I was blessed to have two very different mothers when I was growing up. (and no, I don’t mean my mum had a multiple personality disorder. I really don’t mean that at all. Really.) First there was my mum. The Pacific's version of Martha Stewart. And then there was Peka – our babysitter/ Nanny/ housekeeper.… Continue reading The Gift of Two Mothers
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.
I am Old and Have Too Many Children
So does five children.I am really annoyed with Primary school teachers. Why, for the love of snickerdoodles, do teachers have to load up my child with sheetloads of homework every week? Yes, I've read all the studies done on the glorious blessings of giving kids homework. Yes, I want my kid to be a super… Continue reading I am Old and Have Too Many Children
I’m considering Pole Dancing. And Elephant Training.
I think Im going to start telling people that I'm a pole dancer. Or an elephant trainer at the circus. Because telling people I'm a "writer" is giving me a headache. Because I have to deal with stuff like...1. "Really? I always wanted to write a book about my life. But I'm too busy. A… Continue reading I’m considering Pole Dancing. And Elephant Training.
Ten Tips for Surviving Your Book Launch
His name is Campbell. Not Cameron. I knew that. I really did.During the madness of launching my first book, I did five radio interviews, one gut wrenching press conference, six TV interviews, and gave newspaper interviews to buckets of different journalists and their papers. (And for someone who is a social recluse I think its… Continue reading Ten Tips for Surviving Your Book Launch
The Marks that do not Fade: TELESA Tattoos
Traditionally, in Samoa - both men and women can be tattoed. Malu is a word in the Samoan language for a female-specific tattoo of cultural significance. The malu covers the legs from just below the knee to the upper thighs, and is typically finer and delicate in design compared to the pe'a, the equivalent tattoo… Continue reading The Marks that do not Fade: TELESA Tattoos
July Winners of the TELESA giveaway
Hi everyone,Thank you to all those who participated in the discussion on "What Makes a Book Culturally Offensive?" Your thoughts went a long way to helping me make sense of my own concerns in this area as I look towards the launching of the TELESA series later this year. The winners of a sneak peek… Continue reading July Winners of the TELESA giveaway
What Makes Men and Women Different? Nothing.
The Hot Man and I are enjoying a peaceful moment.(Translation, the kids are all playing Xbox and we are ignoring the shouting and arguing.)Such tranquil 'alone' moments are rare and I must cherish them. I ask, "What are you thinking about?" (awaiting his deep thoughts) "Nothing.""What do you mean nothing? Come on, what are you… Continue reading What Makes Men and Women Different? Nothing.
The Curse of Daughters
May you grow up and have a daughter who is as horrible as you! Ha ha ha!"She makes me so mad that I just want to tear her face into little bitty pieces like a tissue." A while back, this is what a dear friend said to me about her teenage daughter, as she vented… Continue reading The Curse of Daughters
Etiquette Tip 3 for Newly Published First Time Authors
Tip ThreeWhen you see a random stranger reading your book - in a library/mall/church/prison/bus - dont accost them, introduce yourself, offer to sign their copy and gush your love for their impeccable taste in literature. Don't invite yourself to sit with them so you can give them the page by page account of how you… Continue reading Etiquette Tip 3 for Newly Published First Time Authors
Etiquette Tip 2 for Newly Published First Time Authors
Tip TwoWhen you see your book forlornly cast upon the lower shelves or (heaven forbid) in a bargain bin, do not take it and place it strategically on the bestseller shelf. In front of Harry Potter and those damn sparkly vampires. And if a bookstore does not stock your book, please do not creep in… Continue reading Etiquette Tip 2 for Newly Published First Time Authors
Lani Wendt Young 