My name is Jenny Duhaylonsod Delos Santos, and I am the author of “Falling Perfectly Without Trying,” and “Mark Takai’s Legacy.”
I am originally from Ewa Beach on the island of Oahu; but now I live in Honolulu.
I also previously worked for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a newspaper company, and have served as an editorial clerk for nearly 17 years.
I’m not rich and I don’t have a prestigious job nor even have multiple degrees; however, I knew I could write. So, one night after work, I sat at my computer and started writing about my life experiences.
While writing in my manuscript and trying to get published, numerous events and new experiences arose, and I was able to capture some of them in my book as well.
“Falling Perfectly Without Trying” is a story about my life and what happened through the years. I thought it would be a great story to tell people, especially those who were experiencing domestic violence, mental illness and cancer. Plus, too, many women were dying due to being stabbed or shot to death from their abuser.
My dream was to help everyone through my book and speeches. I became a Toastmaster member for nearly eight years, and it helped to be in a speech group where you practice saying speeches whenever possible.
Besides writing “Falling Perfectly Without Trying,” I also wrote “Mark Takai’s Legacy,” which took more than three years to write. It took a long time to write about Mark Takai, because there were so many people who refused to talk to me. As a result, I went into a deep depression.
It was Naomi Takai, Mark’s mom, who helped me feel better about myself. Plus, too, I took an English 100 class at Kapiolani Community College on Zoom. After writing multiple essays, my depression left, and I had the confidence to finish the book.
Wasn’t sure exactly how to write a biography, but for some reason numerous people started to talk to me about Mark. Sometimes others referred me to a certain person and/or department at UH Manoa, which helped a great lot, and there were lots of newspaper articles, books and pictures to look at.
I finally turned in the manuscript for Mark Takai’s Legacy at approximately about July 2023. Three months later it went to the printing press.
I had my book signing on Jan. 27, 2024, at Barnes & Noble. There were so many people at the event and some I haven’t seen for 10 to 25 years. It all was due to putting it on Facebook and word by mouth. I was so happy to see everyone!
Sincerely,
Jenny Duhaylonsod Delos Santos
