Heather Day Gilbert

Author

Guest Interview–CHERYL MARTIN–MG Author of THE HAWAIIAN ISLAND DETECTIVE CLUB

 
Cheryl Linn Martin, author of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club series

Cheryl Martin is here today, to discuss her soon-to-be-released middle grade (ages 8-12+) book, MENEHUNES MISSING. This will be book two in her Hawaiian Island Detective Club series. I wanted to share a cute interview she’s done with one of her main characters, Maile. THEN we’ll talk a little more with Cheryl!
 Questions and Answers from Maile
Maile, you just helped solve a second mystery for The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. Do you have a favorite memory?
I loved going to Palmer’s Pizza and playing all those fun games. I especially liked beating Sam at that crazy bowling game. ‘Course then I dribbled pizza sauce all over my new white tank-top.
Yeah, I hate when that happens. Were there any scary moments for you?
Uh, duh! I thought Mrs. Wong might throw us in a dungeon and cook us up in a stew. And then there was the creepy stakeout at the gross docks. Leilani always comes up with the craziest ideas!
So, Maile, since you don’t surf, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to dance—especially the hula. I also love to shop for clothes and cute swim suits and slippers to wear on the beach.
How is it working with Leilani and Sam on these mysteries?
Leilani is the best. She keeps me sane when I feel like totally freaking out. Sam is . . . well, Sam is a guy. Most of the time he’s funny and crazy, but so gross with all his eating and belching?
Some readers seem to think you like Sam.
Sam’s cool.
(I cock my head and grin) Maile, you know what I mean.
(Maile sits up tall and sets her jaw) No comment.
Thanks for visiting, Maile!
And now…a few questions for the author, Cheryl! 
What is a Menehune and how do they go missing?
They are Hawaii’s treasured “little people,” kind of like a Leprechaun. As a school fundraiser, Menehune statues are hidden around town. Leilani, Maile and Sam get clues and try to find the locations. But the kids soon discover that the statues are missing from their spots.
What inspired you to write this series?
I have always loved Hawaii ever since I lived there while attending The University of Hawaii. I combined that with my interest in writing for ages 8-12 years and The Hawaiian Island Detective Club was born!
The three books in this series are entitled Pineapples in Peril, Menehunes Missing, and Ukuleles Undercover.
What advice do you have for new writers?
If you’re goal oriented, try setting a reasonable word count goal that allows for you to get ahead at times and gives you make-up time as well. Also, set aside that time to simply sit down and write—don’t go to any e-mails, facebook pages, etc. It’s all about planting yourself in front of that computer and pounding out the words!

Who or what inspires you?
I was first inspired to write as a child, reading Nancy Drew. I knew at that young age that I would one day write a mystery!
Striving to do what God has placed in front of me motivates me to keep pressing forward. Sharing wholesome mysteries filled with fun, humor, mishaps and unexpected moments for kids to enjoy also motivates me to continue this amazing journey.
How can your readers connect with you?
My website address iswww.cheryllinnmartin.com I also have a blog all about Hawaii at www.lifeinflip-flops.blogspot.com
You can also connect with me on my facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorcheryllinnmartin
Twitter at http://twitter.com/clinnmartin
If “tweeters” would like to comment on The Hawaiian Island Detective Club, they can add the hashtag: #HIDC
****Thanks so much for visiting today, Cheryl! Menehunes Missing releases February 5th, 2013! Looks like a great series. If you have any questions for Cheryl, please fire away below!****

Comments

  3. Latedra Gladney says

    I really love to read books from children's point of view.. Their world is so straight forword and blunt most times. They are really funny. Then to have the settinng in my dream home. Looking forward to reading this and hopefully passing it on to my god-children.

  4. Cheryl Linn Martin says

    Thanks for visiting, TC! Yes, I am absolutely a "Nancy Drew wannabe!" And I don't mean just the writing of fun kids' mysteries. I really want to be Leillani or Maile! Aloha! –Cheryl

  5. Cheryl Linn Martin says

    Yes, Latedra, you're a woman after my own heart! I tried writing for adults, but realized I was created to write for this age group–and I love reading stories about this age. Thanks so much for visiting, and I hope you'll read all three books in the series–there are tons of those fun and funny moments when you have kids sleuthing around! Aloha! –Cheryl

  8. Gwendolyn Gage says

    Great interview, Heather. Its nice to meet you, Cheryl. I've been to Hawaii a couple of times and enjoyed it despite being with parents, lol. Your book sounds good 🙂

  10. Jennifer Major says

    I felt envy reading this!!Warm sandy, surfy envy…sounds like a great read!!I've never been to Hawaii, but my parents went there on their honeymoon, and twice after. Now I have "He Mele No Lilo" singing in my head.

  11. Cheryl Linn Martin says

    Thanks so much for visiting, Gwendolyn! When I lived in Hawaii, my parents came and visited me!Hope you get a chance to read Pineapples in Peril as well as Menehunes Missing! (or get them for a kid as a cover story!)Aloha! –Cheryl