June 2014 is when I decided to become a novelist. Somehow I’d come across a post on a blog where a bunch of writers were talking about making a living self publishing books. There were about 90 posts from people saying they were making money. Hmmm, sounds good to me.
I spent the next few years reading and studying craft books. In hindsight, I probably should have written sooner. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. But didn’t. Eventually I got the first book, Death in Paradise out in early 2018.
Between closing our auto repair shop and selling our house in Hawaii, it’s been a long road to getting to book 6 in the series. Thankfully, it’s finally finished and will be released in June on the 23rd. It’s the last book in the series and can be read as a standalone. Sam, Jessica, and Pua have been great teachers over the last six books. I’ll miss them to some degree, but it’s time to move on.
At the start of each episode of the 70’s TV show Kung Fu, the scene shows Master Po and young Kwai Chang. Po would hold his arm out with a small pebble in the palm of his hand and say, “When you can snatch the pebble from my hand, Grasshopper, it will be time to go.”
As I finish the final edits of Death Storm, I have metaphorically snatched the rock from the master’s hand. Looking back to when I first began and the mistakes that I’ve made, I’m confidant Sam and Jessica have taught me well and that I will succeed out in the world of publishing.
Aloha and a hui hou. – J.E. Trent
Hi Mr. Trent,
My name is Blaine DeSantis and I am the host of the Books & Looks Podcast/YouTube Channel. I am in my 4th year of conducting author interviews, and I have just begun your Hawaii Adventure series (Death in Paradise, Book 1). During the year I try to bring on mystery writers who I feel will be of interest to my followers. I love Book 1, and would love to have yo on as a guest on my show in July of 2026 – a perfect time for many to read during the summer. We record on Thursdays between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM Eastern time. I feel we could have a marvelous time chatting about your series and Hawaii. If you would be interested please drop me an email and I can send you our scheduling calendar. Here is a link to one of my favorite mystery authors, Mary Grand! Thanks for considering this request. Blaine DeSantis, Greenville, SC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR2GCMpyYwo&t=109s
Aloha Mr. DeSantis,
Thank you for your kind invitation to appear on your podcast. No doubt it’s a great opportunity. There are a lot of new authors who need this more than I, please choose one to put in my place. All the best, J.E. Trent