Mystery Writing Tips (ALAAC 2014 part 3)

"When the rabbits are dead, the hounds that tracked them will be cooked." --Chinese proverb A new crime every time--that's the vital essence of a thriving mystery series. At the ALA conference in June, I saw a panel of women mystery authors. The group consisted of  Hannah Dennison (MURDER AT HONEYCHURCH HALL, "Downton Abbey meets Midsomer Murders"), Kelli Stanley (CITY OF SECRETS, "a noir tale of high order"), Rachel Howzell Hall (LAND OF SHADOWS, "hard-hitting tale of a modern, complex Los … [Read more...]

Author Celebrity Sightings (ALAAC 2014 part 2)

"Spilt water cannot be retrieved." --Chinese proverb Words spilled out as writers can't be retrieved. Words said as admirers can't be taken back either, which I found out while blubbering to my favorite authors at the ALA conference. (Okay, so I wasn't crying, but I still wasn't suave.) Here are my celebrity shots: Jean Kwok One of my favorite Asian American writers, we share a Hong Kong connection (my mom's from there). Jean was the first well-known author (think NYT bestseller) to … [Read more...]

ALA, Here I Come!

"Trees may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside." --Chinese proverb The wind's been blowing me here and there. In fact, this post is a little late because I had to prepare for a book talk. I interacted with teens at the local library today, talking about the process of writing and encouraging them to complete their own works over the summer. It's amazing to see their passions and their diverse interests, which can range from manga to poetry. Speaking of libraries, I'm gearing to attend … [Read more...]