Interview with Jim Shon

Author of Poison in Paradise

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally Syracuse New York. Now, Honolulu Hawaii, since 1973.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

following graduation from Syracuse U. with a degree in Music Education, I enlisted in the Peace Corps and spent 3.5 years on Jeju Island in Korea, teaching English as a Second Language and coordinating workshops for teachers. In 1973, I was accepted at the University of Hawaii as a graduate student in Korean History. Met my future wife in Hawaii and never left.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I have always been interested in history, kept a detailed Journal while in Korea, and was later employed by the University of Hawaii to develop social studies curriculum. In 1978 I was elected to Hawaii’s 1978 Constitutional Convention, and in 1984 to the Hawaii State Legislature. I had noticed that there were very few books, nonfiction or fiction, that described and educated people about Hawaii politics, democracy, and the legislature. So in 1986 I wrote the Novel Poison in Paradise, which looked at the process from the staff perspective (I had worked as staff before being elected.) I wanted to highlight the understanding that political and legislative life was complex, and what might appear one way to the public may not always be the case. This manuscript sat in my desk for 20 years. Finally, I wrote it up and had it published by a vanity press. I did not change a single word, and thus it represents an authentic snapshot of the media, technology, politics, issues and democratic culture from the 1980s.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My short books, which include two additional novels co-authored with another former legislator, as well as nonfiction books on charter schools and Inside the Capitol, all represent insights into Hawaii covering the last 40 years. The fiction, hopefully, is interesting and informative, especially for those who visit Hawaii and want to understand more, and short enough to read on the plane to Hawaii. They are civic education, culture, mystery, humor, murder, intrigue, and suspense.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who enjoys learning more about Hawaii, whether visitor or resident. Any teacher from K-12 through college looking for affordable supplemental materials.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I found that it was helpful to write about people, places and event that I knew. Each chapter is written from scene to scene – as if they were scenes in a movie. What I found interesting is that as I imagined places or circumstances, I could recall characters and motives that I did not know I had insights into. Each of MY characters led me into their own thoughts and heads. I was like a guest in my own imagination.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I would be more disciplined. I would read more similar books, and try to create a routine of writing something every day.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Because I see the books as educational as well as entertaining, I would like to see them supplement curricula on many levels. I would also like to see them sold at airports or hotels as inexpensive perks for valued guests, or travelers.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The process is slow. It is expensive. Many try to exploit new authors. Publishers are often not open to innovative ideas of marketing and promoting.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Definitely writing. Publishing and marketing are works in progress.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Publishing and marketing.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Planning it now.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self and hybrid so far.