How to Get an Author Blurb

May 20, 2013 4 Comments

Gigi Gahtgaht: to stammer or stutterIn The History of the Han Dynasty, there is a story about a man named Jau Cheung who suffered from stammering. The first emperor of the Han dynasty (206-194 B.C.) had already made the son of Queen Leuih the crown prince, but he loved his concubine Lady Chik so much that he changed his mind. He wanted to make her son the new crown prince. Jau Cheung, an old official, challenged the emperor: "I can't talk very well, but as far I know, it would be ve...very wrong … [Read more...]

Filed Under: author blurb, elevator pitch, endorsement, Han dynasty, novel, stammer, stutter, writer, writing

I Have a Book Contract!

May 6, 2013 12 Comments

Jengdau: excellent or genuineIn the past, stores were famous for their honesty. Jengdau meant to give the exact weight measured by a dau (dipper). The shopkeeper would use the measuring tool to obtain the precise amount desired. While jengdau originally referred to the exactness of quantity, it now also means the excellence of quality.Measuring out the right amount. I have a jengdau book contract! My Taiwanese generational novel has been picked up by Martin Sisters Publishing. After years of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: book contract, Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese saying, Martin Sisters Publishing, novel, query letters, synopsis, writing

Round 2 with Amazon

February 19, 2013 10 Comments

Wan Kaausaan: to find a powerful man to back you upChinese people choose to live in places with the best fengshui. When they build a house, they locate it on the southern slope of a hill, which serves to block off the chilly north wind. Having a hill also provides a sense of security; by extension, a powerful person that backs you up is known as a kaausaan.What more powerful person company exists than Amazon? I'm excited to announce that I made it to the second rounds of the Amazon Breakthrough … [Read more...]

Filed Under: ABNA, Amazon, Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese saying, fengshui, fiction, geomancy, goal, novel, writer

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

January 21, 2013 4 Comments

Msai Mahn A-Gwai: no need to ask about it, a known secretPak Gwai was a leader who ruled Gwongdung province in the last years of the Ching dynasty. There was one official above him, the governor of both Gwongdung and Gwongsai province. Whenever inferiors wanted instruction, they went above A-Gwai's head and asked the governor of the two provinces for help.Known secrets.Everyone has heard of Amazon.com, and most people (especially writers) know about the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA). … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Amazon breakthrough novel award, Amazon.com, Cantonese, Chinese saying, Ching dynasty, contest, novel, Publishing, secret, writer, writing

Leaving Childhood Behind

August 20, 2012 4 Comments

Yihhei: unreliable or not serious (lit. playing like kids)Emperor Mahn, who ruled from 179 B.C. to 156 B.C., once conducted two military inspections.  On his journey to Bah Seuhng and Gik Muhn, he and his attendants finished their task without any impediment.  On his trip to Sai Lauh, the soldiers on guard blocked his path.  The emperor was forced to send in a man with a military warrant before they opened the gate for him.  Emperor Mahn then found the commander general and commended him, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cantonese, Charles Yu, Chinese, Christopher Paolini, college, emperor, Hannah Dennison, kids, mystery, National Book Foundation, novel, story, Taiwanese, Tea Obreht, UCLA, writing
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