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| Iolani Palace in Honolulu on Oahu, Hawaii the only royal palace in the USA (recent photo) |
At a Hawaii Fiction Writers workshop, authors read opening paragraphs of their current writing projects. Good opening sentences draw the reader into the writer's world to immediately hook them with promises of an action-filled thriller, conflicting emotions of a true romance, or unfolding drama in a historical novel.
Author and Mental Health Professional, Joy Ogawa, who was born and raised in Hawaii and states she has been creating worlds and characters since age five, was invited to share news of her recently published debut historical novel: Victoria Ward and the Gilded Age of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Opening lines of Joy Ogawa's historical novel introduce the reader to the regal side of the 19th century Hawaiian Kingdom, showcasing protagonist Victoria Kathleen Robinson Ward and her family.
The Kingdom of Hawai'i
O'ahu
Iolani Palace
A beautiful
part-Hawaiian, part-Caucasian woman fusses over her daughters’ Victorian finery
as they exit the carriage. She arranges them in order by age, except for the
guest of honor. The palace doors open, and the Royal Hawaiian Guard announce
their arrival. “Your Majesty, introducing Ms. Annie Eva Theresa Einei
Ward, debutant, the fourth daughter of Mrs. Victoria Kathleen Robinson
Ward and the late Mr. Curtis Perry Ward. She is accompanied by her six
sisters and brother-in-law.”
King David Laʻamea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua is a charming and handsome modern renaissance man who cuts a dashing figure in his ceremonial Victorian English royal and military dress with fashionable bushy mutton chops. Jovial, his brown eyes sparkle with delight as he formally receives the Ward family.
Ogawa, Joy (2024-01-04T22:58:59.000). Victoria Ward and the Gilded Age of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Austin Macauley Publishers. Kindle Edition.
*****
Synopsis:
1889, Iolani Palace, O'ahu: The majestic Hawaiian Kingdom teeters on the brink of oblivion. At its heart stands Victoria Ward, a woman of royal Hawaiian blood, bound by her lineage and duty. Armed with vast lands, ancient cultural rituals, and the unwavering loyalty of her villagers, she becomes the beacon of hope for a nation under threat.
From my Book Review:
Excellently researched and professionally written history of Hawaii alii, royalty, and family life on Oahu right up to present day headlines. Victoria Robinson Ward's strong family focus and tough business sense are highlighted throughout.
*****
More on "opening lines/paragraphs from "Operation Awesome (a group of writers)
*****
I am hooked!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I added your book, We Buried Our Boats, to the WWW Wednesday list as "currently reading" but am unable to participate in the blog hop. Am enjoying your adventures and discoveries in Guatamala.
DeleteYes, opening lines do sometimes hook us right from the start. The image of retired husband and wife packing up and traveling, he with crutches, across the globe for new adventure hooked me also. I look forward to reading more of "We Burned Our Boats" by Karen Jones Gowen.
ReplyDeleteOnce hooked, one can't let go. This is a prime example.
ReplyDeleteSurely agree, Keith. And ... so many books, so little time!
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