Patricia Wood experienced much in her 50 years but something was missing - until now.

"This has been a dream since I new what a book was," said Wood.

The dream is now reality.

"Heavily influenced by Dr. Seuss," said Wood.


Pat Wood is Hawaii's newest author. Her debut novel, "Lottery" is the story of a mentally challenged man who wins 12-million dollars in a lottery.

"Essentially -- the pitch is Forrest Gump wins powerball," said Wood.

In this case life imitates art. In 1993, her father won six million dollars in the Washington State lottery. She combined the momentous event with her studies of those with disabilities and ultimately fulfilled her life-long dream.

"What's so highly ironic, it's probably very very very close to the same probability that it took my father to win the lottery," said Wood.

We first met Wood in 1995 when she was a champion equestrian. We caught up with her again seven years later at Farrington High School where she had earned the reputation as an adventurous teacher.

"The one thing that really made them sit down and pay attention was that I really enjoyed what I was doing," said Wood.

And now she's grabbed the attention of a major publisher.

"My book on the cover and I open it up and my book is the first one in the catalogue. And I could just paraphrase my character how cool is that," said Wood.

"She made the cover of the catalogue -- she beat out Patricia Cornwell, she beat out Stewart Wood, she beat out you name it- the name authors," said Bestsellers owner, Brian Melzack.

Of course there was rejection.

"We wish you success in finding representation elsewhere."

Each envelope was a stumbling block but the dream never died.

"If you can not wallpaper a room with your rejections you're not a writer."

And now "Lottery" sits alongside another hot-selling novel -- another Woman in Charge.

"It's crazy."

The book will be published in nine countries, it already has an audio recording and film rights are being discussed. Life is good for Wood and her husband who live aboard the 50-foot Orion.

A fairy tale ending with more chapters to come.

Wood begins her book signing tour at Bestsellers in downtown on August 2nd.