Category: Research

Some of you know that three years ago, I went on an extended road trip for my sabbatical as Associate Professor at Hawaii Community College. I flew from Hawaii to Portland OR, drove down the West Coast, then across the South until I reached Florida, where I spent a month at this little cottage on the Gulf of Mexico before flying back to Hawaii. During that trip, I interviewed more than 100 women between the ages of 60 and 104.

The purpose of that project was to research women who redefine the conventional archetype of later adulthood in order to demonstrate that what was once considered the “washed up” years actually can be a rebirth of opportunity, creativity, and the ideal time for self-actualization. I wanted to find out why and how these women remained lively, engaged in world affairs, and were still out there “rockin’ it” at an age when others decide to sit at home and withdraw from the world.

My original intention was to write a book that extolled these “perennials” and to provide inspiration to other women, and to encourage younger women who either look forward to or worry about becoming “older.”

The long-awaited results of what I call “The Perennial Project” will be revealed within the next few months, not necessarily in a book, but in an online workshop for women of all ages.

What I need from you and your friends are ideas for what you would like to learn, hear about, or discuss about aging. Do you know young women who are concerned about what life will hold for them as they reach 60 and above? What would you like to know about how other women handle getting older? What specifics would you be looking for if you signed up for this workshop?

As loyal readers of my blog, I want you to be part of this process – and please invite your friends to comment. Please send your thoughts to me here on my blog or send an email to me at lavagarden at gmail dot com with your ideas.

A hui hou!

Ever since I was a “winner” on NaNoWriMo (several years ago), I have been editing and adding to the words I continue to write.

Editing isn’t always fun, but it can be fun when I find a section of the writing that needs a little propping up. It is too easy for me to get so lost in the “story” that I forget to add all the other surrounding aspects of a particular section. Editing for me is when I take a paragraph and expand it into several more, maybe even several pages.

When I write, I seem to hear the conversations first. After that, I look around and check out the place where this is taking place. There is so much to see, and I want the reader to see it all, too. Other writers say they do a lot of description first, then go back to include the conversations, or dialogues.

Another area where writers differ is in their approach. Some are strictly “seat of the pants” writers (“pantsers”) and just let the story go where it will once they begin. Others have a lengthy detailed outline of where they want the story to go.

I suppose I’m a combination of those (“plantser”). I write a vague outline that is sparse and general. Within that, I let the characters tell the story they want to tell and I go along for the ride.

No matter which kind of writer you are, I encourage you to set aside a time each day to write. This is something I need to keep reminding myself, too. I find it is too easy to get caught up in all the requirements of “Life” and not take time to do what nourishes my soul – writing.

TIP: It’s time (past time?) to plan for the 2022 NaNoWriMo! Begin thinking and planning today! It begins in only two more days!

My long-deceased Kaimana Kat (above) wishes you a “Happy Halloween!”

A hui hou!

It’s not really as bad as it looks! This was from another move about ten years ago. I’m a lot more organized this time, but the feelings that go along with this move are much the same.

I’ll be back next weekend with more about NaNaWriMo – and maybe I’ll have found my desk by then!

A hui hou!

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is just around the corner for 2022! I invite anyone who is interested in writing fiction of any sort (romance, fantasy, Western, mystery, etc) to take part.

If you’ve been meaning to start writing, this is a good way. I entered for quite a few years before I actually finished the required 50,000 words in the 30 days of November. Once I did that, I found that words came easier and easier.

That doesn’t mean you won’t have to struggle! No matter how many times I start a new book, I worry that this time I won’t make it. Once I begin writing, however, the story seems to take form.

My suggestion, whether a new writer or a seasoned one, is to make an outline before NaNoWriMo starts. Have some vague idea of what you want to write about, perhaps even write a few character sketches. Then when you finally start writing on November 1, you’ll be more prepared. The first time I entered, I waited until November 1 to even think about what I wanted to write. Big mistake!

I’ll see you in November in NaNoWriMo. If you want a virtual writing companion, let me know. We can give each other encouragement! But you need to register early. That can’t wait until November 1, either.