I was born and raised on the island of Guam, where ancient legends and ghost stories are woven into everyday life. Though I’m of mixed heritage, it’s my CHamoru roots that have always called to me—and that I feel are too often missing from mainstream storytelling.

Growing up, I was surrounded by tales of hauntings, sacred sites, and the island’s ancestral spirits. Like many families on Guam, we had our own stories—some thrilling, some terrifying, and all unforgettable. Yet when I searched for novels that reflected these experiences, I found very few that captured the spirit of CHamoru folklore. That realization inspired me to write.

My debut novel, Guardians of the Latte Stones, blends Guam’s World War II history with its supernatural lore. My second, The Makåna’s Legacy, launches The Yo’åmte Trilogy—a contemporary series exploring faith, ancestry, and the unseen. Both have received glowing reviews from literary organizations and readers alike. I’m currently writing the next installment and can’t wait to share where the story leads.

I now live in Kenai, Alaska, with my wife and youngest son. The journey of self-publishing has been challenging, but the encouragement of family, friends, and readers—especially fellow CHamorus—keeps me inspired. Every kind word, every shared story, reminds me why I write: to honor the past, and to keep our island’s spirit alive for generations to come.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/mkaleja