Interview with Hoku House
Published 2013-10-22.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I prefer the iBook reader from Apple, which works equally well on an iphone, ipad, ibook or full Mac. The Nook and Kindle also are excellent.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
My rule of thumb is doing at least one marketing action per day. This could include sending out a book for review, posting a useful comment on the social networks, arranging a radio interview, or endorsing a related book by a fellow author. At the end of a year, I will have done at least 365 promotional actions, which surely must help build the audience.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Colorado, which influenced me toward western values of autonomy, personal responsibility and freedom. I came of age in the Sixties, which instilled within me a penetrating social conscience.
When did you first start writing?
I began writing in childhood as soon I could string words together. I discovered a talent for writing through the recognition generously given by my English teacher in 8th grade and later in high school creative writing classes. I've been writing professionally since 1976.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My inspiration to write The Dawn of Global Sense came in 2001 after the "9/11" attacks. In a flash of insight, I realized that Thomas Paine's 1776 essay, Common Sense, offers logic to explain how global thinking empowers us for freedom, peace and planetary recovery. In a dark age of doubt, fear and unrest, Paine's pivotal essay swung public opinion in favor of the American Revolution. I similarly wish to swing public opinion in favor of our global evolution. Mentored by Paine as if he's leaning over my shoulder, whispering in my ear, I've written The Dawn of Global Sense while asking Spirit for words of resonant clarity to inspire hope now and a century from now. Please pardon me for taking so many years to get this book right.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Getting my ego out of the way and allow Spirit to use my mind and my fingertips on the keyboard to create messages of truth, hope and inspiration.
What are you working on next?
Two companion book for The Dawn of Global Sense will be published this year. These are called Mindful Self Rule and Personal Democracy. Other books, including a novel, are still in development.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I live in Hawaii on the garden island of Kauai. Outside my front door is more than enough beauty to uplift my soul. A walk along the shore always is nourishing.
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