Janet Spurr is the author of Beach Chair Diaries, a collection of delightful and often hilarious essays with a themed focus on the author’s love and respect of the beach. Janet’s book is published by Island Heritage Publishing and is available on their website at islandheritage.com, or at local book stores and ABC stores.
We first met Janet at the Daughters of Hawaiʻi Book Fair last year. She initiated a conversation with me because she noticed the Yankees hat and t-shirt I was brandishing—marking me as either a big Bronx Bombers fan or fair-weather poser [luckily, I’m the former].
We began to talk, mostly about visiting Boston and how she had such a great experience on Opening Day at Fenway Park. Neil Diamond actually lead the Fenway faithful during the traditional “Sweet Caroline” sing-along in the middle of the 8th inning! Wicked awesome, right? Despite my Yankee fandom, I would love to one day take in a game at old Fenway. It was nice of Janet to share not only her memories but even some photos of her experience with us, proving that writers making personal connections with their readers is an important aspect of being a published author.
The following is our interview with Janet Spurr:
You currently live in Massachusetts on the East Coast. What first brought you thousands of miles away to Hawaii?
Originally I started visiting Maui for the Maui Writers Conference, but fell in love with the beaches, people, fish and water sports. My heart lives in Maui and so whenever the magic of Maui and the Aloha spirit touches me, I’m so thankful.
Tell us about your book BEACH CHAIR DIARIES?
BEACH CHAIR DIARIES is a collection of short, humorous essays from learning to surf in Maui, convertible rides, eating ice cream and just walking the beach. I wrote this book because I love the warmth and freedom of summer and miss it because I live in Boston. I wanted to give readers a chance to read my book during the winter to help them remember their summer memories through my essays.
One of your short stories covers your love of “flip flops” (slippas for us in Hawaii). Did you buy another pair while here on Maui?
My favorite pair of flip flops (slippas) are at the ABC Stores and now, because of that essay where I mention the ABC Stores as well as their website, my book is now in their stores! I’m also lucky because I stay at the Mana Kai Resort in South Kihei, Maui, where I actually don’t have to wear shoes and love that new freedom.
Have you spread the “flip-flop” love to Massachusetts?
Yes, I actually have a new pair of flip flops that have Beach Chair Diaries written on them, which helps to promote my book.
What advice would you give to someone to publish a book like yours with personal short stories?
Take your time and research the companies that you might consider to publish your book. Join organizations such as the National Writer’s Union, IBPA, and Independent Book Publishers of America. Ask book store managers, buyers and anyone in publishing about their thoughts. With the way things are changing so fast in publishing it’s very important to be connected with as many writers/authors, etc. as possible.
What are your favorite Hawaii books and beach reads?
My favorite Hawaii books [include] Shelly Mecum’s God’s Photo Album and when I’m on vacation I love to read Bill Bryson’s books, Chelsea Handler, and travel books. Also, I just finished Apolo Ohno’s book [ which was excellent and Heaven is Real. Flying from Boston and back is wonderful because I can read two or three books during my beach time and flying time.
Are you currently working on anymore writing and if so can you tell us about it?
My next book will be Champagne Diaries; Sparkling Tales from the BEST Ends of the Earth, which is another collection of short, humorous essays about fun in the sun, from American Samoa to swimming in the Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy. The essays will be a little deeper too.
Do you have any closing thoughts or final remarks you’d like to share with Hawaii readers?
Go for your dreams no matter how long it takes. I teach a workshop, How to Publish and Promote Your Book and hope to teach it in Hawaii sometime soon.
Thank you and Aloha.
