which the half-human offspring of a captive pit demon beguiles a corrupt autocrat to acquire a secret that will enable him to liberate an enslaved people and topple a tyrannical empire. I hope it will appeal to readers of Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel’s Dart), Ellen Kushner (Fall of the Kings), or China Miéville (particularly Perdido Street Station and its sequels.)
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I currently work full time for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). (Email me at [email protected] if you have questions about SFWA.)
Chad Aaron Long
Chad Aaron Long joined Hawaii Writers Guild in May 2023. He lives in Kalaheo, Hawaii, on the island of Kauai.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
Fellow poet and writer Cheryl Ann Farrell has been talking about and encouraging members of another group we are in, the Kauai Live Poet’s Society, to look into the Guild. She has been doing so for what must be years now. She has shared when she has been published in this, and other publications.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”
I have been writing in some form or another for as long as I can remember. I wrote my own counter-culture type school newspaper in high school, as well as a short collection of poetry a friend of mine produced and distributed that got a bit of popularity then. I wrote a whacky pseudo-religious compilation of stories shortly after leaving high school. I wrote my first short novel in my early thirties. I made my way far into a handful of false starts as well.
As far as knowing when to think of oneself as a ‘writer,’ it is a difficult and soul-searching endeavor. Is it upon the completion of the first thing produced? Is it a body of work that gives merit? Or are we legitimate when it is our primary vocation? I suppose I still struggle with that aspect of how I perceive myself.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
My first published work was shortly after high school. I won second place in a regional poetry contest in Northern California. I do not recall the publication; lost to time, I’m afraid.
I have written two books of poetry, self-published. The titles are: Lost in the Land of the Dreaming, and Shadows from a Nearby Room.
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
The Kauai group I am a member of is collaborating on a book of haiku which I am heavily involved in. I also have a place I’m tucking away new poetry for what will eventually become a book, even though it is not currently my focus.
My primary personal project right now is a science fiction novel. I am writing it with the feedback and sharing in the Guild’s Readings and Responses group, which is primarily based in Kauai.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I've been an avid reader often in my life. It has brought me much joy and has profoundly influenced my personal growth. I’m grateful for the warm welcome, and am enthusiastic about taking part in this community.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
Fellow poet and writer Cheryl Ann Farrell has been talking about and encouraging members of another group we are in, the Kauai Live Poet’s Society, to look into the Guild. She has been doing so for what must be years now. She has shared when she has been published in this, and other publications.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”
I have been writing in some form or another for as long as I can remember. I wrote my own counter-culture type school newspaper in high school, as well as a short collection of poetry a friend of mine produced and distributed that got a bit of popularity then. I wrote a whacky pseudo-religious compilation of stories shortly after leaving high school. I wrote my first short novel in my early thirties. I made my way far into a handful of false starts as well.
As far as knowing when to think of oneself as a ‘writer,’ it is a difficult and soul-searching endeavor. Is it upon the completion of the first thing produced? Is it a body of work that gives merit? Or are we legitimate when it is our primary vocation? I suppose I still struggle with that aspect of how I perceive myself.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
My first published work was shortly after high school. I won second place in a regional poetry contest in Northern California. I do not recall the publication; lost to time, I’m afraid.
I have written two books of poetry, self-published. The titles are: Lost in the Land of the Dreaming, and Shadows from a Nearby Room.
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
The Kauai group I am a member of is collaborating on a book of haiku which I am heavily involved in. I also have a place I’m tucking away new poetry for what will eventually become a book, even though it is not currently my focus.
My primary personal project right now is a science fiction novel. I am writing it with the feedback and sharing in the Guild’s Readings and Responses group, which is primarily based in Kauai.
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I've been an avid reader often in my life. It has brought me much joy and has profoundly influenced my personal growth. I’m grateful for the warm welcome, and am enthusiastic about taking part in this community.
Marc Mowrey
Marc Mowrey joined Hawaii Writers Guild in March 2023. He Lives in Halaula, Hawaii.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
A couple friends mentioned it to me, and, as a recent transplant to the big island, I was curious about the local writing scene.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
Writing is an old habit I picked up as a kid, but I never had much success at operating pens and pencils. I was slow, and my scrawl was illegible even to me. I couldn’t figure out how to hold a pencil, or which way to tilt the words, or even whether to employ script or cursive. My hand would spaz out at random times, and introduce additional meaningless lines into my already incomprehensible hieroglyphics. I am old enough that we had a class called penmanship. I failed this every year, and was thus deemed incapable of writing. When I got my first typewriter at age 10, everything changed. Suddenly I could keep up with my thoughts, and also decipher them later.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
I’m the co-author of Not in Our Backyard, a history of the modern American environmental movement. I’ve also had articles published in the LA Times, Playboy, Omni, and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. In addition, I’ve written the music and lyrics for several records, including As You Like It and Bang Your Head Slowly.
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
I’m currently writing One Point Shy, a collection of tales about what it’s like to not be a genius. It’s slow-going, because I get depressed writing about how much of my younger life I wasted. It’s kind of a comedy, but only up to a point. I’ve also started a graphic novel about contemporary dating and relationships. I came out of the gate with a real bang on this one, but have since been hindered by a complete lack of artistic ability. I still draw stick figures. Anyone out there who can draw and is looking for a really cool project?
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I’m still writing music, including lyrics. Maybe I’ll finish another record one of these days.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild? What made you decide to join?
A couple friends mentioned it to me, and, as a recent transplant to the big island, I was curious about the local writing scene.
When did you start to write? Start to think of yourself as “a writer”?
Writing is an old habit I picked up as a kid, but I never had much success at operating pens and pencils. I was slow, and my scrawl was illegible even to me. I couldn’t figure out how to hold a pencil, or which way to tilt the words, or even whether to employ script or cursive. My hand would spaz out at random times, and introduce additional meaningless lines into my already incomprehensible hieroglyphics. I am old enough that we had a class called penmanship. I failed this every year, and was thus deemed incapable of writing. When I got my first typewriter at age 10, everything changed. Suddenly I could keep up with my thoughts, and also decipher them later.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
I’m the co-author of Not in Our Backyard, a history of the modern American environmental movement. I’ve also had articles published in the LA Times, Playboy, Omni, and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. In addition, I’ve written the music and lyrics for several records, including As You Like It and Bang Your Head Slowly.
Tell us about the writing projects you are working on.
I’m currently writing One Point Shy, a collection of tales about what it’s like to not be a genius. It’s slow-going, because I get depressed writing about how much of my younger life I wasted. It’s kind of a comedy, but only up to a point. I’ve also started a graphic novel about contemporary dating and relationships. I came out of the gate with a real bang on this one, but have since been hindered by a complete lack of artistic ability. I still draw stick figures. Anyone out there who can draw and is looking for a really cool project?
Is there anything else you would like the Guild members to know about you or your writing?
I’m still writing music, including lyrics. Maybe I’ll finish another record one of these days.
Catherine Tripp
Catherine Tripp joined Hawaii Writers Guild In December 2022. She lives in the Mauna Lani Resort area of Kamuela on Hawaii Island.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
I met with a couple of members at the Kauai Writers Conference in November of 2022. Dawn Hurwitz and Margaret Zacharias were there for dinner at Duke’s.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
I've been meaning to for a couple of years but wanted to get some publications and contests under my belt, update the CV, and polish up the website before joining the Guild. [You can check out
Her website here—Ed.]
When did you start to write?
I have always been a scribbler. Even have some short stories I wrote in elementary school, haven’t added them to the CV, they are handwritten on butcher paper all wrapped in vinyl wallpaper with crayon illustrations by the author. Maybe I should pull that chapbook out and see if those scribblings have passed the test of time…
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
When I first saw my name “in print” it was in a literary magazine named Pilcrow and Dagger. There is nothing like ink on paper. But I was still managing rental properties and several real estate transactions, so using Writer/Investor title. Come to think of it, still am. Reedsy.com has short story contests and I was selected for their online publication three times, but it was and is online. Not the same. Memoirist.org picked a piece, even included a photo that I had supplied, so that was visual as well as bit and bytes, and that’s an honor, but I really danced around the house when I received my copy of Parakeet Magazine this January, and my two poems about cats were on pages 1 and 2. It’s the little things, you know? Oh, and the Zoom readings of my work in a group of really fine writers. It felt like only an author could do that.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Yes, they are listed on my author page at Hawaii Writer’s Guild’s website - mahalo Duncan. Poems, short stories, and Zoom readings. [Go to Our Authors page on our website and scroll
down to Catherine G. Tripp—Ed.]
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I am writing a historical novel about a brave abolitionist entrepreneur, Ms. Mary Ellen Pleasant. She was Mother of Civil Rights in California. There’s lots about her in the Mary Ellen Pleasant Papers section on my website: cgtrippenterprise.com. At the Kauai Writer’s Conference this past November (the one where I was recruited, willingly) a suggestion was made to buy Scrivener, and type what I had composed so far over again, every page. This task, although daunting, has proven to be an intellectual and tactile experience much needed. One notices things within the scattershot bits I’ve produced over the years, and improvements ensue. Portions have been read and reviewed here and there in the past ten years - it’s been a passion, a hobby for over a decade - even more if you count my first forays into the historical research. As the year 2023 progresses, I look forward to workshopping the emerging chapters with my fellow writers within the support groups here at the Hawaii Writers Guild.
How did you find out about Hawaii Writers Guild?
I met with a couple of members at the Kauai Writers Conference in November of 2022. Dawn Hurwitz and Margaret Zacharias were there for dinner at Duke’s.
What made you decide to join the Guild?
I've been meaning to for a couple of years but wanted to get some publications and contests under my belt, update the CV, and polish up the website before joining the Guild. [You can check out
Her website here—Ed.]
When did you start to write?
I have always been a scribbler. Even have some short stories I wrote in elementary school, haven’t added them to the CV, they are handwritten on butcher paper all wrapped in vinyl wallpaper with crayon illustrations by the author. Maybe I should pull that chapbook out and see if those scribblings have passed the test of time…
When did you start to think of yourself as “a writer”, an “author”?
When I first saw my name “in print” it was in a literary magazine named Pilcrow and Dagger. There is nothing like ink on paper. But I was still managing rental properties and several real estate transactions, so using Writer/Investor title. Come to think of it, still am. Reedsy.com has short story contests and I was selected for their online publication three times, but it was and is online. Not the same. Memoirist.org picked a piece, even included a photo that I had supplied, so that was visual as well as bit and bytes, and that’s an honor, but I really danced around the house when I received my copy of Parakeet Magazine this January, and my two poems about cats were on pages 1 and 2. It’s the little things, you know? Oh, and the Zoom readings of my work in a group of really fine writers. It felt like only an author could do that.
Do you have any published work/s to date?
Yes, they are listed on my author page at Hawaii Writer’s Guild’s website - mahalo Duncan. Poems, short stories, and Zoom readings. [Go to Our Authors page on our website and scroll
down to Catherine G. Tripp—Ed.]
Tell us about any writing projects you are working on.
I am writing a historical novel about a brave abolitionist entrepreneur, Ms. Mary Ellen Pleasant. She was Mother of Civil Rights in California. There’s lots about her in the Mary Ellen Pleasant Papers section on my website: cgtrippenterprise.com. At the Kauai Writer’s Conference this past November (the one where I was recruited, willingly) a suggestion was made to buy Scrivener, and type what I had composed so far over again, every page. This task, although daunting, has proven to be an intellectual and tactile experience much needed. One notices things within the scattershot bits I’ve produced over the years, and improvements ensue. Portions have been read and reviewed here and there in the past ten years - it’s been a passion, a hobby for over a decade - even more if you count my first forays into the historical research. As the year 2023 progresses, I look forward to workshopping the emerging chapters with my fellow writers within the support groups here at the Hawaii Writers Guild.
