Interview with Sam Tabalno

Published 2013-09-27.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on a remote but paradise island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. Gazing over the blue ocean I always had a curiosity and inkling to discover what adventures laid beyond the horizon.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing my adventure stories in the fall of 2011.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
The freedom to choose what, where, when, and how I could write motivated me the most to become an indie author. I had the basic skills with a computer and the Internet which opened avenues of resources available to self publish.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Reminiscing about my life adventures and completing a book is a great joy for me. The greatest reward I get from writing my stories are from readers (especially family and friends) that enjoyed and wanted to 'talk story' about the books. I feel joy and inner peace knowing that my stories will be available for my posterity long after I am gone.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Each new day I am inspired because I envision adventures I could enjoy and the decisions to make them happen. I take a few minutes each morning visualizing and rehearsing events that motivates and propels me out of bed.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest book "Killing Peace Part II" were chapters of my life that had to be written for therapeutic reasons.
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Latest books by This Author

Vacationing in a Van by the Beach on Kauai - How to Make Any Car, Truck, or Van Your Happy and Healthy Vacation Home
You set the price! Words: 8,160. Language: English. Published: July 21, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Travel » Camping & RVing, Nonfiction » Travel » Budget
Did you know every year thousands of visitors flock to our Garden Island of Kauai for their Hawaiian vacation? Vacationing in a van down by the beach can be a great way to spend your vacation. It sounds like the start of a good movie but adventure is something that most of us could use more of in our lives. This can be the way to do something new, refreshing, and exciting.
The 10 Keys to Happiness - Simple Ways to Be Happy and Enjoy Your Life Regardless of Circumstances
You set the price! Words: 10,140. Language: English. Published: July 15, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Confidence & self-esteem, Nonfiction » Health, wellbeing, & medicine » Mental health
Have you ever seen someone who lives in a small house and has an older car? They may not be rich in terms of material things, but they are beyond rich in their happiness. Happiness is the underlying foundation that influences the quality of life. This guide gives a quick, simple and helpful scenario to realizing a process in becoming a happier person.
The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam --Vol 1--Growing Up on the Garden Island of Kauai
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam Volume I, Book 1. Price: $12.00 USD. Words: 132,060. Language: English. Published: May 7, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Anthology, Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - single author
Are you in the mood for something quirky, out of the ordinary, and extremely entertaining? Look no further than The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam. Part memoir, part collection of tall tales, and completely entertaining, it has something for everyone.
Killing Peace II
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam, Book 8. Price: $1.00 USD. Words: 21,970. Language: English. Published: July 3, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » War
(5.00 from 1 review)
Set amidst the Vietnam War, "Killing Peace II" is more than a story. It is a narrative of bravery and defeat; of tragedy and nostalgia, and of everything else that comes in between. The protagonist, brought to life by the character of Pineapple Sam, drives the reader to explore his own narrative through his witty and humorous take on some of the most important events in his life.
Kauai Hitchhikers Exploring the US
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam, Book 5. Price: $1.00 USD. Words: 21,540. Language: English. Published: December 9, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Drama
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Tourists and honeymooners flock to Hawaii by the thousands each year. Pineapple Sam wants to travel in the other direction and find out for himself what adventures lie beyond the coast of his paradise home in Hawaii. Following his dreams, he heads for the U.S. mainland. Sam makes countless friends along the way of his eye-opening, cross-country journey, but he also learns many hard lessons.
Going to the Mainland
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam, Book 4. Price: $1.00 USD. Words: 12,410. Language: English. Published: September 21, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Drama
(5.00 from 1 review)
In Going to the Mainland, Sam is in his last year of high school on the magical, tropical isle of Kauai. In an effort to find out more about himself, Pineapple Sam heads for a trip around the US mainland visiting old friends and making new ones.
Local Boy and Tourist
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam, Book 2. Price: $1.00 USD. Words: 11,480. Language: American English. Published: June 7, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Drama
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Hijinks and young love are almost more than Pineapple Sam can handle. This book takes you on a teenager’s journey of playing pranks, hiding trouble from your dad, and the nervousness that comes with falling in love.
Killing Peace
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam, Book 7. Price: Free! Words: 14,480. Language: English. Published: March 1, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » War & military adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » War
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Pineapple Sam has left the laidback days of surf and sand in Hawaii for the war riddled jungle of Vietnam. Delve into this nightmare from the perspective of Sam’s heart-wrenching firsthand account.
Hawaiian Pineapple Jarhead
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam, Book 6. Price: $1.00 USD. Words: 10,560. Language: English. Published: February 1, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » War & military adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » War
(5.00 from 3 reviews)
Instead of the beautiful beaches of Hawaii, Pineapple Sam finds himself among screaming drill sergeants and swamp-like conditions. View through the eyes of a young recruit not quite sure how he ended up enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. This raw story gives readers the true insight into how a young eighteen year old transforms from hippie to hardcore Marine.
Pineapple Picking Cowboy
Series: The Life and Adventures of Pineapple Sam, Book 3. Price: $1.00 USD. Words: 10,230. Language: English. Published: January 24, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Drama
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Pineapple Sam does it again in his latest short novelette set in Paradise on his home turf of the magical island of Kauai. He recounts tales of a long hot summer working in the pineapple fields, night spear fishing with his friends and enjoying the cool, exciting nights as only fearless, exuberant teenagers can. Travel down memory lane as he relates the many “firsts” of that memorable summer.
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