My Xmas tree is dead. Or at least its dying a whimpering, withering death. This is our first Christmas in NZ. I'm an island girl who grew up with sweltering rainy season Christmases. But I also grew up on Enid Blyton and Swiss Chalet girls books, so I wanted a real Xmas tree. I wanted… Continue reading Christmas Tree Killer
Author: Lani Young
Lani Young is an international bestselling author of YA fantasy, contemporary romance and literary fiction. The 2018 Pacific Laureate, her work is inspired by the diverse mythology of Oceania and the richness of her cultural heritage as a Samoan / Maori woman.
Telesa – Auckland Launch Night
Last night my book Telesa was launched here in Auckland, NZ at an event jointly hosted by Auck. Univ of Technology and Auckland University. It was an evening of poetry, dance, music and Pasifika-style celebration with Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh giving the keynote address, a Telesa siva performance by AU graduate Filoi Vaila'au, music from… Continue reading Telesa – Auckland Launch Night
Don’t Get Busy with a Quickie Workout.
What should you NOT do the day before you launch your book?You should NOT try to attempt a new workout program called Kettleworx for the very first time. (Because of course you know better than to think that enthusiastically throwing kettle weights around will magically make you ten pounds lighter...magically in time for all the… Continue reading Don’t Get Busy with a Quickie Workout.
Why I will Never be a World Famous Best-Selling Author.
See? JK Rowling oozes with calm, elegant, best -selling author sophistication.I have had an epiphany. A revelation of earth-shaking proportions. I will never be a world-famous, internationally best-selling author. Why? Because I am just way too un-cool. I have no calm ,elegant, nonchalant, best-selling sophistication at all. None.I would never be able to catch sight… Continue reading Why I will Never be a World Famous Best-Selling Author.
Possessive "Angry Face" Love
Show your angry face!There are cousins staying at our house. Which we are really enjoying because there are children all the same age as my Fab5 so plenty of fun, laughter and festive season spirit around here right now.Except for… Continue reading Possessive "Angry Face" Love
Seven Essentials for Self-Publishing
If you're a writer thinking about taking that leap into the publishing world, what do you need? (according to my very limited experience!) Warning, this is a long blog post. Only read it if you really want to know what is required to publish your writing...1. A well-written book.… Continue reading Seven Essentials for Self-Publishing
Can I kiss you?
See? this baby looks happy to hug!One of the nicest things about children is that you always have someone to get your daily requirement of physical affection from. Children give the bestest hugs and the nicest kisses. Especially when they're fresh out of a… Continue reading Can I kiss you?
"When Water Burns": Telesa Vasa Loloa
That’s when the world changed. Irrevocably. The banded sleeve that marched up his arm and spread over his shoulder. The fire tattoo with my name imprinted at its heart. All of Daniel’s tattoos began to burn, to light up with eerie blue glow. “Daniel?” The urgency of my voice had him raising his head to look at… Continue reading "When Water Burns": Telesa Vasa Loloa
Be Quiet!
The Bella Beast has the loudest voice in our house. The most piercing scream. The strongest protesting wail. And everything must be announced at maximum decibels volume, with double exclamation marks."Jade, I want to play XBox!!"Several minutes later, "Zachie, stand still so I can shoot you!!" then "Mum, he's not letting me kill him. Tell… Continue reading Be Quiet!
Why Writers Hate Christmas.
The White Witch may have been on to something...So Christmas is coming up and that sets my panic button all aflutter. Christmas is very bad for writers. Very bad. Why?1. All your children are home on holiday from school. It's highly doubtful that you… Continue reading Why Writers Hate Christmas.
Lani Wendt Young 