For Hawaii author Kaui Hart Hemmings, inspiration comes from living life

Hawaii-born-and-raised author Kaui Hart Hemmings last month released her second young adult novel, “Testimony From Your Perfect Girl” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $17.99). She is best known for her best-selling debut novel, “The Descendants,” which was made into an Oscar-winning film starring George Clooney in 2011.

Hemmings’ first young adult novel was “Juniors,” published in 2015 and set in Hawaii. The new book takes place in Breckenridge, Colo. — a town where she once lived, and which served as the setting for her 2014 novel, “The Possibilities.”

The engaging story of “Testimony” explores teenage relationships through the eyes of affluent high school sophomore Annie Tripp. After her father is accused of scamming people out of their investments, Annie and her brother are sent to live in the humble home of their estranged aunt and uncle. Accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle, Annie makes difficult adjustments and uses her newfound situation to examine herself, her family and her beliefs.

In a recent phone interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hemmings talked about “Testimony,” where she finds inspiration for her writing and an upcoming novel set on the Big Island.

What are your favorite types of stories to tell?

I don’t know if I have a choice in the matter. It comes from the same source. I tend to always focus on family relationships. The story normally takes place in a specific place and has a lot to do with the family dynamics. The stories that I like to tell are super realistic, complicated and have a sense of humor, as well.

What sparks your creativity?

There’s no spark. It’s more of a work ethic. I set out to be a writer and I continue to work at being a writer every day. I read a lot and think about the stories that I want to tell. I just get to work and don’t wait for inspiration. I get inspiration from walking around in life; listening to people talk and taking the kids to school. Everything becomes a part of the tools; the equipment. I just live life every day and I work. I just start typing.

Why do you straddle between young adult and adult fiction? Do you have a preference?

I like to do both. There’s no difference in the way that I approach it. I actually think that my two young adult books are adult books. The only difference in young adult is they are firmly in the perspective of a teenager.

I’m writing for people. I cover the same things and use the same language. When I sit down to write, I don’t really think about writing for a young adult. It’s all about putting on an accurate performance of the character.

Is this book appropriate for adults to read?

Yes. This book is dealing with the world of a teenager. I wouldn’t recommend it for those younger than eighth grade. It does focus on issues that teenagers face both frankly and candidly. It has smoking and sex. You’re definitely not going to read it out loud at the library.

I noticed tiny references to Hawaii for characters that seemingly have no ties to Hawaii. Are those just little treats that you like to insert for locals?

It was not a shoutout or anything. It’s just something that I feel that the character would say.

Annie Tripp in your most recent book, “Testimony From Your Perfect Girl,” was a relatable teen character. What goes through your mind in the process of building characters like Annie?

Again, I just type. That’s what builds the character. I’m having her speak and make choices to see how she acts in the face of conflict and frustration. I throw things at her and see how she will respond. Things are constantly changing. She definitely comes out a different person.

Did you intentionally touch upon class, income inequality and student debt issues because those are prevalent in today’s society?

Yes, and I think I have in every book. I don’t set out to do it, but it’s a part of life and what I’m interested in. We all have jobs and struggles.

She’s (Annie) not aware of money. It’s something that has always been available to her. Part of her journey is the realization that her wealth has come at the expense of many other people.

I like to include the perspective of children of parents who commit fraudulent activities. We see the financial crisis and consequences for the adults but we don’t see the consequences that children face for something that they didn’t do. It made me think about all the children of these criminals and how they go on. As teenagers, their whole world is their school, friendships and their social world, and all of this would become so difficult.

Breckenridge, Colo., was the locale for your 2014 novel, “The Possibilities.” Why did you choose to use it again in “Testimony”?

I’ve lived there before and I’m still drawn to it.

I write about places that fascinate me. In “Possibilities,” it was about locals living there. I wanted to write about it from the perspective of someone living there for the first time. In “Testimony,” this girl was uprooted from her beautiful, comfortable and luxurious life.

“The Possibilities” was optioned by director Jason Reitman and Kathleen Robinson is writing the screenplay adaptation, correct? Where is that project now?

Yes, through Searchlight, but I have no updates now.

What’s it like when you see your work on the big screen?

I’ve only experienced it once with “The Descendants.” It was very weird. It’s strange but very cool watching the actors say the words that you’ve written.

What are you currently working on?

An adult book that’s set in Waimea on the Big Island. It’s basically about a father and his son who live on a ranch. The son gets kicked out of school during his senior year. I’m writing it now so things will change; plots will change.