Today on the podcast, I sit down with Sara Ackerman, a Hawai'i-born, bestselling author known for her historical and contemporary novels set in the islands. With her books praised as "unforgettable" by Apple Books and “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, Sara has carved out a space for her captivating stories. Her work has earned recognition from New York Times bestselling authors and was even selected as a best book of the month by Amazon.Raised on O'ahu, Sara grew up hearing stories of her grandparents’ experiences during the war in Hawai'i. These memories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things inspire her novels, which often feature animals, nature, and strong, resilient characters. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking, snorkeling, or seeking inspiration from the mountains and ocean.Sara’s journey to writing began in 2012, when she sat down on her porch with no clear plan but a passion to write. Since then, she’s embraced the challenges of the craft, believing that stories write themselves—she’s simply there to help guide them. Her dedication to storytelling, along with her love for nature and history, continues to drive her to create unforgettable novels.