Samoa, life in Samoa, children, games, Lani Wendt Young, Samoa blogger, Samoan writer
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.
Dangerous Thrilling Nights
I love to dance. Specifically at parties, dances and in nightclubs. A long time ago, I would go out dancing a lot. But having lots of children and work and getting older'er and tired'er really cuts down on one's oportunities (and one's energy) for dancing. But Samoa is a fantabulous place for going out dancing… Continue reading Dangerous Thrilling Nights
Marital Dischord in Paradise (Or, When Your Partner Gets On Your Nerves)
Today marks one week since we arrived in Samoa. And its taken exactly one week for the Hot Man to conclude what I suspected he would... "Its kind of stressful having you all here. And expensive!" he said in exasperation. "When its just me I can work and train without worrying about other people.… Continue reading Marital Dischord in Paradise (Or, When Your Partner Gets On Your Nerves)
A Day in Samoa
This is the hill right outside our driveway. Its my early morning nemesis because I'm trying to avoid dying an early lazy-writer's death - by going for an energizing walk every day. I walk to the top and then feel like puking. I walk down and up the next hill, then feel like puking. Perhaps… Continue reading A Day in Samoa
There’s Samoans everywhere.
So we've officially moved back to Samoa after a three year stint living in New Zealand. (Although its a bit misleading to say we have lived in NZ all this time because in actual fact the Hot Man has still been working in the hot, humid land. And Ive been home so many times that… Continue reading There’s Samoans everywhere.
Return to Paradise: The Dread
There's a massive shipping container parked outside my house. We're packing. It's really happening...we're moving back to Samoa. And as I shift through piles of junk, sorting the useful from the useless, the reality of what we're doing is slowly starting to sink in. Along with a bit of apprehension. Because even though moving home… Continue reading Return to Paradise: The Dread
When a Man Beats a Woman
The idolization of rugby players should never come at the cost of the women in their lives. We place these athletes on a pedestal and our adulation props up a sporting culture which seems inextricably linked with alcohol and violence. Our rugby players have helped 'put Samoa on the map' and there are those who… Continue reading When a Man Beats a Woman
Be Worthy
2013 PIPA Graduates. Photo - Letti Wickman. A Keynote Address given at the 2013 Graduation ceremony for the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts, Auckland. I’m delighted to be here with you young and restless graduates, and with your families and friends, as we celebrate your achievements. I stand in awe of you. Not just because… Continue reading Be Worthy
I want to stab someone.
So if you've read any of my books, or more than one of my blogs, or you have the misfortune to be friends with me on Facebook - then you know I have a soul-wedded affinity with Diet Coke. As in I drink too much of it and write too much about it. As in,… Continue reading I want to stab someone.
“Your sexual abuse is disgusting and has brought shame on our family.”
Three weeks ago I wrote an article about rape and sexual abuse in Samoa which was printed in the Samoa Observer, posted here on my blog and shared on various online sites. It was written in response to a national religious leader in Samoa and his comments on rape/abuse but it addressed widespread views held by many. In… Continue reading “Your sexual abuse is disgusting and has brought shame on our family.”
Lani Wendt Young 