Opening Paragraphs To Hook the Reader #AmWriting

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)

Operation Awesome: Week #32 – Lord of the Flies by William Golding (operationawesome6.blogspot.com)

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VOG - Volcanic Ash-like fog #AlohaFriday

Sunset "vog" at Turtle Bay on O'ahu

VOG is not an acronym for a hotel chain or a cruise line in Hawai'i.

 

The term "vog" describes the atmospheric haze - a lung-tickling fog, caused by Big Island's Kilauea volcanic eruptions of the Big Island's Kilauea.

Although it makes breathing uncomfortable for some, it provides beautiful sunsets for all.

*****

Pikake in Bloom: Whether Flower or Fowl #SundayHaiku

Pikake lei

 The words for today are brazen and cocksure. The brazen flower of   Hawai'i known as Pikake is certainly unashamed and audacious, while   the Pikake/peafowl is without a doubt cocksure.

 My first visit to Waimea Falls Park on the North Shore of O'ahu dates   back to 1992. I took a narrated tram ride to the Cliff Diving event at the   45-foot waterfall where world champion divers put on quite a show,   not just swan dives like the divers in Acapulco, but also double   somersaults, something that had my stomach doing flips just observing. 

After watching an Ancient Hawaiian Hula performance and taking a short tour of a burial temple, I found a quiet picnic area to relax and enjoy my lunch. The valley, cradled between two mountain range structures with a rainforest of trees and plants and flowers, includes hiking trails, water lily ponds filled with fish, many species of birds, including the Nene goose (the state bird) and a huge variety of plants and flowers.

Pikake, the Hawaiian word for peafowls, roam free and are always happy to pose for pictures. One of them, whether peahen or peacock, befriended me while I ate. He kept sidling up to the table until I finally tossed him a few pieces of bread with a side of cheese, which he gobbled up quickly. Then he let out a "honk" that sounded louder than a semi-truck horn! Maybe he was announcing that I had overstayed my welcome.

As I prepared to leave the area, I spotted another peacock behind a building and hurried over to take a quick picture. I wasn’t satisfied with the shot so I attempted to direct him to greener pastures. Not only was this pikake a willing subject, he slowly spread his tail feathers and all I could say was, “Oh, mahalo plenty!” as I snapped more pictures.

Pikake Surprise

Feathers Tipped with Many Eyes

Paradise Alive

*****

HONU - Hawaiian green sea turtles

Continuing with my "Cruising on a Sea of Words" Series, which features words listed in the glossary of my latest novel Island Cruise Homicide, the Hawaiian word for turtle is honu.

Anyone who has had an opportunity to snorkel in Hawaii can describe the feeling of euphoria that overtakes you on meeting up with one of these reptiles as the green sea turtle glides past you on its lazy path of daily adventure and search for food. One place for excellent snorkling to view the only indigenous reptile found in Hawaii is at Hanauma Bay on Oahu. (New rules for entry: New entry procedures coming for Hanauma Bay (khon2.com)

For Hawaiians, the honu or green sea turtle is a symbol of good luck taking the form of a guardian spirit and depicted in ancient petroglyphs.

***

Excerpt from Island Cruise Homicide

A short swim out from the beach, we discovered a colorful variety of indigenous sea life. Most noticeable were a few honu, the beautiful green sea turtles we had spotted during many of our water adventures. These amphibious-like reptiles, with their heart-shaped shells, had survived the age of dinosaurs and a ravaging ice age to guide the first voyagers to the pristine waters of Hawaii.

***

Below is a link to a great article about honu on Maui from October, 2020:

The Magical "Turtle Aquarium" | Maui Jungalow

Lava flows - pahoehoe and a'a: Cruising on a Sea of Words series

My fascination with volcanic activity and lava flows began decades ago, shortly after I moved to Hawaiʻi in the late 90’s. The names distinguishing the different types of flows especially captured my interest, the pronunciations always generating a smile. 

When lava flows out from a volcanic eruption in smooth or ropy-textured trails, the flow is called pahoehoe. The rugged, faster-moving and higher temperature flows that can cut right through your rubber slippahs are called a’a lava - the word also sounding like a warning: “a’a, no can step there!” 

I’ve walked on pahoehoe lava still warm to the touch, but in an abundance of caution always avoided the jagged points of the a’a flows.  

Surveying the ancient lava at Ka'ena Point on O'ahu
(check out the CAUTION stenciled into the lava off to my left)

An excerpt of a calming moment from Island Cruise Homicide: 

Beyond the final stretch of sand jutted a blanket of lava. Waves rippled onto blackened rock, molten flows hardened to pahoehoe smoothness in some areas and sharp-edged a’a in others. The boys claimed a spot between the man and the water’s edge. We approached at a more cautious gait, Rick taking a slight lead. 

A mild trade wind ruffled the surfer’s hair and tips of graying strands brushed his shoulders. As we neared, he stiffened slightly. Rick reached out his arm to stop me about ten feet from the group. With rapt attention, the boys continued to watch the man, their backs to the rhythmic lapping of ocean waves. Chirping birds aligned atop sun-heated boulders fell quiet. The wind ceased. Silence echoed across the fresh air of eternity Nate had mentioned earlier.

You can find Island Cruise Homicide and all the Pepper Bibeau mysteries in print or ebook format today at: Amazon.com https://amzn.to/2JuYg20 

*****

Cruising on a Sea of Words: Mele Kalikimaka

The "Sea of Words" series consists of Hawaiian words found in my latest Pepper Bibeau mystery novel, Island Cruise Homicide. For Christmas, though, I am posting a Hawaiian phrase that represents the spirit and aloha of the Islands: Mele Kalikimaka.

Mele means song or chant; also, merry. Kalikimaka is Hawaiian for Christmas. This is truly the locals' traditional way of sending holiday greetings to say Merry Christmas to you.

The greeting is familiar to many people because of a song by Bing Crosby, a crooner of the early 20th century. "It's the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day!"

The following includes excerpts from my Christmas posts of 2018 and 2009.

Shaka Santa and Mrs. Claus with poinsettias
in front of Honolulu Hale - 2019

Prior to 2020, each year, I visited the downtown area to check out the Honolulu Christmas decorations. At Honolulu Hale, Santa and Mrs. Claus (who sport palaka design masks this year) reign over the festivities: the tall Christmas tree, the Mele Kalikimaka toy display, and the Christmas wreath contest of unique wreaths decorating the walls. Hearing the squeals and chatter of school children as they enjoy the sights always brings a smile to my face.

The days leading up to Christmas Day are a time for just that, squeals and chatter, the joys of childhood, and remembering the pleasures of past holidays. In our family, celebrations were prefaced with attendance at mass, first St. Luke's Church, and later Holy Redeemer Church. Giving thanks reminded us not to take our many blessings for granted.

Today I am focused on simple blessings so often taken for granted throughout the busy year: colorful birds and flowers during my walks; the sweetly-tart juiciness of a chilled tangerine; and an unexpected exchange of friendly greetings. Burdens lessen as I concentrate on a few of my "favorite things."  

May your days be filled with merriment and peace!

*****     *****     *****

Much of the information in the following 2009 post remains relevant, although I haven't seen The Candy Cane Train in years and Santa on the roof of Ala Moana Center doesn't have a lei this year!
But he does have a mask - a sign of the times.
*****

MELE KALIKIMAKA is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Remember Bing Crosby's 1950 rendition, accompanied by the Andrew Sisters? "That's the island greeting that we send to you  . . ."

The holiday season on the island of O'ahu opens with the Honolulu City Lights celebration. The Electric Light Parade travels through downtown to Honolulu Hale (City Hall) for the annual tree-lighting ceremony. This year's tree is a striking 55-foot Norfolk pine. Another tradition is "Nutcracker" performed on-stage at Blaisdell Concert Hall.  

At the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, rows of evergreen wreaths on grave sites honor fallen veterans this holiday season. The wreaths adorn 1,288 of the graves, part of the Wreaths Across America campaign.

Aunties like myself, keiki, and tutus all enjoy the entertainment of Hawaii's local groups this time of year - Na Leo Pilimehana, Makaha Sons, Kapena, and the Brothers Cazimero, to name a few; special hula dance groups (halaus) including Hoku Zuttermeister; and celebrities Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Keali'i Reichel, and Willie K (the title of his Christmas song "Aloha Kalikimaka" reveals what the K stands for.) Music by the late Israel (Iz) Kamakawiwo'ole is always heard around the islands. 

 

Candy Cane Train

At Ala Moana Center, our open-air shopping mall, children ride the Candy Cane Train and watch musical productions on Center Stage, the illusion of snow delighting the young at heart. Hula performers draped in colorful regalia entertain with beautifully choreographed, swaying movements.



Santa gets lei-d for the holidays

But it isn't officially the "season to be jolly" until the Santa Claus statue is assembled up on the center's rootftop for all to see!

In Honolulu, jolly ol' St. Nicholas arrives in an outrigger canoe, landing on the shores of Waikiki! http://bit.ly/IPRKP1 

And we do have real snow here. Recently, my cousin reminded me of the snow-covered mountain of Mauna Kea on the Big Island. Low temperatures on Maui's Haleakala also attract the white fluffy stuff that folks in the northern states take for granted this time of year. 

http://gbjorn.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/pictures-of-snow-on-haleakala-maui/

 


Hawaiian Menehune

Kalikimaka is Hawaiian for Christmas.

Mele means song or chant; also, merry.

This is truly the locals' traditional way,

Of sending holiday greetings,

To say Merry Christmas. To you.

Aloha Nui Loa,

That's Hawaii's way to say

"a canoe-full of love."

Although some traditions come and go, the spirit of the holidays always remains,

and around the Islands, people of all faiths share the spirit of

ALOHA!

*****     *****     *****

O is for OCEAN FISH AROUND O'AHU #AtoZChallenge

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

My daily #AtoZ posts combine two concepts in under-300-words per day:

an appealing food choice along with thoughts that spring to mind.

*** *** *** 

Ocean fish around O'ahu that will satisfy your cravings for fresh seafood include 'Opihi, Opakapaka (Pink Snapper), Ono (Wahoo) - Ono means delicious and Wahoo is probably a derivative of O'ahu where these fish are found in abundance; and O'opu kai nohu. 'Opihi is the one that is sometimes called 'the fish of death'.

'Opihi picking off Maui rocky shore.
Rule #1 Never turn your back to the ocean.

'Opihi is Hawai'i's version of that snail delicacy: escargot. Pick it off a rock, suck out the meat, move on. Either you like it, or you haven't tried it. I am in the second category - I don't do oysters, either.

Although these fish can be found around the world, three species are endemic to the Hawaiian islands: black foot, yellow foot, and giant 'opihi. It has a thick, cone-shaped shell covered by ridges. There is a pair of tentacles, a mouth, and a muscular foot that allows it to strongly seal its body to a rock to prevent being plucked off by a rough wave - or person wanting to eat it.

Yellow and Black 'opihi "on the rocks"

People have risked their lives trying to pick 'opihi from rocks. It can be dangerous–even referred to as “the fish of death” and “delicacy of death”. Because 'opihi live in rough shore breaks, people get thrashed around by the surf, sometimes resulting in paralysis, drowning, other times getting swept out to sea and never returning.

http://www.wegoholoholo.com/opihi-poke-bowl-limpet/

Rule #1: never turn on your back to the ocean.

 

 

Happy Easter Happy Spring

Easter came early this year. “The first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox” was how the Nicean council (Council of Nicaea - http://www.islamtomorrow.com/bible/NicaeaCouncil325.htm) of church leaders first established the date for Easter in 325 A.D. The Spring Equinox - first full moon - first Sunday rule still stands. One of my nephews was born on Easter Sunday in 1965 and this year his birthday falls in the third week of April. So, this year, Easter came early.

Celebrating Easter week so close to St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t give one much time to recover! One year that especially comes to mind, I raised my glass of Midori-and-Sour at the Hale Koa beach bar in Honolulu with my sister and her friends visiting from the mainland.  

 We spent one day at the Polynesian Cultural Center on O’ahu’s North Shore and enjoyed Rainbow of Paradise, The Pageant of the Long Canoes. The pageant represents eight Polynesian Island Nations: Samoa, Tahiti, Marquesas, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Hawai’i, Tonga, Fiji, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

 

 

After viewing the IMAX Theater presentation of The Coral Reef, we received fresh, purple orchid leis and “pigged out” Hawaiian style at the Hale Aloha authentic Ali’i Luau.

Easter was early this year, and I am eager now for spring to arrive in earnest. The celebration of spring includes a period of renewal, whether on the greening slopes of Diamond Head on Oahu; in the pleasant climates of Florida and Arizona; or following the final, crisp days of winter in Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Rain showers freshen the air, flowers appear more colorful, the sun shimmers far brighter, and...

. . . you just feel like smiling!

Because Spring is the perfect time to renew those goals set on New Years Eve, I am working on renewing mine. How about you? 
   

SUCCESSFUL PARADIGM



While trying to determine how I could implement Donald Trump’s advice for success, to “Be Everywhere,” I developed an interesting plan.

First, let’s look at Diamond Head, from April 5’s “D” day, again. Diamond Head is the extinct volcano anchoring the southeast corner of Waikiki. People remember this sight because of its visibility from almost every point of the island. Every point of O’ahu. Yes, O’ahu. It is not visible from any of the other Hawaiian Islands, nor is it visible from the Philippines or Alaska.

EVERYWHERE doesn’t necessarily mean everywhere at once.

Before the Sandwich Islands were discovered by Captain Cook, only Polynesians were aware of Diamond Head. Over time, knowledge of its existence spread, first by Polynesians in canoes taking the news to their families, then sailors on ships telling their buddies, and later travelers in airplanes sharing the tale. Then radio, and television, and internet, oh my.

My plan is to use this paradigm of recognition to market my novel.

First, I’ll “tell the tale of my novel’s existence” to family and close friends. They will help me spread the word by telling their friends. Then, by expanding my marketing territory over a period of time, my goal is to reach the edges of the boundaries I’ve set for myself. After covering the four points of my home territory, I’ll reach across the state, and then the country. After that, who knows, maybe the whole wide world.

What successful marketing stratagies have you implemented?