Post #129276 by Tiki Chris on Mon, Dec 6, 2004 7:49 AM

On 2004-12-03 07:41, Iolani wrote:
You remember the old "Island Heritage" series? "Adventures of Kamapua'a" was my favorite ... Is this series going to cover more?

The 1972 Island Heritage book by Guy & Pamela Buffet is supposed to be good, but I just recently found out about it. I actually ordered a copy a couple of weeks ago. I'm looking forward to reading it.

But, from what I can tell, the Buffet version is oriented toward little kids and pertains to Kamapua'a growing up. The series I've written begins during Kamapua'a's adolescence and deals prominently w/ his struggle against the tyrannical Olopana (I've also written subsequent series about his adventures on Kahiki & his adventures with Pele).

I've taken some poetic license with the story but I stay true to the legend.

The works of Beckwith, Fornaner, & Westervelt are all influences, as well as the recently annotated translations of the 1890's Ka Leo O Ka Lahui Hawaiian language serial. Also, Charlot's book about Kamapua'a as literature really helped me put the pieces together when developing my story.

However, all the above works are so dry, academic or "old fashioned" (i.e. written 100 years ago). What I try to do in my version is make the story more accessible and fun to read. It's less heady than the above mentioned pieces and delves more deeply into the motives and personalities of the characters, while beefing up the action and suspense inherent to the ancient legend.

Also, I'm a big fan of the artist and writer Dietrich Varez, whom I actually had the chance to meet while on the Big Island a few years back. Listening to him talk story about Kamapua'a, Pele, et al was a real thrill. His work, along with that of Steve Goldsberry and Herb Kane, definitely influenced my style of writing!

Mahalo for your interest,

Tiki Chris

One more thing! Subscribe before December 11 and you'll get a card mail with the "Kama Claus" image on it.

[ Edited by: Tiki Chris on 2004-12-06 09:01 ]