Current mood: contemplative

I am breathing a little easier now that The Forbidden Island is back in the hands of my lovely editor J for final scrutiny before publication March 15.

The next book in the Kimo & Lopaka series is Summer Love, which has been slated for publication April 15. Two more books [My Hawaiian Song of Love and Stolen Magic: The Queen of Pentacles] follow, but essentially as of now, apart from edits, I have to let go of my hot Hawaiian men and focus on new characters...

But I bet I come up with some creative reasons not to! 

Summer Love has been an interesting book to write because the title has been in my head ever since I recaptured my misspent Australian youth listening to my fave band from back then, Sherbet.

I still remember being in the front row drooling over the lead singer Daryl Braithwate when they played the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.

The song Summer Love was a big hit for them in the 70s - along with countless other chartbusters they had through the 80s too - and I found one of their records at a yard sale here in Los Angeles last year. The chorus goes Summer love is like no other love and the muse flew into the room and there was my whole plot idea for a Kimo & Lopaka book.

So as I await editor J's first round flurry on that book, I am finishing up Beyond the Reef - a Hawaiian but no K&L book - and now that I have rashly undertaken to pen two more Tarot series books for eXtasy Books, I have plenty to occupy my mind.

Speaking of Sherbet and Daryl Braithwaite, he remains one of my most cherished heroes. He has overcome so many obstacles to still be one of the most talented singers out there. He is living proof of making the best of adversity and turning it into a stepping stone to splendid opportunity.

Aloha oe,

A.J.

Currently listening : Anthology By Sherbet Release date: 24 July, 2001