This blogpost needs a content warning for rape, abuse and swearing. And it's really long. Since writing publicly about my abuse four months ago, I've had to deal with a myriad of different reactions - many positive, some negative, and a few downright horrible. Some of the fall-out from my writing caused shockwaves that I didn't… Continue reading Don’t Shame Us. Don’t Shut us Up. (How to better support and empower a survivor of Sexual Abuse.)
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.
When He Doesn’t Love you Best
A long time ago, the Hot Man promised to love me above all others. Above all else. But that was before he got his Holden Crewman. But I must admit, it is beeyootiful. Im half in love with it myself... When we lived in New Zealand, the Holden only got brought out of its sacred… Continue reading When He Doesn’t Love you Best
Taking Your Clothes Off
I've been kind of quiet on the writing front because I've been working on three different projects and unsure which one was going to be done first and ready to release. I'm thrilled to tell you that one story has basically got me falling in love and if all goes well - this next book… Continue reading Taking Your Clothes Off
Im Not Ready For the Rapture
Confession time. 1.I've never been to a REAL concert. 2. I really enjoy Eminem's music. The poetry and raw power of his lyrics, the story behind his rage and hurt and passions, and the journey you take through his music from the 'beginning' to now. 3. I wrote quite a lot of TELESA to Eminem's… Continue reading Im Not Ready For the Rapture
“Where do you get your story ideas from?” #1
The best writing #roomWithAView....where Telesa stories come from. Where do YOU source your creativity fire? What spaces and places speak to YOUR soul?
The Mountain Of Misery
Some people see a mountain and think - I should hike up that. Joy! Other people see a mountain and can admire it's splendour from a distance. Like from the comfort of their comfy chair at their desk. Such people can say, "What a lovely mountain. We should leave it alone and never disturb its… Continue reading The Mountain Of Misery
Countdown to Independence Day
Theres twelve more days until Big Son goes away to university. This makes me sad. Because I will miss him desperately of course, but also because then I will be stuck with all these other children - as my very bestest babysitter in the universe runs away to a life of independence and freedom from… Continue reading Countdown to Independence Day
Lets Punish Pregnant Teenagers in Samoa
I'm angry - about schools that expel teenage students who get pregnant. Access to education is a necessity for every child, and a young woman in this situation has an even greater need for education as she is about to become a parent and teacher to her own child. A pregnant teenager needs a supportive… Continue reading Lets Punish Pregnant Teenagers in Samoa
Return to Paradise: Marketplace Memories
A trip to the market took me on a meandering journey to my childhood. Food especially does tend to have that effect on me... Crisp, tangy green vi fruit. We would smash these on the cement driveway to get through the hard skin to the crunchy white insides. In vi season when the tree across… Continue reading Return to Paradise: Marketplace Memories
Sometimes, Samoa Sucks.
It took fourteen days for it to happen. For me to cry/freakout/meltdown/puke and rage - and ask, myself...the universe...the three legged dog on the side of the road...the uncaring blazing sun...the hot-as-hell little car with horribly useless air conditioning: WHY THE HELL DID I MOVE BACK HERE???!!! WHY DID I LEAVE MY NICE CAVE IN… Continue reading Sometimes, Samoa Sucks.
Lani Wendt Young 