Inspirational speaker and author to present at monthly meeting

After publishing one small book, Maryann Makekau has been on a “surprising” 21-month journey that includes two book series and 18 book tours, with her next stop being the monthly Writers In Sandals meeting 10 a.m. Saturday at the Destin Library.

“My goal is to inspire others to make a difference with their own writing,” said the Fort Walton Beach resident.

The “Channel of Hope” presentation will cover a broad range of topics for teachers, community members and parents who have an interest in motivational and inspirational writing techniques.

Makekau is the author of the Little Pink Book Series and the Little Patriot Book Series. In the children’s books, she tackles tough topics through the eyes of a kid while engaging the entire family.

“Children aren’t shy about asking questions… If the language is there, the questions naturally flow out,” Makekau said.

Published titles include “When Your Teacher Has Cancer,” “When Your Mom Has Cancer,” “When Your Mom’s Cancer Doesn’t Go Away,” “When Your Mom Goes to War,” and “When Your Dad Goes To War.” Her latest book to the Little Pink Book Series will be about Alzheimer’s disease.

“These topics affect lives worldwide,” said the Air Force veteran who has more than 20 years experience in the mental health field including evaluation of learning, memory and executive brain function disorders.

A book in the Little Pink Book Series recently appeared in the Good Morning America debut of Martina McBride’s latest song, “I’m Going to Love You Through It.”

“I don’t sing, but Martina gave it a singing voice which is a tremendous blessing,” she said. “My hope is to sit down with her and ask her how this happened.

For more information about Makekau, visit becausehopematters.com/2011.

“I want to help people realize they have the potential to have an impact using their gift of writing no matter what the topic is.”