On this trip home, I wanted to give back to the community and support aspiring and published local authors. So I reached out to the Lōʻihi Arts Foundation and asked what I could offer. Hereʻs the result:

I you live on Oʻahu or have friends and family who do, please stop be and talk story with me!

Inspiring a New Generation:

I also reached out to my cousin, who is a resources teacher in Pearl City, to ask how I could help. His son then reached out to his creative writing teacher and principal at Damian Memorial High School and told them his “famous author cousin” (LOL!) was coming to Oʻahu and could I come speak at his school.

When the career counselor heard about my background, the intimate classroom visit turned into a school-wide career talk.

Heading to Big Island Next

If you live on Hawaiʻi’s youngest and biggest island, I hope you’ll find me at one of these three events:

In the meantime:

Buy or Request any of my books at your favorite local store. And if youʻre in Hawaiʻi, you might even find a signed copy! Donʻt wait too long though. I stopped at Bookends in Kailua, Oʻahu to sign their stock, but many had already been sold.

A Hui Hou

Be well, my friends. I’ll tune in again with more fun photos and updates during my trip.

Aloha nō,
Tori 🌺

Whether you are part of my reading ‘ohana (family) or new visitor to my mindful musings blog, I am so happy you are here. In this issue, I offer a bit of writing craft in an article I wrote for Killer Nashville Magazine, and excerpt from my recent paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) family drama mystery, an early look at my O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island travel and book event plans, and my recent book and audiobook recs. Fun, right? A little dis and dat for everyone to enjoy!

Craft Talk:

Making History Relevant to Story without Slowing the Pace

(Originally published in Killer Nashville Magazine)

I write and enjoy reading page-turning fiction. So I cannot afford to slow down the pace, no matter how much character development, cultural information, or history I include. The key for me is to choose the right moment to share relevant facts that will stick with the readers. The tricky part is how.

I’m one of those authors who begins every new project with a place and sometimes a topic or community I want to explore. I dive into research, regardless of how familiar the location or topic is to me. It is during this process that I discover my characters, and a hint of a story appears. Although I’ve been writing contemporary fiction, my last four novels have also entwined historical timelines and facts. But since I don’t want to give a history lesson, I pick and choose what I share.

I rely on two techniques to weave in pertinent information that won’t put my readers to sleep.

My first technique is to create a family genealogy that is interwoven with the historical background I want to share.

I did this in THE NINJA’S OATH by tying the ancestry of Lily Wong’s “uncle” Lee Chang—whose grand-niece she would help rescue—to the history of Shanghai. This connection to place became so significant that it inspired the thriller plot of the book.

I created an even more intricate genealogy for Ranger Makalani Pahukula’s family in KAUA‘I STORM, beginning with Makalani’s great-grandmother Punahele and her ten children. The story’s drama and mystery emerged from the cultural differences of intermarrying and depleting fractions of Native Hawaiian blood each generation had.

In HAWAI‘I RAGE—a contemporary Hawaiian western and family drama mystery—the ancestry of Hiapo Ranch began with the son of an early Mexican vaqueros King Kamehameha III bought over from Alta California to teach his people how to ride. I was able to include a lot of this fascinating Hawaiian cowboy history because it was woven into Hiapo ancestry and pertained to my plot. In this way, the history moved the story forward and added character depth.

My second technique is to drop relevant information at a moment in my story when it will stick in the reader’s mind.

With a book as richly entwined with history and culture as HAWAI‘I RAGE, it was especially important not to dump exposition or overload my readers with facts. My primary goal, after all, is to entertain. That said, my protagonist just took a new position as an interpretive ranger at Pu‘u Koholā Heiau National Historic site that King Kamehameha I was instructed to build to help him unite the Hawaiian Kingdom. Readers are going to be interested in learning a bit about that history. Not all. And only the parts that are relevant to my story, especially if the information I share helps my protagonist solve the mystery in my book.

Excerpt from Hawai‘i Rage:

Why else I do what I do?

Makalani had stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

What did you mean, Malu? What did you mean?

His words refused to wash away even as the evening rainstorm pounded her roof. And when she rolled out of bed in the morning, she found them stuck in her sleep-deprived mind like sticks in the mud.

Why did you say that? What did you mean?

The conundrum followed her to work. In Pidgin English, locals frequently used the present tense even when they referred to something in past. When Malu had said, “Why else I do what I do?” was he reminding Louie of something he was doing now or something he had done before?

Like kill Larry Hiapo so Kupunakāne could put Louie in charge.

The treachery was echoed in the story she was reading, about how Kamehameha’s trusted military adviser and uncle murdered Kamehameha’s rival cousin in Kawaihae Bay—the same bay where Hiapo’s stepfather was killed swimming a steer to a boat. Makalani dropped her head into her palms as past and present muddled into a convoluted mess.

“Need a break from reading?” Ranger Akaka asked from the doorway.

“Yes!”

He laughed. “Come on. We can talk while we walk.”

She glanced down the hall for her supervisor. “Won’t Ranger Machado mind?”

Ranger Akaka smiled. “He’s on Maui today.”

The warmth of the midday sun eased the tension from Makalani’s shoulders as they walked along the visitors’ path. The stone heiau stood on the mauka side of the flat, barren land, muddy now because of the previous night’s rain. The lava platform was huge, over two hundred feet wide and twenty feet high. She had never seen one this large or with multiple tiers.

“How did they actually use it?”

“Good question.” Ranger Akaka said. “The kahuna or ali‘i—King Kamehameha I was both—would perform religious ceremonies or hold political meetings on this space. The attendees would sit on the lower two levels according to their standing in the community. Structures were sometimes built on the top level to offer shade for chiefs and advisers. Pu‘ukoholā’s size reflects its importance.”

He gestured toward the ocean. “When the visiting chiefs and their entourages would sail their outriggers into this bay, one of Kamehameha’s top warriors would throw a spear at the chief. If he caught the spear it meant he had enough mana—divine power and authority—to proceed.”

Makalani thought about the treacherous bit of history she had been reading that morning. “Was that how Kamehameha’s uncle killed his rival cousin?”

“No. Instead of throwing the spear, Keʻeaumoku opened his arms for a hug. Although the rival cousin knew Kamehameha would kill him as a sacrifice for the heiau, he had come to save his people from war.”

“Then why murder him?”

“Kamehameha wanted to talk with his cousin first. Keʻeaumoku feared the rival would deter the king from his destiny, so he and his men slaughtered all but one. But the treachery happened on both sides. Although the cousin had come willingly, he had mutilated his body to taint the sacrifice. One version of this story says the rival chief had even decided to live and planned to assassinate Kamehameha when they met.”

“So Keʻeaumoku acted without Kamehameha’s knowledge?”

“There are many versions of this story, but the one I believe makes Keʻeaumoku seem like the General Patton of the Pacific and a mafia hitman rolled into one.”

Makalani stared down at the beach, envisioning the multilayered treachery at play. In many ways, it reminded her of the Hiapo family today.

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Coming Home!

I’m beyond excited to be coming home to Hawai‘i from September 21st through October 14th. That’s a three-and-a-half-week stay! I haven’t been home for this long of a stretch since I was in my twenties. Even then, I’m not a hundred percent sure I stayed for this length of time. I’ve always been in too big of a hurry to return to my performing, writing, family, and/or martial arts life in New York, Los Angeles, and now Portland, Oregon. This time, I wanted an opportunity to lay back and chill. Or as chill as an energetic person like me can be. LOL!

I plan to swim often in the ocean, hang out with friends and family, and eat the food of my childhood I still crave. I’m still bummed ‘Ono Hawaiian Foods in Kapahulu closed down. but hey, fifty-seven years is a heck of a long time to run a family restaurant.

What are your go-to places on the island for grindz?

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While on O‘ahu, I’ll be staying in Kailua with my high school friend Kim, who introduced me with her calabash uncle, hall of fame paniolo, Henry “Uncle Bud” Gibson. Last year when I visited, we talked story for hours in Uncle Bud’s office at the New Town and Country Stables in Waimanalo about horses, ranching, and paniolo life. Oh the stories and knowledge he shared! Much of which made it into HAWAI‘I RAGE and provided readers with nuance and authenticity they could feel.

I finish my stay on O‘ahu with a special author talk and writing craft event. Please join me or encourage your friends to come if you and/or they are on the island at that time. I would love to greet you in person!

On to Hilo!

After O‘ahu, my hubby and I will fly to Moku o Keawe (Hawai‘i Island) for three different events. Please join me if you’re on the island, and spread the news to your Big Island friends! (P.S.: I always recommend reserving your copies in advance.)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 at BEACH DOG BOOKS, 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
In conversation with Sarah Ackerman, reading short excerpts, talk story, and book signing.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 at KONA STORIES, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Words and Wine Author Night with fellow Hawai‘i authors Heather A. Herrick and Shay Keawe.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 at BASICALLY BOOKS, 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Hanging out in Hilo to talk story about KAUA‘I STORM and HAWAI‘I RAGE.

Books, Audiobooks, Movies, and Shows:

As I mentioned in my previous musings, I’ve been voraciously reading, listening, and watching books, audiobooks, and shows by other creatives as I take a mini-vacation from work. I paused my vacation for my developmental editorial review for my upcoming standalone, which will hit the shelves May 2027. But my editors were so pleased with what I had turned in, that I was able to edit and send it back quickly.

Books:

GOOD DIRT by Charmaine Wilkerson
Engrossing Black literary fiction with emotion, history, and complex relationships.

TEN YEARS GONE by Wendy Walker
The deliciously slow burn tension of Wendy Walker’s latest domestic psychological thriller had me compulsively reading straight through to the end. With my eyes glued to the digital pages every moment of the day, it’s a miracle I didn’t burn my hand on the stove or walk off a curb! If you enjoy richly imagined characters, relationships, and suspense, TEN YEARS GONE is for you.

PROMISE ME NEVER by Liv Constantine
Whether writing alone or in collaboration, any thriller by Liv Constantine grabs quick, builds steadily, and lands hard with a satisfying and unexpected twist. I devoured PROMISE ME NEVER in a day. Highly recommend!Audiobooks:

Audiobooks:

THE DEATH ROW CLUB by V.A. Vazquez (novel)

MAD LOVE by Wendy Walker (short scripted audio novel)

YOU’LL MISS ME WHEN I’M GONE by A.R. Torre (short story from Deadly Ambition Collection)

SEE HOW THEY RUN by Rachel Howzell Hall (novella)

Movies and Shows:

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN - Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Leslie Bibb

APEX - Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, Eric Bana

ARTHUR THE KING - Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ali Suliman, Bear Grylls, Paul Guilfoyle

DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 - Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci

SONG SUNG BLUE - Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson

LADIES FIRST - Sacha Baron Cohen, Rosamund Pike, Tom Davis

LUCKY - Anya Taylor-Joy, Annette Bening, Clifton Collons Jr.

MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED - Tatiana Maslani, Jake Johnson, Jessy Hodges

Harlan Coban’s FOOL ME ONCE - Michelle Keegan, Adeel Akhtar, Richard Armitage

A Hui Hou!

That’s it for now. I’m off to swim laps and percolate on ideas for my next book. Enjoy your end of summer, my friends. And read more books!

And if you want to support your favorite authors, be sure to leave reviews. Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, BookBub, Barnes & Noble, and wherever else you share with your reading community.

Aloha pumehana,
Tori 🌺

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I am fifteen days past turning in my manuscript for the new novel, and I have to admit, I have zero interest in creating anything! LOL! All I want to do is read, listen to audiobooks, lounge about, and experience new things that I haven’t had time to do. And you know what? That is 100% okay.

Vacations take many forms. This one is a vacation for my mind as well as my body.

As you might know from social media, I sprained my foot/ankle a month ago while racing out of the house on the way to a book event. I’m still in PT for that and suspect I may also have a bursa or tendonitis in the opposite achilles tendon. ARGH! So I guess this vacation is also for my my body, which is tiresome because I am yearning to hike.

But the upside of forced relaxation, is rest.

That said, my idea of rest can still be a rather energetic. Here’s a video from a pa‘i ‘ai pounding workshop at KALO Hawaiian Civic Club I attended earlier in the month. Days earlier I had volunteered to help the Lo‘i Loa group from Maui taught our members how to sand papa ku‘i poi—poi pounding boards and shape the pōhaku ku‘i—stone pounders.

And five days later, I went back to our club to get certified in adult and child CPR! Since I live with two mo‘opuna under the age of six, it felt smart to refresh my memory of CPR and first aid. I am now reasonably confident on what to do if someone is accidentally impaled. LOL! Hmm… come to think of it, this knowledge could come in handy for one of my future books!

Excerpt from Kaua‘i Storm:

This is a small portion of an emotional family scene in KAUA‘I STORM that takes place between Makalani and her parents while pounding pa‘i ‘ai.

This link directs you to my audiobook, published by Brilliance Publishing and narrated by me. Listen to the sample narration and let me know what you think!

Entertaining My Vacationing Mind

Although, I can always listen to an audiobook while I cook, clean, or exercise, I rarely have the time to stop moving and actually read. So while I’m on my writerly vacation, that was tops on my list.

Here are the books and audiobooks I’ve been enjoying:

ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS by Hank Phillippe Ryan (narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen). Hank continues her reign as one of the queens of psychological suspense with this emotional, nerve-wracking story about a fictional debut author’s nightmare book tour. I loved the behind-the-scenes glimpse at a blockbuster author’s tour, which is SO different from my own. LOL!

SO VERY LUCKY by Caitlin Devlin. I’m 70% through this novel and am completely enthralled. Caitlin is a new author for me and grabbed this book when it was offered as an Amazon First Reads. I’m reading it on my phone, which means it is constantly on hand.

DETOUR by Jeff Rake and (narrated by Max Meyers). I LOVED this audiobook! In this space thriller, Rob Hart—an astoundingly talented author who always delivers—pairs up with the creator, executive producer, writer, and showrunner for NBC/Netflix’s Manifest. The result is a page turning, character-driven thriller that feels made for television. I can’t believe I’ll have to wait until January 2027 to listen to the exciting conclusion with ROUNDABOUT.

YOU DESERVE TO KNOW by Aggie Blum Thompson (narrated by Alex Picard). I’ve been on a domestic psychological suspense binge this past year, and this audiobook fit the bill. The suburban scandal was delicious. And, naturally, I adored Alex’s narration. She narrated my own DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES with such beauty and emotional depth.

WISDOM CORNER by David Heskla Wanbli Weiden (narrated by Shane Ghostkeeper). As expected, after David’s astounding debut novel, WINTER COUNTS, this new novel blew me away. It’s safe to say, I will read any novel he writes.

EVIDENCE OF THE AFFAIR by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you’ve read my previous muse-letters, you already know I adore this author. If you enjoy relationship-driven, emotional suspense, and/or epistolary fiction, be sure to check it out.

THE PRICE OF HONEY by Liane Moriarty. What can I say? This author and the tagline: “Four ex-wives at a rich man’s wake,” immediately sucked me in. I’m always on the look out for enticing stories and books offered free with Amazon Prime. Next up in the Deadly Ambition Collection, YOU’LL MISS ME WHEN I’M GONE by A.R. Torre.

Movies and Streaming Shows:

As you can imagine, I simply had to watch the MOANA live-action film as soon as it came out. This was my reaction:

THE HARLAN COBEN COLLECTION on Netflix. My hubby and I have been binging Harlan Coben thrillers lately. So far, we’ve watched an enjoyed I WILL FIND YOU, RUNAWAY, LAZARUS (film), and are nearly to the end of STAY CLOSE. Whether on the page or made for the screen…damn…this author can write!

A Hui Hou!

Well, it’s almost time for my PT appointment, which gives me enough time to elevate and wrap both of my feet in ice and read before heading out the door.

Whether you’re deep in the throes of work or on a mimi-vacation like me, I hope you’re enjoying yourself to the max!

Until next time…

Aloha nō,
Tori 🌺

Check it out and let me know what you think.

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Book Club Extras:

Visit my HAWAI‘I RAGE book club page for additional author/narrator life videos, discussion topics, book research trip photos, the Hiapo genealogy, and more of my book launch appearances on videocasts, podcasts, magazines, and blogs!

Portland Bookstore Event:

I had a delightful duo-author event with my new kanaka maoli author friend the night before at Annie Bloom’s Books. We had a blast talking story about how we integrated our Hawaiian culture, language, and wisdom into our books.

A Hui Hou!

I have a few more days of writing to finish up my novel-in-progress before I join the Tuscon SinC on Saturday, June 20, as a guest speaker on “Balancing and Emotion for Pace.” If you’ve read my work, you know it’s a major focus for me. I look forward to sharing some of my discoveries with them. (Message me for info if interested)

I can see the finish line ahead. Just two more weeks of frenzied writing, webinars, and interviews, and I can turn in this manuscript, finish up my book launch, and take a mini summer break.

I can almost feel it: sleeping in until 6 a.m., reading books, mountain hikes, lollygagging about. Yes, please. Sign me up!

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of June, my friends. I’ll touch base with you soon,.

Aloha nō,
Tori 🌺

I’m chugging through the final push of my book launch for HAWAI‘I RAGE while simultaneously (and furiously) finishing the manuscript for my next contracted book. I’ve been sustaining this intense level of energy since April. With my manuscript deadline and my final book launch commitments in sight, and I can feel the signs of fatigue creeping in. The soothing warm waters of Hawai‘i are calling me home.

But don’t get me wrong;, I’ve had a blast introducing and discussing HAWAI‘I RAGE in bookstores—like The Poisoned Pen in Arizona, and at BOLD Coffee & Books here in Portland—and virtually on numerous podcasts, videocasts, magazines, book clubs, and blogs.

HAWAI‘I RAGE has also been listed in:

• People Magazine – “Most-Anticipated Summer Reads”

• BookBub – “Favorite Mystery Thriller Authors of Summer 2026”

• BookTrib – “Stellar Lineup of Thrillers” in Jon Land’s The Thrill List

• BookBuzz – “Books by Pacific Islander Authors to Immediately Add to Your TBR”

• The Oregonian – Featured Local Author Interview

Next up:

• A Kamehameha Day Celebration Appearance

• Annie Bloom’s Books – Monday, June 15, 7pm in Portland, Oregon

• Hello, Rose City! KGW TV – Tuesday, June 16th 11am PST for a Live Guest Appearance

Tune in to KGW TV on Tuesday, June 16, 11:00 a.m. to watch my segment LIVE!

I also have three more shows yet to air.

And all of this wonderful abundance has and continues to flood in while my ticking-clock deadline runs out.

Is there someone I can bribe to add another week to June? Then again, one more week of frenzied activity might put me over the edge. Better to trim the sail and power ahead. Chee hoo! I’ll make it in time as long as the tradewinds continue to blow.

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Tips to Replenish, Recover, and Perpetuate:

There is so much to do when the PR strategy, execution, and momentum resides predominately with the author. Although I have coordinated my own public relations and outreach with six of my seven novels, every new book launch still feels like a mountain of work. The only way through it is to keep climbing, one small step at a time.

Although exhilarating, this continual expulsion of energy can easily wear a person out, especially considering how introverted an author’s life tends to be. Even those of us experienced in performing and socializing at functions need to retreat into our reclusive spaces—be they physical or emotional–to rejuvenate and rest.

Bottom line: We can’t spend energy we don’t have.

If we try, we will pass that energy debt to the next day—and as we should all know from credit card management, this practice, if continued, doesn’t end well!

I experienced this quite literally while performing eight shows a week in the original 1st national company of Cats. When I pushed myself too hard, I got injured and missed shows.

Tip #1: Pace Yourself

As with any type of marathon, it’s important to control and monitor our effort and work load so we don’t burn out early or fall so far behind that we cannot catch up.

To this end, I update my PR spreadsheet and layout my outreach targets and timing well in advance (usually in the lull that follows my editorial passes and while the deadline to turn in my next manuscript is far enough in the distance so it won’t cause me stress). From there, I reach out to my contacts in manageable batches according to which entities need the longest lead time to commit.

Tip #2: Prioritize Segments of Your Day

Authors habitually juggle marketing, editing, and writing for three different projects at any given time. The insanely prolific ones—definitely not me!—juggle considerably more. But whatever our output, we also need to remain physically and emotionally healthy and fit. Since all of this takes time, I find it helps to prioritize my day—or even each segment of my day—so my energy needs correspond to the task.

For example: my prime creativity begins before dawn and carries through midday, so I reserve this time for writing and leave the tedious work of PR outreach and designing graphics (Yep, I create all of my own) for later in the afternoon. Since I can easily drop in and out of this kind of work, I can coordinate it between when I swim laps, power walk, grocery shop, or cook.

I feel more relaxed and on track when I prioritize segments of my day, but measure my productivity by the week. In this way, I can reserve low energy work for low energy days and blaze through the heavy lifting when I feel strong and refreshed.

Tip #3: Rest and Rejuvenate How and When You Can

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when we’re swamped with a prolonged stretch of work and every waking moment feels dedicated to a task. But if we look carefully, we can usually find a few minutes and sometimes even an hour when we can rest our bodies and our minds. When every minute is precious, I am more apt to slow down if I can combine two or more restful activities into one.

My favorite end of day cool down is to lay on the floor with a deep tissue massage roller (AKA the torture roller) under my hips. I can rock and role the tension out of my glutes, illiotibial (IT) bands, and back while I listen to an audiobook and/or scroll through the social media comments to which I haven’t had time to reply. Although this is a far cry from the singular focus of my mindfulness training, it’s a welcome relief when I have run out of time.

Audiobooks and Shows

The other way I wind down from work and take a break from reading words on a page is to listen to and watch compelling stories created by someone other than me. LOL!

Here are a few shows and audiobooks that have kept (or are keeping me) engaged.

DUTTON RANCH and MARSHALLS satisfies the cowboy family drama cravings I’ve had since finishing YELLOWSTONE and writing/narrating my paniolo mystery, HAWAI‘I RAGE.

SHRINKING, YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, and MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES are great fun as is BERLIN AND THE LADY WITH AN ERMINE. But when, oh when will THE DIPLOMAT return? I hear they’ll begin shooting season four at the end of the year, which is definitely not soon enough!

As for audiobooks, I’m belatedly listing to Gregg Hurwitz’s NOWHERE MAN and finished (loved) THE GRAVE ARTIST by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado.

If you enjoyed the Hawaiian culture and language in KAUA‘I STORM and HAWAI‘I RAGE, you’ll definitely want to check out ’s debut fantasy mystery, THE KILLING SPELL, narrated beautifully by Barrie Kealoha.

And if you live in Portland, Oregon, join Shay and me
Monday, June 15, 7:00 p.m. at Annie Bloom’s Books!

• Two Native Hawaiian Authors

• Three Thrilling Books

• One Fascinating and Cultural Event

Learn more about and pre-order your signed copies of Shay’s THE KILLING SPELL and Tori’s HAWAI‘I RAGE and KAUA‘I STORM on the Annie Bloom’s Books Event Page.

A Hui Hou!

That’s it for now. Time for me to get back to work! 😂

I’ll leave you with my favorite book launch videocast appearance with on his fast-paced and entertaining THE WRITER’S DOSSIER.

Until next time, replenish your energy and enjoy your fun summer plans!

Aloha nō,
Tori 🌺

Good morning, my friends. Today is the day my Hawaiian cowboy mystery, HAWAI‘I RAGE, is released by Thomas & Mercer into the world. I can’t wait for readers (and listeners—I narrated the audiobook myself!) to experience my homeland with the depth of cultural perspective they may not have experienced before.

I set HAWAI‘I RAGE in the North Kohala district of Hawai‘i Island because this is the birth place of the paniolo, of King Kamehameha I, and where I can trace my own kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) ancestors to 1783. Five short years after that, King Kamehameha I was gifted seven longhorn from a British sea captain.

Immerse yourselves in the rich culture and history of Hawaiian cowboys as Ranger Makalani Pahukula helps her extended family on Hiapo Ranch. But the more time she spends with her ‘ohana, the more she worries that the shocking death of her cousin’s father was not the tragic accident it seems.

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About HAWAI‘I RAGE:

A suspicious death on a Kohala Mountain ranch draws ranger Makalani Pahukula into a tangled family tree in an emotional and suspenseful adventure by the bestselling author of the Lily Wong series.

Makalani Pahukula, interpretive ranger for Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, craves some rejuvenating hard work on Hawai‘i Island. When cousin-in-law Rosie offers Makalani a chance to help at the Hiapo family ranch, it’s the perfect opportunity. But something else weighs on Rosie’s mind. Her father recently died in a gruesome accident―trapped and cornered in a pit by an aggressive bull.

The wrong place at the wrong time? Rosie suspects something more sinister.

Not long into her work, Makalani’s suspicions rise too. The Hiapos aren’t as close as Makalani thought. All family members―the grandfather, the widow, the adversarial brothers co-running the ranch, the sister who wants anything but a paniolo life for her son, and the cowgirl who becomes Makalani’s friend―are hiding secrets from one another. And from Makalani.

When more dangerous accidents occur, Makalani has no choice but to follow the clues that lead her into the dark history of Hiapo Ranch and draw out the culprit before someone else dies.

About the Author:

Tori Eldridge is the author of the Ranger Makalani Pahukula mysteries, the Lily Wong ninja thrillers, Dance Among the Flames, and numerous short stories. Born in Honolulu—of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Norwegian descent—Tori graduated from Punahou School with classmate Barack Obama before performing as an actress, singer, and dancer on Broadway, television, and film, and earning a fifth-degree black belt in To-Shin Do ninja martial arts. Her literary works have garnered Anthony, Lefty, and Macavity Award nominations and the 2021 Crimson Scribe for Best Book of the Year. Tori lives in Portland, Oregon near her precious grandchildren, where she narrated the audiobooks for Kauai Storm and Hawai‘i Rage.

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For Book Clubs:

I love providing fun extras for my readers and listeners. Visit the For Readers section of my website that includes all seven of my books, or go directly to the HAWAI‘I RAGE BOOK CLUB PAGE.

Podcasts & Videocasts:

I’ve had an absolute blast chatting with show hosts about this unusual book: a sweeping Hawaiian western, a multigenerational family drama, and a page-turning mystery for Ranger Makalani Pahukula to solve.

Here are three of my favorites shows so far:

The Poisoned Pen In Conversation with Barbara Peters

I always enjoy launching my books at this iconic independent bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona, where many of my Norwegian-side relatives and writer, reader, and ninja friends live. The owner, Barbara Peters, streamed our conversation live.

In Conversation with Terry Shepherd

Terry is one of my favorite podcast hosts. He’s an insightful interviewer with a high-production show. This is a fast-paced interview with a deep view into my story, characters, setting, writing process, and even an extremely detailed description of my experience narrating this book with my director, Jennifer Aquino, for Brilliance Audio at Digital One recording studio in Portland, Oregon!

It’s Lit with PhDJ and Jocelyn Kapumealani Ng (a paniolo herself!)

This show is a unique blend of conversation between these engaging Hawaiian hosts, Excerpts of me reading from my novel, their entertaining reactions (!), Hawaiian songs I selected to accompany my excerpts, and a quick Q&A at the end!

Hawai‘i + Cowboys + a Native Hawaiian Author = a thrilling, authentic, and deeply emotional experience I hope my readers and listeners will enjoy.

A Hui Hou!

That’s all for now, my friends. Please check out my book and buy your paperback, eBook, or audiobook today. You have no idea how much this helps generate excitement and momentum during a book launch! I would also love you forever if you would help me buzz this very special book.

Mahalo nui wau iā ʻoukou a pau! I appreciate you all so much!

Me ke aloha,
Tori 🌺

As I begin my book launch season for HAWAI‘I RAGE—out May 19th! —I’m reminded of the wonderful advice I received from my dear author friend Naomi Hirahara before my debut novel released in 2019.

Eight years before that, I had completely reprioritized my life, time, and resources away from teaching and training in ninja martial arts to becoming a novelist. I finally had a two-book deal, fabulous ARCs, and dozens of promotional events, guest posts, and interviews I had personally scheduled for the launch. I was on fire and determined to do everything possible to make THE NINJA DAUGHTER a spectacular success.

But although I had built strong relationships with veteran authors and industry professionals over the years, I wanted guidance from someone who had tread this path before.

So I reached out to veteran author Naomi Hirahara, who is Asian American and a member of Crime Writers of Color like me. We hadn’t actually met in person, but since we both lived in Los Angeles, I invited her to lunch.

Note: at the end of my post, I will share a massive book giveaway that will introduce you to over fifty fabulous AANHPI authors and 85+ books!

Over bento lunch in Little Tokyo, Naomi smiled at my newbie exuberance and told me that, although debut authors always want to do everything, it simply cannot be done. She reminded me that there would be many other books and that I should relax and enjoy what I could do this time around. Despite being a year older than her, I have thought of Naomi as my literary mama-san ever since.

As my workload stacks up and my imminent due dates ticks down, I find myself repeating her advice like a mantra to remain calm:

This was not new information. As an empowerment specialist (one of my many past careers), I wrote and spoke about time management, prioritization, and the acceptance we must have for the pain and/or disappointment our choices and actions might cause. Why? Because every minute or hour we devote to someone or something is a minute or hour we will not have to pursue a different endeavor or to spend time with someone else.

As I approach the release of my seventh traditionally published novel, I’m keeping these lessons in mind.

I’m also considering these and other lessons I’ve learned throughout my circuitous journey to authorship while composing my keynote speech for the Sonoran Writers Conference this coming Saturday in Mesa, Arizona. I feel incredibly honored to have been invited, on my birthday no less! I’m overjoyed that I’ll be in the company of, and tasked with the mission to inspire, a conference full of growth-minded writers. See you all soon!

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HAWAI‘I RAGE Book Launch Events:

I cordially invite you all to join me during one or more of my author events. Several of these are evergreen podcasts or videocasts. Some, like my Poisoned Pen Bookstore event on May 15, 7pm MST, will be in-person and also live streamed. I promise you that each one will be a unique and fun experience. All of my hosts ask such different and engaging questions.

Hopeton Hay on his May 12th Diverse Voices Book Review Podcast, says HAWAI‘I RAGE is perfect for book clubs and asks many insightful questions about theme, characters, history, culture, and such.

The Writers Dossier with Jeff Circle on May 18 is fast-paced and fun.

My In Conversation with Terry Shepherd on May 19 dives deeply into craft and also my experiences narrating the 58+ characters in this book.

The Story Blender conversation with Steve James is a blast, like eavesdropping on two great author friends talking shop.

My book launch party at BOLD Coffee and Books in Portland, Oregon will be a celebration with music, hula, flowers, and the fabulous menu of snacks and drinks (including adult beverages) in addition to a stimulating conversation with Francis Lu-Pai Ippolito.

And on May 28th, Rick Bleiweiss from Chapter & Verse asks me about my entire life’s journey (No joke!) from Honolulu with classmate Barack Obama through college, Broadway, television, film, recording with Brian Wilson, martial arts, and everything else possible leading up to my current author career. And all of it in a high-energy, fast-paced, highly entertaining hour!

Pre-Order HAWAI‘I RAGE & Amplifying AANHPI:

Have you pre-ordered your paperback, eBook, or audiobook copies of HAWAI‘I RAGE? If so, my deepest heartfelt thanks to you! I cannot express how important these pre-orders are when launching a new book.

Signed Copies from The Poisoned Pen

Bookshop

Audible

Amazon

It also helps me and other authors tremendously when readers post about, recommend, and otherwise share their excitement for our upcoming releases. I will love you forever if you will help generate excitement for my special family drama mystery, set on an authentic Hawaiian cowboy ranch.

For May is AANHPI Heritage Month, please consider amplifying Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders authors like me.

I made this paniolo graphic especially to share during #AANHPIHeritageMonth.

Mahalo nui no kāu kōkua ‘ana! I appreciate your help SO much!

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Massive AANHPI Books Giveaway:

My industrious author friend has arranged yet another massive AANHPI Book Giveaway. Here’s her description:

“We’ve got so many great storytellers in our community and now is your chance to get a bundle of free signed books simply by entering your name and email address here. This year we have 50+ authors and 85+ signed books. We will be choosing 9 winners to receive a book bundle, which is sure to contain their next favorite read.”

Enter Stack the Shelves Giveaway

Look at all these gorgeous books you could win!

See You on Pub Day!

Okay, my friends, that’s all for now. Two weeks and counting until book release day. I’ll pop in again on May 19th, 2026!

A hui hou,
Tori 🌺

It’s also the time when the articles and Q&As I have promised are due, which brings up the question…

Why is it so damn hard to write about my work?

Seriously, folks. I mean, I spent a year of my life researching paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys), ranching, cattle, the Big Island, Pu‘u Koholā Heiau, the duties of their rangers, King Kamehameha I, the current challenges facing Hawai‘i’s beef industry, and every other detail imaginable that I’d need to write HAWAI‘I RAGE. I should be an expert. Yet once the book is locked, the information flies out of my head.

A similar phenomenon used to happen when finished or left a show. No matter how long I had performed, the choreography, dialogue, and/or lyrics hightailed it out of my mind to make room for the new materials I needed to learn. I have former Broadway dancer friends who can still remember choreography they danced decades ago. Meanwhile, I have reoccurring nightmares—that plague me whenever I’m swamped and feeling unprepared—about being on stage for CATS and not remembering a single damn step!

Which brings me back to this blog. How can it be so difficult to write about what we know?

The first two sets of interview questions took me two weeks to write. TWO WEEKS. I mean, what the hell? These were straight forward questions that every author is asked and that I could have answered on the spot in any podcast or videocast I was on. And yet, putting these answers into efficient sentences that wouldn’t take too much visual space on a page screeched me to a stop.

That good ole perfectionism bug bit me again.

It felt as if this would be my only opportunity in life to share every aspiration, revelation, knowledge, and thought related to the upcoming book that I desperately want people to buy, read, and adore. The pressure was too much. Every word, sentence, and paragraph became too precious to write.

But I did what authors do: I soldiered on and finished the job.

And you know what? It was one of the best Q&A interviews I’ve ever written. LOL! [You can decide for yourself when it comes out in Jeff Ayer’s column in The Real Book Spy in April or May.] More importantly for my mental health, it helped me break through the perfectionism when writing about myself and my work.

I was shocked when I returned to the first Q&A that I had abandoned and cranked out the answers with ease. It was actually kind of fun. So I tried my hand at an essay about celebrating Hawaiian cowboys and the words flowed just as well. Before I knew it, I had finished four more pieces that I’ll be able to share during my book launch.

What changed?

After finishing that first intimidating interview, I realized there would be more. A lot more. And with each interview, essay, and guest post, I could expand further, change direction, or address something new. The vast number of book launch writing assignments that had felt so overwhelming before, now had the opposite effect. Because there were so many, none of them needed to contain everything there was to say. After all, the best way to know what’s in my heart and soul or how I feel about HAWAI‘I RAGE, is to read or listen to the book.

Words were flowing, and I was having fun. I was on such a roll that I took a short break from my novel-in-progress to ride the momentum and tackle more of my book launch tasks. My energy has been over-charged ever since. (And if you know me personally, you know that’s saying a lot!)

Although I usually resent the ancillary assignments that pull me from my novel-in-progress, I believe the ease with which I’ve been writing these essays, answers, and posts will continue when I return.

Striving for excellence leads to growth and notable works only if the quest for that excellence doesn’t take over and inhibit our voice. Rather than stopping my creative momentum, I expect this breakthrough will free up my words.

Note: This post flowed out of me in record time.

PS: I would really, really, REALLY love it if you pre-ordered HAWAI‘I RAGE. 😉🌺🙏🏽

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Audiobook Narration:

I had another fantastic experience narrating my own audiobook for HAWAI‘I RAGE. Once again, Brilliance Audio put me in the fabulous Digital One Studios in Portland with Jennifer Aquino directing virtually from Los Angeles and Josh Millman editing from the control room. As with my narration for KAUA‘I STORM—on sale at Audible right now for only $4.32!!!—I had well over fifty characters to voice. And since I had been a professional actor in theater, television, and film, I embodied each and every one.

If you’re reading this post on or close to April 1, 2026, you’ll be able to pre-order the HAWAI‘I RAGE audiobook at Audible for only $7.28. I believe the sale lasts through April 7th. I’d love you to pieces if you grabbed both of my audiobooks today. 🥰

Here’s a fun video I shot on my final day of book narration.

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Books and Audiobooks I’ve Enjoyed:

Right now I’m listening to Viola Davis narrate JUDGE STONE, her debut novel she co-wrote with James Patterson. I was utterly enthralled with her memoir, FINDING ME, also narrated by her, so I jumped on the NetGalley offer to listen to her riveting courtroom drama.

I also enjoyed listening to Danielle Girard’s newest domestic thriller, PINKY SWEAR and Reese Witherspoon’s debut thriller with Harlan Coben, GONE BEFORE GOODBYE, Alice Feeney with SOMETIMES I LIE, and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s ONE TRUE LOVE. [I gushed about Taylor’s books in the past, so I’ll control myself today.]

I heartily recommend all of these audiobooks.

Since I’ve had less time to actually sit down and read, I only have two books to add. But they are both fantastic and worth checking out! BEHIND THESE FOUR WALLS by Yasmin Angoe and BLADE by Wendy Walker. Happy reading, my friends.

A Hui Hou!

That’s all for now. I’ll leave you with this cheery photo from my book research trip and horseback ride at Na‘alapa Stables on Kahua Ranch, Hawai‘i Island.

I was honored beyond measure to speak for over an hour with Hawai‘i Senator Tim Richards, who is also the owner of Kahua Ranch. He graciously shared his memories, experiences, and thoughts about the current state of Hawai‘i’s beef industry. Speaking with him and also riding on his ‘ohana’s ‘āina nui—his family’s abundant land—made a great impression on me. In my fictional HAWAI‘I RAGE world, my Hiapo Ranch would border his own.

I wish I could be in Waimea right now!

Sending you all warm wishes from Portland Oregon,
Tori 🌺

PS: You find more photos from my research trip on my HAWAI‘I RAGE Book Club Page.

PPS: Senator Richards sent me a lovely thank you letter after I sent him an ARC.

I thought I better check in quick since January flew by and February, although shorter, promises to be a busy and exciting month, which includes Chinese New Year celebrations that begins on February 17th.

I’m a little early, but… Gung Hey Fat Choy!

Growing up in Honolulu, where much of the Chinese population—including my grandfather—immigrated from parts of Canton (Guandong), we always wished our family and friends luck and prosperity by saying Gung Hey Fat Choy in Cantonese. (I never heard the Mandarin Gong Xi Fa Cai until I moved to the mainland.)

Health, love, happiness? Those are great too. But the number one wish for Chinese New Year was always for fortune and luck.

Luck must have played a part in my new book because, although I didn’t plan to align with the Fire Horse, I couldn’t have picked a better zodiac animal for the release of my Hawaiian cowboy mystery-thriller, HAWAI‘I RAGE. The book launch is three months away, but I already wish I had a fast steed with paniolo skills to match in order to keep up.

The horse energy brings action, freedom, and intensity. Fire increases the passion. It’s a time for breakthroughs and momentum. But we also need the flexibility and suppleness to keep hold of our seat.

Chinese New Year is still a week away and I’ve already been reminded that I need to be mindful if I hope to survive the intensity, action, and high-speed momentum a Fire Horse year can bring.

But the Fire Horse year is about more than speed.

Susan Gu, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist at the HVN in London, explained in Vogue, “A Horse year is not about running the fastest but running the longest. The Horse is not afraid of slowness, it’s afraid of stillness.”

So my personal wish for this year is to ride the fire horse energy with passion and courage, while at the same time taking care of myself physically and emotionally so I don’t burn out.

This is a year for massive creative growth, risks, and professional leaps. It might be scary at time, but if we relax in the saddle and meld with the fire horse energy, I think we’ll be fine.

And speaking of good fortune, check out this early praise from a USA bestselling author of contemporary western thrillers. So glad I passed his authenticity test!

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Mindful Reminders:

As I mentioned earlier, this month has already reminded me about the importance of self care. We all know this, right? But it’s really easy to forget, especially when we’re stressed or lulled into complacency by our general strength and good health.

I had barely passed through the first week when I was reminded how important vocal health is for audiobook narration. I know it’s obvious, but it’s also easy to take for granted when you’re talking effortlessly throughout the day. Narrating an audiobook is far more demanding on your voice (and concentration) than chatting with and singing to my grandkids, that’s for sure!

With my debut narration for KAUA‘I STORM, I practice-recorded every chapter (often several times) at home over the course of ten days to prepare and build my stamina for the five straight days of narrating in a recording studio with my director and engineer. Since it was my first time narrating an audiobook, I crept into it slowly and carefully—ever conscious that my experiences as a voiceover artist and actor might not apply.

This time, I dove in with careless exuberance, lulled into believing I could repeat the process that had worked so well for me before. But here’s the thing…

Repeating what has worked in the past is not always appropriate, necessary, or smart.

Not surprisingly, I strained my voice, which—as it often happens with me—led to a fully congested, throat-aching cold. Argh!!! I know better than this. I used to sing on theater stages and in clubs. I’ve recorded songs and voiceover tracks in studios. I know the importance of warming up my vocal chords before making demands. I also know when I should stop. So what happened?

Fear of failing drove me to push harder than I should.

Exuberance wasn’t the only catalyst to my negligent choices. Like many creatives, I was riddled with doubt.

What if I couldn’t find my narrating voice? What if the characters didn’t sound real? What if I couldn’t narrate this audiobook as well as the one before? I knew I should take a break, but I worried I wouldn’t have enough time to prepare.

Sound familiar?

I face the same kinds of fear as a writer almost every day.

Every creative person I know wrestles with the same demons. No matter how successful they are or how many blockbusters they’ve written or produced, there is always that niggling doubt—or paralyzing terror! —that they won’t be able to do it again.

It’s not an idle fear. After all, many creatives don’t.

And yet, the ones still at it persist. They—me included—remind ourselves we have faced and overcome these fears with every new book. If we did it before, the chances are in our favor that we will be able to do it again.

The remedy for today’s bout of fear is often found in yesterday’s success.

So, I put away my narrating fears, stowed my microphone and headphones, and gave my voice a much-needed break. Meanwhile, I’ve been re-evaluating the best way for the author-narrator I am today to prepare to narrate this particular book.

And that’s the big take-away reminder I gained from this week.

I have four more days to prepare for my first day in the studio. Wish me luck!

You can read about my debut narrating adventures in Experiences of an Author Hired to Narrate Her Own Book.

Great Books by Hawai‘i-Born Authors:

If you read and loved my Ranger Makalani Pahukula family drama mystery and are searching for another immersive authentically Hawaiian story, I have two new books/audiobooks to recommend while you wait for HAWAI‘I RAGE. Both are beautifully voiced by Hawai‘i-born narrators.

THE SHARK HOUSE by Sara Ackerman (narrated by Jennifer Robideau) is a gorgeous women’s fiction mystery about marine biologist Minnow Gray, who is brought back to Hawai‘i Island to uncover the reason behind recent white shark attacks. What makes this book so special is the care and authenticity with which Hawai‘i-born author Sara Ackerman writes. Her deep love for our Hawaiian people and culture radiates on every page. You will feel the spiritual connection between the Native Hawaiians and manō (sharks).

On a personal note, Sara is the elder sister of one of my Punahou School friends! She is the bestselling author of nine contemporary or historical novels set in Hawai‘i. Check them out!

THE PŌHAKU by Jasmine ‘Iolani Hakes (narrated by Jolene Jaxon) is a magical realism historical novel with a dual timeline in contemporary Honolulu. This is a delicious book with rich characterization, sweeping history, and myth. Jasmine’s debut novel, HULA, was one of my favorite reads last year. They are quite different. I encourage you to investigate them both and read or listen to whichever grabs you first.

Left Coast Crime in San Francisco:

While our grandkids celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong with their mom’s family, my husband and I will be flying to San Francisco to visit with my sister’s family while attending Left Coast Crime. This more intimate crime fiction/mystery conference is always a blast.

In addition to my “All in the Family” panel on Thursday, February 26—which plays nicely with my multigenerational family themes—I also look forward to casual conversations with old and new writer and reader friends.

If you’re registered for the conference, be sure to sign up for my Author-Reader Connection on Saturday, February 28 to receive an advanced reader copy of HAWAI‘I RAGE and talk story about Hawai‘i with me.

A Hui Hou!

Until next time, my friends, wishing you all the best in the new year.

Aloha,
Tori 🌺

Recognizing this is a perspective shifter, for sure. I feel awestruck and inspired by the stellar books I’ve listened to and read, but recognizing the abundance also makes me appreciate the attention my humble books have received. All of this encourages me to read, listen, and write even more.

What follows are some of my favorite audiobooks and books that I’ve enjoyed in 2025. I left out the ones I think I enjoyed the previous year, like KING OF ASHES by S.A. Cosby, The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, and REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt.

I hope my list of favorites introduces you to something wonderful and new.

Tori’s Favorite Audiobooks & Books Enjoyed in 2025

THE PERFECT SON by Freida McFaddan, narrated by Suzie Althens and Daniel Thomas May

THE STILLWATER GIRLS by Minka Kent, narrated by Lauren Ezzo and Melissa Moran

THE KILL CLAUSE (short story) by Lisa Unger, narrated by Vivienne Leheny

WHAT LIES BETWEEN US by John Marrs, narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden

KAUA‘I STORM by Tori Eldridge, narrated by Tori Eldridge

THE TURN OF THE KEY by Ruth Ware, narrated by Imogen Church

SEDUCTION THEORY by Emily Adrian, narrated by Jennifer Pickens

THE DOLLS HOUSE by Lisa Unger, narrated by Mia Barron and Kimberly Woods

DAISY JONES & THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, and Pablo Schreiber

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO, by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, and Robin Miles

CARRIE SOTO IS BACK by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Stacy Gonzalez, Mary Carillo, Patrick Mcenroe, Rob Simmelkjaer, Brendan Wayne, max Meyers, Reynaldo Piniella, Vidish Athavale, Tom Bromheard, Heath Miller, Julia Whelan , Sara Arington

MALIBU RISING by Taylor Jenkins Reid

SMALL THINGS by Wanda M. Morris, narrated by Susannah Jones

A LOVELY LIE, by Jaimie Lynn Hendricks, narrated by Hillary Huber

DEATH ROW (short story) by Frieda McFadden, narrated by Lauryn Allman

THE GREAT MANN by Kyra Davis Lurie, narrated by Ian Hackney

PRETTY GIRLS by Karin Slaughter, narrated by Kathleen Early

YOU DESERVE TO KNOW, by Aggie Blum Thompson, narrated by Alex Picard

BEAUTIFUL UGLY by Alic Feeney, narrated by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton

LAST SEEN by J.T. Ellison

THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by Jessamine Chan, narrated by Catharine Ho

DIVERSION by Cindy Goyette

THE COUPLE IN 5B by Lisa Unger

THE FOURTH DAUGHTER by Lyn Liao Butler

THE SUMMER GUESTS by Tess Gerritsen, narrated by Hillary Huber

TELL ME WHAT YOU DID by Carter Wilson, narrated by Allyson Ryan and Patrick Zeller

THE PARIS NOVEL by Ruth Reichl, narrated by Kiiri Sandy

ATMOSPHERE by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Kristen KiMercurio, Julia Whelan, Taylor Jenkins Reid

THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH by Liv Constantine, narrated by Raquel Beattie, Scott Brick, Suzanne Elise Freeman, Erin Bennett

KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner

KING OF ASHES by S.A. Cosby, narrated by Adam Lazarre-White

WARD D by Freida McFadden

THE LIE SHE WEARS by Elle Marr

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Books & Audiobooks by Tori Eldridge to Enjoy!

And if those recommendations weren’t enough, I hope you’ll also check out my Lily Wong Thrillers—THE NINJA DAUGHTER, THE NINJA’S BLADE, THE NINJA BETRAYED, THE NINJA’S OATH—and my first Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery, KAUA‘I STORM. I have fabulous audiobooks for the first three Lily Wong Thrillers. The series can be read in order or enjoyed as standalone novels.

Hint: If you’d like a vicarious trip to Hong Kong with family drama, triads, and a hint of romance, try THE NINJA BETRAYED. If you want an exciting adventure, steamy relationships, and epic fight scenes set in Shanghai and Osaka—Best Thriller Books said my battle royale could make Quentin Tarrantino blush! —check out THE NINJA’S OATH.

I’m especially proud of the KAUA‘I STORM audiobook because it’s narrated by me!

Fun Fact: Brilliance Audio has also hired me to narrate HAWAI‘I RAGE (coming May 19, 2025).

You can find links to all of them on my website, including bookstores that may still have signed copies. My book club pages have gobs of videos, photos, discussion questions, and recipes to enjoy.

Tori’s Website with Lily Wong Thrillers

Tori’s Lily Wong Thrillers Book Club Page

Tori’s KAUA‘I STORM Page

Tori’s KAUA‘I STORM Book Club Page

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Mele Kalikimaka & Seasons Greetings to All!

Mahalo for reading my muse-letters and supporting my free Substack blog. I have really enjoyed connecting with all of you in this way. I look forward to more connections in the new year.

And if you’re looking for interesting Substack blogs to follow, I invite you to check out my subscriptions. It’s always a pleasure when their posts appear in my inbox. I hope seeing mine appear in yours makes you smile. 😊

Here’s my hubby and me with our adorable mo‘opuna wishing all of you laughter, peace, and joy!

Me ke aloha,
Tori 🌺

As promised, here is the captivating cover for my second Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery, HAWAI‘I RAGE!

Coming May 19, 2026 from Thomas & Mercer

Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery, Book 2

PRE-ORDER TODAY!

The longer I look at the cover, the more symbolic elements I see. When you read the book description below, you’ll understand what I mean.

About Hawai‘i Rage:

A suspicious death on a Kohala Mountain ranch draws ranger Makalani Pahukula into a tangled family tree in an emotional and suspenseful adventure by the bestselling author of the Lily Wong series.

Makalani Pahukula, interpretive ranger for Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, craves some rejuvenating hard work on Hawai‘i Island. When cousin-in-law Rosie offers Makalani a chance to help at the Hiapo family ranch, it’s the perfect opportunity. But something else weighs on Rosie’s mind. Her father recently died in a gruesome accident―trapped and cornered in a pit by an aggressive bull.

The wrong place at the wrong time? Rosie suspects something more sinister.

Not long into her work, Makalani’s suspicions rise too. The Hiapos aren’t as close as Makalani thought. Everyone in the family―the grandfather, the widow, the adversarial brothers co-running the ranch, the sister who wants anything but a paniolo life for her son, and the cowgirl who becomes Makalani’s friend―are hiding secrets from one another. And from Makalani.

When more dangerous accidents occur, Makalani has no choice but to follow the clues that lead her into the dark history of Hiapo Ranch and draw out the culprit before someone else dies.

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Gratitude:

Mahalo to my fabulous publishing team at Thomas & Mercer—editorial, marketing, and design—who worked together to create this evocative cover for HAWAI‘I RAGE. Special thanks to cover artist, Ploy Siripant and art director Jarrod Taylor—who also worked together to design the cover for KAUA‘I STORM—and to my wonderfully caring editor, Elizabeth Agyemang for including me in the process. Trust me, that is not always the case.

Language, Authenticity, and Chief of War:

In my previous muse-letter I wrote about how empowering it felt to hear ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i being spoken by the Native Hawaiian characters in CHIEF OF WAR. Although some people griped about the effort it took for them to read subtitles, it was, for me, a brave and essential choice.

I felt the same imperative while writing KAUA‘I STORM and HAWAI‘I RAGE. While I don’t expect my readers to sound out the occasional words and phrases that appear in my Ranger Makalani Pahukula books, I believe it enriches the reading experience to see our language in print.

Including ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i in literature and media is also culturally important because our language was discouraged in the colonial society and banned from our schools—even though the Hawaiian Kingdom was one of the most literate nations in the world at that time!

Of course, there’s a delicate balance between authenticity and fluidity.

I thought the CHIEF OF WAR creators were particularly clever in the way they were able to weave English into the dialogue via Ka‘iana’s experiences abroad and the arrival and influence of John Young on Hawai‘i Island. This gave a plausible reason to integrate the two languages and make the story easier for the public at large to digest.

As an author, I strive to embed Hawaiian words and phrases in a way that makes contextual sense. Sometimes, I will define it for additional clarity. Other times, I’ll trust the reader to understand. It’s this trust that invites my audience into Hawai‘i, as if to say, “E komo mai i ko‘u hale. Come in to my house.”

But like visiting any new country, place, or culture, immersion and understanding requires effort on the part of the visitor as well.

This is another reason I loved CHIEF OF WAR. The creators didn’t serve it on a platter for easy consumption. They did their part and expected viewers to do theirs. If reading subtitles is overly taxing for a particular viewer, then I guarantee our Hawaiian history and culture will require too much effort to appreciate and comprehend. And you know what? That’s okay!

Entertainment does not need to have a universal appeal to be great.

I also loved the way creators Thomas Pa’a Sibbett and Jason Momoa infused our Hawaiian culture, crafts, and spiritual beliefs into their show. It was especially fun for me to see some of the historical facts and ancestors I wrote about in HAWAI‘I RAGE appear in their show.

Fun fact for my readers:

King Kamehameha I’s sacred heiau on Hawai‘i Island’s Kohala Coast is the Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site where my protagonist Ranger Makalani Pahukula now works. Fans of CHIEF OF WAR will appreciate the added bits of history behind this heiau, which involve Kamehameha’s rival cousin Keōua and his advisor (and uncle) Keʻeaumoku Pāpaʻiahiahi—featured as “Moku,” father to Ka‘ahumanu, in the show. My readers will also learn more about the ancient craft of nā hulu ali‘i, royal Hawaiian featherwork in HAWAI‘I RAGE.

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Kaua‘i Storm Audiobook:

For a truly immersive Hawai‘i experience, I invite you to listen to the KAUA‘I STORM audiobook, narrated by me!

Narrating my book for Brilliance Publishing was a highlight to both my acting and author careers.

LISTEN TO CHAPTER ONE

About Kaua‘i Storm:

After ten years as a national park ranger in Oregon, Makalani Pahukula is back on Kaua‘i for her grandmother’s birthday. Having been gone for so long, Makalani finds the disconnect with her people and their struggles have never been more profound. Neither has her need to reacquaint herself with everything she left behind. When she reaches the homestead, she finds a bickering family and the disconcerting news that her cousins―a failed college football player and a rebellious teenage girl―have gone missing.

Makalani hopes they just ran off, too careless to realize the worry they’ve caused. But when hunters find a dead body in the Keālia Forest Reserve, Makalani fears something ominous is at play, and the search for her cousins grows more desperate. Although her help may not be welcomed by family and locals, Makalani is determined to solve a mystery that poses a greater risk than anyone imagines.

The investigation will open her heart, reawaken her love for the land she calls home, and strengthen her bond with her family. Because no matter how long she’s been away, for Makalani, Hawai‘i is in her blood.

A Hui Hou:

Until next time, I wish you all joy and peace during the holiday season. I know it can be stressful at times, but at the core of all these celebrations is love.

Me ke aloha,
Tori 🌺

When I’m writing regularly and meeting a weekly goal, these unproductive days are easier to bear. I can take a break or switch focus and do something else without feeling like I should give up and crawl into a hole. When I’m already out of practice and beginning a new book, those hard days feel like they won’t ever end.

What helps?

As I’ve shared before, exercise of any kind relieves the stress, releases feel-good endorphins, and gives my mind an opportunity to meander, organize, and create.

Interacting with other writers—as I did last month at Bouchercon in New Orleans and again this past weekend in Sacramento as a guest speaker for Capitol Crime’s Criminally Good Writers Conference—connects me to community and provides an opportunity to learn and give back.

Reading and listening to audiobooks pause the self-defeating noise in my head and allows me to find solace in someone else’s fictional world. It’s more than comfort and escapism. Since I also read critically, I’m inspired by the craft. I think…

After all, highs and lows are a natural part of a professional author’s life, which goes deeper than the glitz and sparkle of book launches, conferences, and awards. We struggle with our doubts and burn through endless strategies that will trigger our creativity, focus our attention, and keep us in our seats long enough to finish the job we are contracted to do.

We moan and rejoice.

We soar with confidence and wallow in despair.

We remind ourselves that we and others have done this before.

But mostly, through it all, we persist.

And if we are fortunate, we are rewarded with a wonderfully satisfying book—which, oddly enough, can become a distraction of its own. In fact, right now, one of my biggest obstacles in regaining my writing momentum for my current work in progress is the editorial and book cover design process for my next soon-to-be-published book.

I’ll be posting the cover reveal for HAWAI‘I RAGE very soon!

Although I truly adore this stage of publishing, all the pauses and restarts definitely take me off track when I’m trying to create.

What helps restart momentum?

Putting my eyes on my manuscript and my fingers on the keys!

(I would have said keeping my butt in the chair, but I often write standing or kneeling on the floor!)

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Finding a New Favorite Author:

I often choose my titles based on the genre or theme I want in my head, which is especially helpful if I’m trying something new. Or sometimes, I’ll reverse that and seek out entertainment is completely different than what I’m creating, like a memoir, science fiction, or fantasy. Either way, I have a knack for choosing what will serve me the most at that time.

At this moment, that author is Taylor Jenkins Reid. I began by listening to her most recent blockbuster, then followed it up with four of her backlist books. Here they are in the order I happened to enjoy:

ATMOSPHERE by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Kristen DiMercurio, Jula Whelan, and Taylor Jenkins Reid

MALIBU RISING by Taylor Jenkins Reid

CARRIE SOTO IS BACK by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Stacy Gonzalez and a full cast

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles

And I’m currently listening to DAISY JONES & THE SIX, also by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, Pablo Schreiber.

Incidentally, I almost never read and/or listen to the same author back to back, but something about reading this author at this moment is exactly what I need.

More Marvelous Books:

DEATH ROW by Freida McFadden, narrated by Lauryn Allman

LAST SEEN by J.T. Ellison

BEAUTIFUL UGLY by Alice Feeney, narrated by Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton

THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by Jessamine Chan, narrated by Catharine Ho

THE COUPLE IN 5B by Lisa Unger

THE FOURTH DAUGHTER by Lyn Liao Butler

A LOVELY LIE by Jaime Lynn Hendricks, narrated by Hillary Huber

THE GREAT MANN by Kyra Davis Lurie, narrated by Ian Hackney

A Hui Hou!

Happy reading, my friends. I’ll be back very soon to reveal the beautiful and intriguing cover for Ranger Makalani Pahukula’s next adventure, HAWAI‘I RAGE!

Until then, may your days be happy, creative, and productive. The moment I publish this post, I’m going to dive back into my work. May we all find the momentum to pursue and complete what we enjoy!

Aloha,
Tori 🌺

ToriEldridge.com

I also strive for balance in my day-to-day life.

But with writing deadlines, a family to care for, and all of the daily chores none of us can escape, it’s often challenging to squeeze in the physical activities that keep ourselves fit.

That’s when overlapping objectives pays off—in my case, quite literally, because I’ve been swimming laps in a pool.

A writer’s work isn’t tied to a chair.

Before I moved to Oregon, I would hike in the barren hills outside of Los Angeles with a dictation app on my phone in case I had a break through with dialogue, character development, or plot. The open-space wilderness near my home gave my thoughts freedom to roam without people nearby or urban curiosities to distract.

Although I lost my nearby wilderness solitude when I moved, I gained an affordable community parks and recreation membership that allows me to swim. [Check your town to see if there’s a similar option for you. Ours also has weight training, courts, and classes for a fraction of a typical gym membership.]

The pool has become an isolation tank for my mind, shutting out all sounds except for my exhaling bubbles and the garbled music playing on the speakers. I can’t tell what the lifeguards are actually listening to, but it always sound like soothing Hawaiian reggae to me.

I set a steady pace and sink into a hypnotic groove—freestyle up, backstroke on the return, the occasional breast stroke with frog kicks to open up my post-surgery hips. I don’t pause to rest or chat. I just keep swimming up and back in my lane, either staring through my goggles at the blue-tiled line, below, on the ever-deepening floor of the pool or the metal beams on the high ceiling overhead.

Where, my friends, do you find your focus to create?

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Current Writing Stage:

As you probably deduced, I’ve been working through ideas for a new novel—two new novels actually, a possible third Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery and a stand-alone suspense. I’ve fleshed both of them out while swimming. Both have me very excited to write!

Meanwhile, I’m at the end of my developmental editing stage for the sequel to KAUA‘I STORM that takes Makalani to Hawai‘i Island. I’ve been waiting to share the title until we have a book cover to release. I will say that this new book is rich in Hawaiian culture, multigenerational family drama, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) adventure.

What I’m Watching:

Like every other Hawaiian on the planet, I’m glued to CHIEF OF WAR. It is so empowering to hear ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i spoken with English subtitles instead of the often-used convention of beginning dialogue in a foreign language and transitioning to English to make it easier for the audience to digest. Since this topic—and the show—is so important and relevant to my book series, I promise to write more about it in my next muse-letter. In the meantime, suffice it to say that I love CHIEF OF WAR and can’t recommend it enough!

What I’m Reading:

In addition to THE LAKE ESCAPE, an entertaining new domestic suspense by Jamie Day, I’m reading and loving LAST SEEN by J.T. Ellison. Once again, she’s hit it out of the park with another intriguing psychological thriller about “the bonds of family and the disconnect between memory and the truth.”

Before that, I read THE FOURTH DAUGHTER by Lyn Liao Butler, that blends heartfelt family drama with heartbreaking Taiwanese history. It’s told in two timelines: contemporary and sixty years in the past.

I’m listening to THE SUMMER GUESTS by Tess Gerritsen, which released in March. It’s the second of her three-book Martini Club series. It’s a lot of fun. I look forward to the third!

Before that, I enjoyed listening to TELL ME WHAT YOU DID by Carter Wilson and fell head over heels with THE PARIS NOVEL by Ruth Reichl. If you want to truly immerse yourself in a sumptuous experience, I highly recommend the audiobook for this visceral Paris trip.

What I’m Drinking:

Since I’m sipping a cup of Second Flush Darjeeling tea while I write, I thought I’d share a few other tea recommendations with you!

My favorite brand for loose leaf tea is The Tao of Tea, a Portland-based company with a vast selection of high quality choices. In addition to the Darjeeling, I always keep Dragonwell and Malty Asaam on hand.

When I’m not drinking tea, I enjoy sparkling water with an ounce or two of fresh ginger juice, sometimes sweetened with honey (or orgeat syrup) and possibly with a squeeze of lime. Blending and straining fresh chucks of ginger or steeping slices in water work equally well, but produce a slightly different taste. Experiment with both and see what you like best.

A Hui Hou…

Until next time, I wish you all a fun, fit, and creative month doing whatever you enjoy and inspires you the most!

Aloha,
Tori 🌺

I was recently invited to give a “Sunday Session” online workshop for the Kaua‘i Writers Conference on how I discover story and characters through research. The session went so well that I wanted to share some of the highlights with you. It’s especially timely since I am, once again, researching a new book.

Where I Find Inspiration:

Plots and characters don’t just pop into my head from a premise or from headlines ripped from the news. It would be so much quicker if they did! Instead, I have to mine for those gems in a rather painstaking, albeit enjoyable way.

It’s all about culture and history for me. Story and characters emerge from researching what fascinates me most about a place.

Research for Discovery:

As with most authors under contract, beginning a new project comes in the gaps between promoting the novel that just released (Kaua‘i Storm) and the editorial process that will begin for the next book. Since my contract was for two Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mysteries, I am fleshing out ideas to pitch for a third. This process is both exciting and daunting to me.

Wisps of ideas flutter across my mind like ‘elepaio in the trees. Every time I try to capture their essence, they fly from my sight. The only sure way I know of to find my story and characters is by researching the place and/or topic I want to explore.

If I’m mulling over the next book in a series—as I am now—I at least have a protagonist and important reoccurring characters I will likely include. But if I’m beginning a new series or planning a standalone, I may not even have that.

When I begin researching a new book, I cast a wide net to see what catches my eye.

Then I hone in of those areas of interest and follow the bread crumbs to wherever they lead.

• I bookmark articles, websites, and blogs.

• I copy-paste interesting discoveries and details onto a master document.

• I scribble facts and ideas into a journal.

• I leave notes on my phone.

Any method is fair game.

Historical Timeline and Genealogy:

As my research accumulates, I create a timeline of factual and historical events. [Word doc columns work nicely for this.]

When a glimmer of story or a family inevitably appears, I build a detailed genealogy for whichever character is intrinsic to the tale I want to tell.

I prefer a journal for my initial genealogy so I can scribble, circle, star, and draw arrows to my heart’s content. Then, I type the information into a document using increasing indentations and different symbols to indicate each generation.

As a final step, I insert each character’s birth, death, and significant milestone into my historical timeline of facts.

This is how I entwine my characters and their ancestors into the history of the setting and the central topic of my book.

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Recipe:

Not-too-Sweet Banana Macadamia Nut Bread
from Kaua‘i Storm

As Ranger Makalani Pahukula hunts for her missing cousins in Kaua‘i Storm, her mother, Julia, prepares loaves of banana macadamia nut bread for her mother-in-law’s birthday lū‘au. Since the macadamia nuts are grown on Tūtū’s homestead, Julia must shell, roast, and smash the nuts by hand. An abundance of mālama (care) and aloha (love) goes into each loaf—not to mention plenny kine nuts! If only Julia could work and laugh alongside her daughter, her ono banana macadamia nut bread would taste three times as good.

INGREDIENTS:
3 large very ripe bananas (mash um good)
1 ½ cups macadamia nuts, ¼ cup reserved (baking pieces are cheaper)
2 ½ cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup sugar (plenny sweet to me, but add ½ cup more if you like)
1 cup vegetable oil (better than butter, no joke)
4 eggs (beaten)
1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
Mix sugar and oil in a larger bowl. Add in eggs and vanilla extract.
Add sifted ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well.
Add mashed bananas.
Add macadamia nuts (reserving ¼ cup to sprinkle on top).
Pour batter into a greased springform cake pan.
Sprinkle remaining macadamia nuts on top.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
Bread should smell delicious. Top should be golden brown, and an inserted cocktail pick should come out clean.

SERVE:
Cut loaf in half then slice perpendicular. Eat as is or toasted, buttered, with Greek yogurt on the side.

[Adapted from Cara Fasone’s recipe at Hawaiian-Culture-Stories.com]

For more recipes, on-location videos, and discussion topics…

VISIT THE KAUA‘I STORM BOOK CLUB PAGE

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Aloha for Kaua‘i Storm:

Every beautiful review is a blessing. If you’ve taken the time to read, love, and post a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and elsewhere, I can’t thank you enough! They help new readers discover and often decide on their next book.

If you’ve listen to my audiobook or have read about my “Experiences of an Author Hired to Narrate Her Own Work,” you will know how much this AudioFile Magazine audiobook review meant to me.

And reader reviews like this one from a life long kama‘āina (Hawai‘i local) make me cry.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I’ve read in a while!

“An amazingly heartfelt, and incredibly knowledgeable novel about Hawaii! I am born, raised, and have lived most of my life in Hawaii (73 years so far). I currently live in Wailua valley on Kauai (not far from where the book takes place). In some ways this book is similar to the stories about game warden Joe Pickett, in CJ Box’s western mystery series. But the details of this book, tell a wonderful story of real Hawaiian characters (and their strong and weak points). I can attest to the accuracy of locations, dialog, relationships, history, and cultural nuances. The best thing of all (and it brought tears to my eyes “no bull lie) is the books portrayal of the heart and soul of Hawaii and its people! Aloha to all who read this book!”

Available in Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY!

Books and Audiobooks I’ve Enjoyed:

I’ve had a harder time focusing on reading lately, so I’m waay behind on my to-be-read or listened-to list. I would like to shout out three books I’ve enjoyed that were written by friends.

THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH by Liv Constantine

KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner

THE TWISTED WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB - An Audible Original by Karin Slaughter and 14 other fabulous International Thriller Writers. Special shout out to my friend Naomi Hirahara and her standout story, “Knife’s Edge.”

THE LIE SHE WEARS by Elle Marr. I’m reading and enjoying an advanced copy now. Since I’m about to dive into the editorial process for my second Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery, I better read it quick!

Upcoming Virtual and In-Person Events:

KAMEHAMEHA DAY CELEBRATION with Uluwehi Hālau Hula o Kapukui (Portland, OR) - Sunday, June 8, 1:30 - 6:00 p.m. PT

THE BACK ROOM AUTHORS (Virtual) - Sunday, June 8, 4 p.m. PT

CAPITOL CRIME MEET THE AUTHOR (Virtual) - Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m. PT

Until Next Time:

Mahalo for reading this muse-letter and my books. It means so much to me that we can connect. If you’ve read and loved Kaua‘i Storm, please consider the gift of leaving a review. Mahalo wau iā ʻoukou a pau! I appreciate you all. 💕

Me Ke Aloha,
Tori 🌺

• Audiobook Narrated by Author

• Trade Paperback from Bookshop

• Ebook, Paperback, Audiobook from Amazon

• Trade Paperback from Barnes & Noble

• Signed Copies ready to ship from The Poisoned Pen and Book Soup!

After ten years away as a park ranger in Oregon, Makalani Pahukula has come back to Kaua‘i for her grandmother’s birthday celebration. But she struggles to connect with her people and feels detached from their values, simpler way of life and slower pace. And she’s worried by the news that her cousins—a failed college football player and a rebellious teenage girl—have gone missing. Makalani hopes they just ran off for fun, but when hunters find a dead body in the Keālia Forest Reserve, she fears something ominous is at play. Making use of her ranger tracking and survival skills, she embarks on a search, although facing resistance from the locals and her own family. Makalani discovers that in her pursuit of the truth, the investigation opens her heart, reawakens her love for the land she calls home, and strengthens her bond with her family. Because no matter how long she’s been away, for Makalani, Hawai‘i is in her blood.

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Mahalo nui loa to Thomas & Mercer, Amazon Publishing, my acquiring editor and dear friend Chantelle Aimée Osman, my fabulous agents, Lesley Sabga and Nicole Risciniti at The Seymour Agency, Ploy Siripant for the gorgeous book cover, Wendy and all of the diligent editors, my ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i language teacher, Maile Naehu, my Punahou classmate Kaulana Fraser for sharing her insights on Hawaiian issues, and everyone who laid eyes on this manuscript and shared their aloha with me. And Megan and Oliva at my astounding PR agent, Megan Beatie Communications!!! Mahalo wau iā ʻoukou a pau. I appreciate you all ❣

Reviews:

I’m overjoyed by the incredible reviews and responses for this very special book. It’s beyond gratifying and validating to have readers value and appreciate what I set out to accomplish. Mahalo to you all.

If you’ve read and enjoyed KAUA‘I STORM, please…

LEAVE A REVIEW on Amazon, Goodreads, and wherever you buy and search for new books. It makes such a huge difference, especially in the first few days 🙏🏽🌺

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Podcasts, Interviews, Guest Posts:

I’ve been having such fun on the many in-person and virtual events and—as always is the case—writing guest posts, articles, and interview responses—for my book launch.

Find all of this on my website!

In the meantime, here’s a snippet of my wonderful conversation with Terry Shepherd about narrating my own KAUA‘I STORM audiobook.

Until Next Time…

Mahalo for sticking with me and sharing in the excitement. Thank you for reading, reviewing, and sharing my books. Mahalo wau iā ʻoukou a pau! I appreciate you all. 💕

Me Ke Aloha,
Tori 🌺

Thinking back to my debut year, I remember Naomi Hirahara—a USA Today bestselling author of EVERGREEN and over a dozen award-winning novels—taking me under her wing and warning me not to try and do everything possible to launch my debut.

Not only would it be overwhelming, it was simply an impossible goal.

As I approach my sixth published novel, the same feels true today. When launching a book—as in life—we cannot do it all.

Incidentally, Naomi will be interviewing me at Book Soup on KAUA‘I STORM’s book release night, Tuesday, May 20, 7 p.m. I lived in Los Angeles for over 35 years. If you’re in the area, please come by and share your aloha with me!

My Previous Book Launches:

With THE NINJA DAUGHTER (my debut Lily Wong book), I went on a fourteen-city book tour and celebrated with my friends and family in each of those locations. Since THE NINJA’S BLADE and THE NINJA BETRAYED dropped during the pandemic, I connected with readers in large and intimate online events. With THE NINJA’S OATH, I was able to connect in-person and with a striking video reel produced by my buddy Terry Shepherd with location footage and my own photos from Shanghai. For my Brazilian standalone novel, DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES, an old friend—with whom I had performed in the original 1st National Company of CATS—choreographed “Serafina’s Possession,” for us to perform, inspired by a scene in my book!

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Launching Kaua‘i Storm:

This deeply Hawaiian book makes me want to share my love of my people, my culture, and my heritage with the world. And with so much to discuss, I’ve been pouring it into my book club page and my series of "On Location for Kaua‘i Storm” (#onlocKauaiStorm) video shorts.

If you follow me on Instagram and my personal Facebook profile, you’ve seen my adorable grandchildren, Moana and Nahele, (and Ua the cat!) crawling all over me in photos and my “Cutest Unboxing Video Ever.” I include them in most everything I do.

My love of ‘ohana and my multigenerational, multi-ehtnic way of life are reflected in my protagonist’s own family. As with Makalani’s Tūtū, I feel it’s my kuleana—my sacred responsibility—to live aloha and infuse the lives of my grandchildren with mele (songs), mo‘olelo (stories), and ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Native Hawaiian language) when I can.

Here is a song I composed for my grandbaby, Nahele—whose name means Forest. I recorded this video while walking in Kōke‘e State Park, which is a featured location in my book.

[Note: I messed up on one syllable while singing on the trail. Kudos to your knowledge of ‘õlelo Hawai‘i if you can tell which.]

I will continue to post #onlocKauaiStorm videos on social media and on my Tori Eldridge YouTube Channel.

Here’s a fun #onlocKauaiStorm video short to give you a taste!

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Join Me in Real Life:

There are three opportunities to join me in real life, where we can greet each other properly and talk story before or after the event. At each location, I will discuss behind-the-scenes details and offer to sign and personalize copies of KAUA‘I STORM.

Listen to a Sample Narration of the Audiobook:

As you may have read in my early newsletter, I was hired to narrate my own audiobook! If you haven’t yet read that post, go back and look. It was a fascinating experience. I even included several video tours of the studio.

LISTEN TO ALL OF CHAPTER ONE

You may pre-order your copy on your favorite audiobook listening platform. The sample narrations will be uploaded soon to those sites as well.

Here’s a short audio clip to tease your interest!

Join Me Online:

I’ve been invited to many fabulous podcasts and videocasts—in addition to the live stream of my in-person/virtual event on Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m. via The Poisoned Pen. Find them all on my Upcoming Events.

Managing My Energy:

As I mentioned at the top of the page, every book launch comes with a burst of frenetic energy during the final three weeks before my book releases to the world. As my productivity and efficiency increases, I sleep and eat less. Oddly enough, this doesn’t usually increase my stress.

Planning carefully in advance, leads to a well-ordered and well-executed release. This leaves me enough emotional space to cope with the last minute emergencies that sometimes—often—arise. Priorities matter.

Although I want to sell big and reach as many readers as I can. My main objective is to enjoy the launch and to celebrate my new book.

Regardless of your profession: With all the stress in the world, it’s important to create emotional space to enjoy and celebrate what you do.

Mahalo Nui Loa!

Thank you for reading this post and helping me to celebrate the release of KAUA‘I STORM. I hope you enjoy and share my #onlocKauaiStorm videos. I hope to see you at one of my in-person or virtual events. I hope you post and share fabulous photos and reviews of my book during AAPI Heritage Month (#aapihm).

And mostly… I hope you pre-order, read, and love KAUA‘I STORM.

Me ke aloha,
Tori 🌺

I hope you’re all making space for joyful exploits and friends, even—and perhaps especially—during these uncertain times. The advantage of going through hip replacement surgery and recovery is that it forces one to slow down and pay attention to the baby-step accomplishments and joys—like walking down the block!

Writing:

I’ve also been spending my ice and elevation time—to reduce swelling after those walks—by working on another rewrite for my next Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mystery.

As luck would have it, my beloved editor Chantelle Aimée Osman left Thomas & Mercer early this month after getting KAUA‘I STORM ready for its May 20the release. True to form, she made a point of reading my book two manuscript and offering her ever-inspiring feedback before she left.

So I’ve been busy writing and working even while laying flat on my back!

Astounding News!

And then, today, I received this mind-blowing book review, interview, and recommendation for KAUA‘I STORM in the Los Angeles Times!!!

I mean WOW! It’s a tremendous honor to be recommended by Paula L. Woods in her annual L.A. Times Spring Books Column.

Eldridge writes so beautifully about the land, or āina, you can almost smell the flora and fauna, while her evocative description of a hula performed during the birthday party is transporting: “She extended her field-tanned arms to the ‘ukulele player’s vamp, undulating one hand at a time like a graceful wing while the other hand poised on her hip.”

Anchored by a strong, capable park ranger reminiscent of Nevada Barr’s iconic Anna Pigeon, this thought-provoking, engaging debut immerses readers in Native Hawaiian culture, language, complex genealogy and social issues while delivering a solid mystery with more than a few surprises.It also means you sometimes have to celebrate your friends from afar.

Her interview questions for so insightful and relevant to our times. I really hope you’ll read Paula’s article to see what I mean.

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Celebrating Friends:

Recovering from a surgery also means I have to celebrate my friends from afar.

I was thrilled as can be to see Paula L. Woods also review COLD BURN by my pals Jeff Ayers and Jon Land, writing as A.J. Landau (picture on the far left above).

But also, this is the second year in a row that I’ve missed Left Coast Crime!

Last year, I had just welcomed my second grandbaby and couldn’t bear to leave him. This year, would have been too much strain on my hip. Although I’m happy to play it smart, I did miss visiting with devoted mystery reader fans and my fabulous mystery author friends, like Tracy Clark, Sheila Soble, Dru Ann Love, and James L’Etoille during Left Coast Crime 2022.

James L’Etoille just won the 2025 Lefty Award Best Mystery Novel for SERVED COLD! Here we are again, palling around at Bouchercon 2023.

The Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery went to my lovely friend Jennifer K. Morita for GHOSTS OF WAIKĪKĪ. It warms my heart to see a former Honolulu resident doing so well.

Best Historical Novel went to my friend and LLC toastmaster John Coppenhaven for HALL OF MIRRORS. And Best Humorous Novel went to another pal Rob Osler for CIRQUE DU SLAY.

I would have loved to celebrate with them all in person!

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My Reading and Listening List:

I’ve also had LOTS of time to read and listen to audiobooks. Here are the recent ones I’ve enjoyed and highly recommend.

THE FAVORITES by Layne Fargo (audiobook)

DAUGHTER OF MOLOKA‘I by Alan Brennert (audiobook)

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt

HORSE by Geraldine Brooks

A Hui Hou!

Until next time, my friends…stay engaged, and keep finding the joy.

Me ke aloha,
Tori 🌺

Today, I want to share a special experience afforded to very few authors. Brilliance Publishing hired me to narrate my own audiobook!

Why did I phrase it as they “hired me?” Because, unless the author is self-publishing their own audiobook, the choice of a narrator is entirely up to the publisher who has acquired that title. Authors can, and have, requested to be considered. But very few are given the chance.

My journey began when I filled out my author questionnaire.

My book publisher, Thomas & Mercer, asked if there were any special qualities or abilities a narrator might need for my audiobook. As you can imagine, there were quite a few.

Since KAUA‘I STORM integrates the Native Hawaiian language, whoever they chose would not only need to be able to pronounce Hawaiian names and words, they would need to deliver sentences in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i with believable authenticity and fluecy.

They would also need to have a nuanced understanding of Hawaiian Pidgin English because my local characters don’t speak Pidgin in the same way. They have different personalities and upbringings, which their manner of speaking reflects.

And since this story features Ranger Makalani Pahukula’s large multigenerational and multiethnic ‘ohana, the narrator would need a broad depth of vocal tones.

I knew of a couple professional narrators who could probably handle the Hawaiian fluency issues, but I still felt I would be the best choice.

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I had also acted on-camera and off-camera for television and film.

For those who don’t know, off-camera includes audio-dubbing, voiceovers, and the “walla walla” background dialogue that an audio dubbing group records to create atmosphere and establish the location in a scene. I had worked professionally in all of these areas in addition to podcasting and recording in studios as a singer.

I had also performed countless dramatic readings of my works with full vocal and physical characterizations and multiple points of view.

As a result, I had an unusual amount of professional acting and recording experiences and skillsets for an author. That said, I had never narrated an audiobook before.

So I put myself out there for consideration, and let it go.

A year later, I received an invitation from Brilliance Publishing to audition as a narrator for my own work. I was so excited I actually squealed. LOL!

I recorded my sample narration until it felt strong, then I shared it with three of my professional narrator friends. After digesting their combined feedback, I recorded more passes until I settled on the one to submit. Once again, I was that young actress waiting with nervous excitement to see if I landed the gig!

In spite of my reasonable self-advice, this time, I screamed when my editor emailed to tell me the incredible news.

I was offered a contract and introduced to my producer, who hired a director, Jennifer Aquino, who—as luck would have it—I actually knew! We would be working together with an engineer at Digital One, a fantastic recording studio in Portland, Oregon—where I had moved the previous year.

That’s when my education and hard work began.

Since my Yeti Blue microphone—that I used for podcasting—was still in storage, I bought another so I could practice with a mic and hear my performance in headphones as I spoke.

In case you’ve never tried this, the experience is very different from simply recording and listening back.

Then I began recording each chapter with care.

Jennifer explained how we would be “punching in” corrections as we went and suggested I practice pausing and repeating a line or paragraph if it didn’t go well. In this way, I trained myself to stay engaged without the distraction of self-critique.

I sent her key chapters to review.

The encouragement, validation, and insightful feedback I received helped me hone in on my narration as I defined my voices, tempo, and tone. And because of Jennifer's familiarity with Hawaiian culture and Hawai‘i life, she always understood and valued the nuanced differences in the Hawaiian and Pidgin dialects of the characters I had created and the way in which I wanted them to be heard.

Truly, I cannot imagine a more perfect match for me and KAUA‘I STORM.

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I dedicated ten days to rehearse for a five-day job.

By the time I finally rehearsed the final chapter of my book, my narrating skills had exponentially improved. I had also established voices for over FIFTY characters—which included five different POV narrations—and worked through any challenging words, phrases, or pronunciations that might trip me up.

It was also great fun and reminded me of my past careers. After all, I was used to intense rehearsals for Broadway musicals, TV, and film. Ten full days did not come close to the exhausting six weeks of rehearsals we did for the original first company of CATS!

Recording studios are my happy place, and Digital One is the best!

I think it would be far more fun to show you my first two days than to tell.

And here is the inside of our studio—where my engineer, Josh Millman, did his wizardry—and the sound booth were I recorded my narration for KAUA‘I STORM.

Because of my rehearsal time and the feedback I received from my director, I had my tone, pacing, and characters well defined as I entered my booth. The punch-in recording method worked like a charm. We were able to hit the ground running from the start.

What I learned from narrating my book:

Unlike acting on-camera or voicing characters for a television show or a film, narrating an audiobook is an intimate affair.

The audience is often listening through earbuds or with their phone beside their head as the narrator draws them into an imaginary world. This is why practicing with a microphone and headphones was so important for me: I needed to hear the subtleties of my voice and the way the audience would hear.

The engineer has a decibel range for recording, inside which the narrator must remain.

The volume of an argument or shout needs to be conveyed primarily with the quality, tension, and energy of the voice. I’ve heard it described as “talking over something,” as if the voice was traveling up and over a hill. In this way, a character is perceived to be shouting without blasting out of the engineer’s decibel range and distorting the sound. It requires a fair amount of skill. But, oddly enough, it was much easier on my voice.

Recording in a studio is rare.

Most audiobooks are recorded by narrators in their own home studios, then submitted to the publisher. Because I am an author and not a professional narrator, my publisher booked a studio and hired an engineer and a director. In both cases, the audio recording will go to an audiobook editor, who will go through the tracks looking for incongruences between text and performance, pronunciation errors, or unwanted sounds. With three of us listening and punching in for me to correct, we’re guessing the pickup recording session will be relatively quick.

An acting class I took at Northwestern University continues to pay off.

Of all the professional acting classes I have taken in New York and Los Angeles, a class I took as a theater major at Northwestern University helped my narration the most. It was called The Art of Interpretation. In it, we learned to embody different characters while giving solo presentations of a poem or a multi-character scene.

Those are some of my favorite chapters in the book.

Assorted teas plus hot and warm water are a must.

Jennifer advised me to stay hydrated and have tea and warm water in the booth. Me being me, I brought three thermoses—hot water, warm water, and my own special concoction of lubricating tea. Once again, I think it’s more fun to watch than to read.

That afternoon caffeine hit of Darjeeling really helped as my eyes started to blur. LOL! In case you were wondering, the engineer set up an ipad on a padded music stand with the text for me to scroll.

I hope you enjoyed my narration adventures.

It would be absolutely AMAZING if you pre-ordered my audiobook for KAUA‘I STORM! (Available through Audible, Amazon, and coming soon to Chirp and Libro.fm.)

Mahalo for reading this post and watching my videos, and I hope you enjoy listening to my audiobook as well.

A hui hou!
Tori 🌺

Aloha my dear reading ‘ohana,

Lily Wong Series Re-Releases Today!

The day has finally come—the grand re-release for my ninja heroine, Lily Wong. Will you look at all these gorgeous books that came in the mail from Penguin Random House? My new publisher, Datura Books, outdid themselves with the book cover designs. Check out the detail in the spines. My bookcase is almost as happy as me!

Find links to all booksellers on the Penguin Random House Lily Wong page.

If you order elsewhere, be sure to look for the new covers from Datura Books with the January 21, 2025 release date. Some of the old editions/covers are still floating around. [Note: for the correct paperback version on Amazon, go through the PRH page.]

If you would like personalized signed and ninja-stamped copies, you can order from my local bookstore, Annie Bloom’s Books. Here’s a closeup of how my chop and signature will look. You may request a personalization when you order if you wish.

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THE NINJA DAUGHTER (Lily Wong #1)

Kill Bill meets the Joy Luck Club in this edge-of-your-seat debut novel about Lily Wong; a modern-day female ninja, dedicated to rescuing women from abusive relationships while trying to hide the truth about her real life from her overprotective family.

Penguin Random House (links to all booksellers)
Annie Bloom’s Books (request signed/personalized in comments)

THE NINJA’S BLADE (Lily Wong #2)

In this thrilling follow up to The Ninja Daughter, Lily Wong gets more trouble than she bargained for when her controlling grandparents come into town – at the same time as she goes undercover to dismantle a sex trafficking ring.

Penguin Random House (links to all booksellers)
Annie Bloom’s Books (request signed/personalized in comments)

THE NINJA BETRAYED (Lily Wong #3)

In the third installment of the Lily Wong series, the modern-day ninja must juggle taking down an organized crime ring with new-found romance and prevailing family drama... all whilst keeping those she loves alive.

Penguin Random House (links to all booksellers)
Annie Bloom’s Books (request signed/personalized in comments)

THE NINJA’S OATH (Lily Wong #4)

International action adventure ensues when Lily Wong—a Chinese-Norwegian modern-day ninja—travels from Shanghai to Japan to help family friend and former triad enforcer, Lee Chang, locate and rescue his kidn

apped twelve-year-old niece while, back home in Los Angeles, her father’s health wanes.

Penguin Random House (links to all booksellers)
Annie Bloom’s Books (request signed/personalized in comments)

Book Club Extras:

I have a robust readers page for my Lily Wong series featuring book club kits, discussion topics, yummy recipes, self-defense tips, and even my own ninja action videos like the one below from when I was actively teaching and training To-Shin Do ninja martial arts.

Find all manner of exciting extras on my Lily Wong book club page.

And since I’m sharing videos…

Watch Our Family Unboxing Fun!

Post Your Beauties!

I would absolutely LOVE IT if you posted copies of you and your gorgeous new Lily Wong books. Be sure to tag me so I can thank you and share. 💖
IG/Threads: writer.tori, FB/TikTok: ToriEldridgeAuthor, X: ToriEldridge

Mahalo for sticking with me on this muse-letter. I hope it was fun!

A hui hou,
Tori 🌺

Although 2024 kicked off with the intense upheaval of moving and downsizing our house into what could be stuffed—quite literally—into a 20x10x10 storage pod, it also began with great promise and hope. Not only was I finally moving to Oregon to be with our grandchildren, but I signed with Thomas & Mercer for a two-book deal.

I’m overjoyed to share that KAUA‘I STORM, the first of my Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mysteries, is available for pre-order and will be published on May 20, 2025!

GIVEAWAY INFO BELOW.

Not only had I landed my dream publisher and one of the best editors in the business—and with whom I had previously worked—but I did so with a project that grounded me in my Native Hawaiian roots.

Adding to this blessing was the birth of our second grandchild, Nahele.

I’m a writer, yes…but I’m also Tūtū, Māmā, and wife.

When I’m cuddling my mo‘opuna, the completeness I feel supersedes all. My apprehensions dissolve. My expectations vanish. The markers I commonly use for success simplify into a single smile, hug, or kiss.

I was able to pour all my tūtū love and energy into supporting my ‘ohana and helping to care for my grandbaby, his toddler sister, and their parents. At the same time, I was living in a new space, with a new family culture, and new procedures to learn.

And yet, I was struggling to write the next book.

I was mentally and emotionally exhausted from the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. To make matters more challenging, I had stopped writing several months earlier after polishing up the manuscript that landed me the deal. My momentum had died. I was out of writing practice, and I didn’t have the will, the time, or the bandwidth to resume.

I was also dealing with the pain and hinderance of a severely arthritic hip, which wasn’t a surprise since I had been warned with my first hip replacement that my other hip was following suit. [Yep. Those decades of professional dance and martial arts had taken their toll.] But since I was skipping town, the most my surgeon could offer was a cortisone injection, which helped me survive the physical demands of the move.

So I began working at 4 a.m. and caught moments to write through the day when I could.

But even with my new strategy, I couldn’t move beyond research and character development to typing words on that excruciatingly blank page.

Then I received news that my Lily Wong publisher shut down.

My Chinese-Norwegian modern-day ninja protagonist—who CrimeReads called “one of the best heroines of the 21st century! —was an orphan.

My momentary lack flipped to abundance, once again, when my series was picked up by Datura Books. They gave my books gorgeous new covers and will re-release the entire four-book set on January 21, 2025 in the USA and UK.

You can pre-order personalized signed and ninja-stamped copies of THE NINJA DAUGHTER, THE NINJA’S BLADE, and THE NINJA’S OATH from Annie Bloom’s Books.

Despite this happy news for Lily, her creator was still struggling to write.

I desperately needed to visit the Big Island where my second novel would take place. So, despite my dwindling funds, my husband and I headed to Hawai‘i for my whirlwind book research trip and 45th class reunion at Punahou School.

[Although I graduated with President Barack Obama, who has a residence on O‘ahu, he sadly—but not surprisingly—did not attend.]

I did, however, find the inspiration I needed for Ranger Makalani Pahukula’s next adventure and kicked into work.

Here I am at Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site interviewing Ranger Renson Madarang.

It took several weeks of diligent effort to raise my productivity, but my pre-dawn writing practice finally paid off with a completed first draft. The hardest part is over, and my favorite stage of writing has begun.

Which brings me full circle back to KAUA‘I STORM.

The stellar professionals working behind the scenes at Amazon Publishing have helped me transform a story I was very proud of into what feels like a phenomenal book.

After receiving these beautiful ARCs, I simply must give one away!

Want a Chance to Win?

In addition to sharing, you’ll need to be subscribed to my quazi-monthly Musings by Author Tori Eldridge. But no worries, they’re FREE!

Subscribe now

Mahalo for reading and showing an interest in my work.

Until the next year…

Mele Kalikimaka a Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!

Aloha,
Tori 🌺