As previously mentioned in my earlier book review, One Man’s Paradise by Douglas Corleone has just been released by Minotaur Books. He’s got a few signings coming up one on May 8th and one tomorrow May 1st at Barnes & Noble Ala Moana from 1:30–2:30, to which Alex and I will be going (check the calendar for more info). Despite his busy schedule Doug was kind enough to answer a few questions just for our HBB readers.
1. What do you find most enjoyable or rewarding about writing?
Writing, like reading, is a form of escape for me. It’s enjoyable to spend time in the world I created for my characters, and it’s thrilling to see that world through the eyes of my protagonist, the Honolulu criminal defense lawyer Kevin Corvelli. Kevin is a unique hero, because he lets the reader in on all of his flaws, and he’s unapologetic.
The most rewarding part of writing is reading the finished product. Even before the actual book is printed and bound, it’s exciting to read a complete manuscript you’ve written from beginning to end. There’s a certain satisfaction when your words evoke the emotion in you that you set out to evoke in your audience.
2. Hawaii as a setting plays a big role in One Man’s Paradise, any plans for future books to take place in the 808 state?
Hawaii presents such a beautiful contrast to the world of crime and criminals I create. That bad things happen here in the islands can seem almost unimaginable to a visitor on her first day lounging on Waikiki Beach. That contrast is a catalyst for One Man’s Paradise, and it will remain a catalyst in future stories.
As a matter of fact, One Man’s Paradise is the first in a series of novels to feature Kevin Corvelli, all of which will take place in Hawaii. I am presently at work on the second Kevin Corvelli novel, tentatively titled *NIGHT ON FIRE*, which will feature Kevin defending a young bride against murder and arson charges stemming from a catastrophic fire at a popular Hawaiian beach resort.
3. Kevin Corvelli is a very complex character. Many writer’s describe themselves as “plot” or “character” writers, obviously they are equally important, but which would you say you lean toward?
I definitely lean toward character. Kevin Corvelli and his colleagues and adversaries each have lives outside the present case they are working on, and I think it would be a crime not to give readers at least a glimpse of those lives. The characters in my books will have human problems, like troubled relationships, economic worries, and plenty of self-doubt.
I do have specific a plot in mind when I begin to write a novel, but not a rigid outline. I let the characters make some of the decisions, let them make some of the mistakes. I also give them full credit when they discover something I may have missed.
4. What inspired the unique quirks of main character Kevin Corvelli (anal tendencies, distracted mental notes to look things up on the internet)?
I would like to say Kevin Corvelli is a complete figment of my imagination, but people who know me would disagree. I share a lot of the same quirks, though I tend to exaggerate them in Kevin’s life, if only because Kevin presently has more difficult struggles, like winning a major case and keeping himself alive.
Kevin Corvelli is very much a neurotic New Yorker, and this first novel lands him in Hawaii, where the culture is very different. So, it’s very much a “fish out of water” story. But throughout the novel, you see Kevin Corvelli trying to adapt. And that struggle to adapt to paradise will continue, I suspect, in many books to come.
5. What books or authors have influenced you?
So many. In the crime genre, everyone from Raymond Chandler to Elmore Leonard. I was inspired to go to law school and later to write legal thrillers by those writers who paved the way: John Grisham, Scott Turow, Steve Martini. Yet, I’d say I was most heavily influenced by writers like Charles Bukowski and John Fante, writers who put their own flaws on the page without apology. I have a great respect for writers who are willing to expose themselves and their eccentricities to readers, using only the thin veil of a protagonist who goes by a different name. That’s not to say I’m
Kevin Corvelli, of course. Depending on who you ask, I’m either much better, or much, much worse.
Thank you so much Doug, for sharing a little bit about yourself as a writer and giving us some insight into your new book. We look forward to more crime adventures, legal dramas and Corvelli!
aturday, May 1st is Free Comic Book Day at your Hawaii State Public Libraries. Select Oahu libraries will be providing free comic books to patrons who show up with their library cards. Limit one comic book per person, while supplies last. Participating libraries include Aina Haina, Aiea, Hawaii Kai, Kailua, Kapolei, Liliha, McCully-Moiliili, Mililani and Lahaina. There will also be special appearances by Star Wars officers at select libraries. For more information check out the Library’s informative 
02:00pm – The Descendants author, Kaui Hart Hemmings, will be reading her novel and answering questions at Hawaii Pacific University’s Warner Auditorium. Her book is currently being filmed in Hawaii by director Alexander Payne, starring George Clooney. 
01:30pm – Author signing at Barnes & Noble Ala Moana. Douglas Corleone will be signing copies of his new book 
The second helping of Hawai‘i’s Bento Box Cookbook is here! Local chef Susan Yuen, who authored the first book in 2008, presents the second course of her appetizing and visually stimulating cookbook. As the bento box continues its popularity with all ages in Hawai‘i, this unique cookbook is another great source for moms and dads looking for new ways to feed their kids. It provides fanciful food that is nutritious, delicious and fun to eat. Yuen creates a whole new assortment of unique bento that result in the perfect meal for all children— even the pickiest of eaters.
10:00am – The Friends of the Aina Haina Library will hold a book sale at Aina Haina Public Library from 10a – 4p. Lots of great deals on books, plus CDs, DVDs and audiotapes, Hawaiiana and more! 
08:00pm – Special Book Event at 
If you’ve been reading our “Book ends” or checking out our events calendar for April, you’ll have noticed that 
Throughout the story, the two turtles are inseparable despite differences like Gary being a vegetarian while Harry loves to dine on jellyfish. The book teaches both friendship and diversity as these turtles, along with their other ocean friends, may have many differences both physically and habitually, yet live harmoniously in the ocean together.
We asked Duane for a book rec and I gave my usual rant about needing to spread local literature and encourage local authors. I needn’t have been so dramatic because he completely agreed with me, and I didn’t know it yet, but I was ranting to a Hawaiiana expert—how embarassing! It turns out Duane Wenzel was the head librarian at Bishop Museum for 12 years and knows full well without me telling him how unique our local literature is. Needless to say, we had a great conversation and he had many recommendations. He first suggested Hawaii Homefront by Mac Simpson, which we already reviewed
Seeing as Gail Omoto is a regular visitor at Kalihi-Palama Public Library, Marcia thought it would be appropriate to recommend one of the children’s books she has written. We actually reviewed one of Gail’s books already, Kai the ‘Opihi Gets the Point, as the librarian from Waimanalo School & Public Library had so enthusiastically recommended it. However, Ms. Omoto has another popular keiki book, Mele the Crab Finds the Way Out, and we happily agreed to read and review it.