Story on tattooist wins first place, features blogs, in statewide contest

 I believe you do what you love, and the rewards will follow. Last fall, I wrote a story about my cousin Andrew “Sado” Wong, a tattoo artist of noteworthiness. The blog: http://www.hawaiiirl.com/blogs/revered-master-tattooist-sado-transitions-to-new-canvas.html/

I did it because I’ve thought for years he’s interesting, but of course, neither of us had time to sit down and interview, between working and raising our families. Finally, in my quiet time between jobs, I sat down and talked to him. He happened to be in a quieter time of his life, as well.

SPJ first place award

It’s a story borne out of love and respect, and after I wrote it, I liked it. I entered it in this year’s annual statewide journalism writing contest held by one of our industry’s leading organizations, the Society of Professional Journalists – Hawaii Chapter.

The screen shot from the video presentation during the awards ceremony.

This weekend, it took first place for best features blog. The judges liked my “thorough reporting, rich details, and lots of photos.” That’s an honor. This is a peer-judged competition. I’m grateful and humbled to win recognition for a story that was already rewarding to research and tell!

Author(s) on this Post

Diane Ako

Peace of mind By Diane Ako I like to reflect on life. Sometimes it’s philosophically. Sometimes it’s humorously. For all its beauty, life is far too difficult a journey to take alone. You need the support and connection with others to help carry you along the way. Writing brings me that connection– within and without. It clarifies my thoughts and feelings. It helps me reach out to others for advice, wisdom, or feedback. Your thoughts become your actions. Your actions become you. A wise yogi- Patanjali- said, “Speak what is true. Speak what is pleasant.” Let’s speak of things pleasant to one another and seek some peace of mind along the way. ABOUT Diane Ako joined Hawaii: In Real Life in October 2016. She likes being part of a community of local bloggers – people who like writing and sharing, like she does. Ako is an anchor/ reporter at Island News (KITV4 – ABC) in Honolulu. She previously anchored and reported at KHON2 (FOX) and KHNL (NBC), and at stations in California, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. She freelance writes for NMG Network's magazines. In between news jobs, in 2017, she launched and ran her own p.r. company, Diane Ako PR. From 2010-2014, she headed the public relations department at Halekulani Corporation, which oversees luxury resort Halekulani and boutique hotel Waikiki Parc. She’s been blogging since 2009 – before Hawaii: IRL, she wrote for The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the state’s largest daily newspaper, where her stories garnered a dozen journalism awards and an Emmy nomination. Ako has a BA in Communications from Menlo College and an MA in Political Science from University of Hawaii at Manoa. She volunteers as a board member of the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, a Shinto shrine maiden at Daijingyu Temple, a citizen-scientist studying shrimp, and a yoga teacher at a senior center.

Diane Ako has 274 posts and counting. See all posts by Diane Ako

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