About the Author

Photo by Kawena Lei

 

Bio (50 words): Shay Kauwe is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) author from the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. She grew up on the Homestead in Waimānalo but moved to Russia because she fell in love with a boy. Her and the boy now live in Honolulu with their poi dog, Iris.

Longer Bio (100 words): Shay Kauwe is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) author from Hawaiʻi. She grew up on the Homestead in Waimānalo but moved to Russia because she fell in love with a boy. They now live in Oʻahu. Shay holds an M.Ed in Education and was named an NCTE Early Educator of Color in 2021. In 2022, she was awarded an Empowering ʻŌiwi Leadership Award by the Hawaiian Council, for her work in storytelling and literacy. Her debut urban fantasy THE KILLING SPELL is forthcoming from Saga/Solaris Books and will be the first traditionally published adult fantasy novel by a Hawaiian author.

Link to Press Kit

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I’m very active on social media and try to respond to as many folks as possible!

    For more direct inquiries, you can see my Contact page for other options.

    1. Get into the practice of writing regularly. The more you write, the better you’ll be. You can use this free Word Tracker Template to track your progress.

    2. Read widely and learn from what you read. (Even the stuff you don’t like!)

    3. Focus on improving from one piece to the next and not on creating a “perfect” book.

    4. Don’t self-deselect. Apply for every opportunity. You can do it.

  • You need to query agents first and find one to represent you. Once you find an agent, they will help you sell your book to a publishing house.

    Querying is hard and long, so be mentally prepared for that. (It took me about a year!) You can use this free Query Tracker Template I’ve created to keep track of your efforts.