Writing Community & Ill-Fated Fortune

Writing is a solitary activity, but being a writer, or an author, requires community. Without regular support, writing goals can go on hiatus or disappear. I’m happy to say that there are many fellow authors and readers who are excited to cheer a writer on! I’m compiling an incomplete list of people who are boosting me as my newest book, Ill-Fated Fortune, comes out tomorrow! Please check out these bloggers/BookTubers who are providing encouragement and bookish love: 1) A Bookish … [Read more...]

News Flash: Awards Update

Popping into my blog to give you a quick update. I'm beyond thrilled to have Hot Pot Murder be nominated for 2 awards! My book has been shortlisted for: Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award: https://mysterywriters.org/mwa-announces-2024-edgar-award-nominations/ Lefty Award (in the Best Humorous category): https://leftcoastcrime.org/2024/Awards.html All very exciting! … [Read more...]

The Holidays Are Here

My friend Leslie Karst is blogging about holiday traditions in Hilo, Hawaii, which reminded me to share about the traditions I enjoy here in SoCal. One thing I appreciate is the sparkling of twinkly lights. A lot of them are wrapped around palm trees, and some of those trees get decorated (in a fun way) as candy canes. Then we have other twinkling sculptures like this whale with a Santa hat in Dana Point: I also like a nicely decorated Christmas tree, but I love the different creative … [Read more...]

Off to Ashland!

Hey, all! I'm excited to go to the inaugural Ashland Mystery Fest, organized by Ellie Alexander, this weekend! Find me here: Ashland Mystery FestivalOctober 20-22; Ashland, ORFriday, October 20, 5pm-7pm Kickoff Reception; Ashland Springs HotelFriday, October 20, 7:30pm-9:30pm Mystery Dinner; Ashland Springs HotelSaturday, October 21, 11:20am-12:10pm “How To Tail A Suspect”; Ashland Public LibrarySaturday, October 21, 12:40pm-1:30pm “Lock Picking, Secret Codes, and Poisons”; Ashland Public … [Read more...]

Uncorrected Manuscripts

Jubilant about receiving my uncorrected bound manuscripts, I posted the "unboxing" or "unenveloping" video on social media. Then I had a friend ask: "Why would you want an uncorrected copy?" Good question. Guess I'm so entrenched in the publishing world I forgot I had to explain the process. First off, bound manuscripts aren't pretty. They're not like true advance reader copies with the cover art and a marketing plan on the back. Exhibit A: Yep, they're plain. Simple. But they have all … [Read more...]

Off to Bouchercon 2023

Hey all, I'm off to sunny San Diego for the Bouchercon convention! Here's my rough schedule of events: ~Thursday, August 31, 2:00pm PacificAnthony Best Humorous panel~Thursday, August 31, 9:00pm PacificOnce Upon A Crime~Friday, September 1, 11:00am PacificCozy Author Spotlight~Friday, September 1, 7:00pm PacificUnderrepresented Voices reception~Saturday, September 2, 2:20pm PacificCozy is not a Four-Letter Word panel I'll also be at events for Sisters in Crime (SinC) and … [Read more...]

Hurricane Blonde reading            

It’s been a minute since I’ve gone to a book reading—as an attendee. I’ve done multiple events in the past and am scheduled for a few upcoming activities. I almost always do these events in conversation with a partner or in a group. Kudos to the brave soul who goes solo, like Halley Sutton. I first met Halley through the 2020 Debuts group. We authors bonded over books coming out—and the pandemic. That really threw a wrench in all planned gatherings. I was lucky that I got to do one launch … [Read more...]

Of Newsletters and Blogs

You readers are dear to me, but time is also important. In fact, I’m taking a break from some intense developmental edits to bring you this message. NEWSLETTERI’ll still be keeping this blog but focusing more on my monthly newsletters. Sign up here: https://jenniferjchow.com/newsletter *Side note: Since MailChimp has upped the pricing of their services, I’m currently trying out Flodesk. Let me know what you think of it! If you enjoy the new format, you can also do a trial run and … [Read more...]

It’s My Book Birthday!

Happy book birthday to me! HOT POT MURDER is out today! I've already gotten a few lovely reviews I'd like to share: “Great characters and a delightful mystery filled with luscious descriptions of food.”—Kirkus Reviews“The second installment of Chow’s cozy mystery series set at a California market, Hot Pot Murder is as charming and delightful as the first…Spending time with these characters is a treat, but—full warning—this book will make you hungry.”—Parade ABOUT THE BOOK Trouble is … [Read more...]

Anatomy of a Successful Library

I’ve been to a few interesting library spaces before. These included buildings with cute aquariums and puppet show theaters for kids. The other day, I got invited to do an authors lunch (along with Dr. David Unger) at the Huntington Beach Public Library. This was at their central library; I really loved spending time there, and I appreciated how they created a successful library space. Firstly, they offered a great physical environment. There’s actually a drop-off zone right next to the … [Read more...]