Sandra M. Odell

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Excerpt

The next morning before the sun fully cleared the palm tops, Noelani took poi and coffee to her kupuna kāne.

Her mother's father lived in a small, one-room hut at the end of a dirt road, overlooking an expanse of banana trees and mango trees. He'd settled on the ahpua'a after the death of his second wife from the spotted fever, sometimes helping Noelani's father manage the sandalwood and sugarcane harvests, though he preferred solitude and his garden. "Milu has taken both of my hearts, and will someday take my spirit," he often said. "Until then, I am content with my taro and my dogs."

She followed the dirt track up the hillside. Noelani's wrap skirt brushed and bunched against her knees. Her mother had forbidden her to leave the house without an under dress beneath her wrap skirt. She'd promptly removed it at the foot of the dirt track. Too bad she hadn't any cotton thread or banana fibers; she would have strung a lei of sweet-smelling plumeria for her kupuna kāne. No matter. She had fresh poi wrapped in a banana leaf, and a cup of coffee covered with another banana leaf for him. He had no love for the British coffee plantations on Hawai'i - "No souls," he'd say, and sniff with disdain. "Haol'e." - but considered coffee a treat.

Bio

Raised a Navy brat, I moved every two to four years with the change in duty stations. On the upside, I've lived on both coasts, Hawaii, and in the Great Lakes region. The downside? I never liked seafood. No matter. Being part of a military family encouraged me to explore new cultures and face the world with an open mind. Currently I am a happily married 44-year-old mother of two teen boys, an avid reader, compulsive writer, and rabid chocoholic. That may change in ten minutes, so no guarantees. I am also a Clarion West 2010 graduate. That won't change, nor would I want it to. Clarion West was an experience in the totality of the word, from Everest highs to Marianas Trench lows, and worth every moment.

Publications

"The Vessel Never Asks For More Wine," Jim Baen's Universe
"Afterglow," Ideomancer
"Just Be", Ideomancer (print) , The Drabblecast (audio)
"On Being Mandy", Pseudopod Podcast (audio)

Writing Description

Ask the next question, and the one after that, and the one after that. Don't take no for an answer. And don't blink.

Writing Goals

I'll write at least 2000 words a week on my novel, for a total of 12,000 words minimum.

Fundraising Goals

I want to raise as much as people are willing to give to keep the dream alive. Every penny counts.

Donors will receive fragments of the work in progress for perusal, giggles, or commentary. Or they'll receive chocolate. Chocolate is good.

Website

sandramodell.com


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