New Release: "Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey"

Linda Ballou, well known for her adventurous travel articles and breathtaking photography, will soon release her first novel--an event which marks the beginning of her career as an author of books (as she currently has another in progress).

Through the eyes of "High Chiefess, Wai-nani," the reader will experience the Hawai'ian society as it existed when Captain Cook arrived at Kealakekua Bayin 1779; ride the billowing seas with Eku, the wild dolphin she befriends; learn why she loved the savage, conflicted ruler, Makaha; walk with her as she defies ancient laws and harsh taboos of the Island people; share the love she received from all who knew her; and learn how she rose to become the most powerful woman in old Hawai'i.

"Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey," an historical novel, will be released in May of 2008 through Star Publish, LLC.

A love triangle of extremes has proven to be a solid base for Ballou's writing. From her roots in Alaska she received strength, solitude, centeredness and respect for the awful power of nature. Her short story "Raindrop People" and numerous adventure articles including "Raven Brings the Sun," about a float down the Tatshenshini River, take place in her homeland. In Hawaii she found nurturing, a spiritual awakening, sensuality, peace anther heroine for her historical novel, "Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i -Her Epic Journey."

In California, she obtained a degree in English Literature from Northridge University and a doctorate in urban savvy. She continues to enjoy opportunities there for intellectual stimulation, exciting contacts and friends. It makes a great base for exploits that she will share in her upcoming travel collection, "Lost Angel Walkabout."

Visit her website http://www.lindaballouauthor.com/ to read an excerpt of "Wai-nani" and/or to purchase the book. You can view numerous travel articles and photos published in a variety of venues over the last ten years there as well.

Bye-Bye "Buy Buttons" for POD Authors?

If you're a "POD author," or anyone whose books are produced On-Demand, unless you've been hiding under a rock, by now, you've probably heard the buzz going around of how Amazon may possibly remove the "Buy" buttons on printed works produced on-demand (by Lightning Source specifically) in order to shift more POD printing business to their affiliate Booksurge.

Now as to whether this has happened (yet) or not or even will, you'll have to check out your own publisher or publishing service to see but it's quite scary to think this just might possibly happen.

Why? Well, for one, it's already happened before a couple years ago with ebooks that were being distributed through LS--and the resulting action caused many authors (myself included) to lose a very viable source of revenue.

And yes, personally, it's hard for me to be critical of a decision made by any business just because it is *business* and there is no other reason to be in business except to make money (nuf said there) BUT on the other hand, I do think that if this does happen there's a possibility of this resulting phenomenon:

Oh, at first there'll be a furious uproar and chaos will ensue as all of the POD industry comes together as one (for once) and rallies against Amazon in an act which causes a huge drop in sales, a decline so colossal that it will ultimately compel them into seeing the light through the accrued value of tens of thousands of POD Industry dollars...

But as time goes by (and this is probably what many are banking the possible decision on), On-Demand sales (thru certain providers) will falter to a slim trickle and the affected authors, publishers, services, and the like will find they are not happy with how things have gone but without any other comparably viable sales source online (and them being in business to make money as well), they will of course begrudgingly accept it as being what it is and bow down to the powers that be...

Putting us all into an impossibly possible situation--one where one doesn't even want to believe that what is presently an ideal model of free enterprise and healthy competition will once again be brought to an end by the power of one retail conglomerate...

*sigh*

After being on the cut end of the stick once, if things go as some are predicting they will, as it stands it doesn't look promising for anyone who has 'hedged their funds' solely in one facet of the POD industry (for it seems you have to stay flexible in an ever-changing industry) but regardless of what is being debated now, in the meanwhile, all authors and industry pros should stay aware of what is going on, start checking out their options just in case something should happen, and keep the discussion open.

For more info, here's a couple links to get your started:

Foner Books

Writer's Weekly

You can find much more info from there!