Tim Merriman

I live, travel, write and do consulting work all over the world with my wife, Lisa Brochu. We live on a one acre coffee farm above Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our first novel, The Leopard Tree, won two literary awards with Writer's Digest International Self-published and the Colorado Independent Publisher's Association. It was inspired by President Clinton's 2007 TV Special on HIV in Africa. We wanted to share a story that would inspire others to try to understand the plight of 55 million of children orphaned by the scourges of HIV, war and malaria. We are told it does that in a very heartwarming way.

We consult internationally as Heartfelt Associates, as trainers and planners with community leaders and people who interpret natural and cultural heritage. We have co-authored four books on heritage interpretation that have sold more than 40,000 copies. We have consulted in 26 nations around the world, including planning work with Wolong Panda Reserve and the Great Wall of China. We also lead ecotours/safaris to Tanzania and Rwanda, including visits to national parks in both nations and treks to visit mountain gorillas and chimpanzees (Rwanda only).

I have played bluegrass and old-time mandolin most of my life and enjoy working in the garden and raising koi. Lisa enjoys crafting, yoga and cares for our parrot, Katie, and rescue cats, Pono and Laka. I walk each morning on Napoopoo Road and pick up litter along the way - 18,000 items a year, sadly. We believe we are fortunate to live and work (semi-retired - some jobs are too much fun to miss) in Hawaii. We enjoy hearing from readers through reviews.