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...]
Anthony Award nomination
May 8, 2023 Leave a Comment
Hurrah! Good news! DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA is a finalist for an Anthony Award in the Best Humorous category! Check out the full list here:https://bouchercon2023.com/the-anthony-awards/ … [Read more...]
The Second Time Around
May 2, 2023 Leave a Comment
I've wanted to go to Malice Domestic for a long time--THE convention for traditional mystery writers (and readers). But it also requires flying five hours to get there, along with a brutal time change. I did go last year to check it out. And I admit that I was intimidated. Things I didn't enjoy? -Getting turned around on the Metro-Trying to pack my schedule (and not resting or eating well)-Feeling lost when others around me seemed to know each other already-Being (briefly) mistaken for … [Read more...]
Media Mentions & Event Updates
April 24, 2023 Leave a Comment
A quick note to catch you all up on some amazing mentions and great events in the near future! On the media front: Death By Bubble Tea has been recommended on Shepherd.com: https://shepherd.com/book/death-by-bubble-teaThe Sassy Cat series is mentioned for its mystery vibe splashed with romance:https://crimereads.com/mysteries-for-romance-fans/https://bookriot.com/what-is-a-romcozy/ For events, I'm gearing up to head over to Malice Domestic in MD this week. It'll be a full schedule, … [Read more...]
Kirkus Reviews
April 12, 2023 Leave a Comment
Confession: I've always loved a good rewards chart. When I was in elementary school, my teacher ran a reading contest. The person who read the most number of books (and earned the most stickers) got a reward at the end of the school year. Since I adored reading, I took on the challenge--and zoomed ahead on the chart. At the end of the year, I won! My prize? A coveted gift card to the local bookstore. (Where I promptly went to purchase Anne of Green Gables books.) Today, after a year … [Read more...]
News: Malice Anthology & Book Sale
April 4, 2023 Leave a Comment
I've got some exciting news for you! My short story, "The Fall of the Tech Titan," will be in the upcoming Malice Domestic Anthology. This is such an honor! More details here: https://www.malicedomestic.org/anthologies.html Also, Book 1 in my Sassy Cat series is on sale for a limited time. Get an e-copy for yourself, your friends, or your family for only … [Read more...]
Left Coast Crime Recap
March 23, 2023 Leave a Comment
Tucson is beautiful. Something is wacky with the weather because I travelled from downcast Los Angeles to sunny Tucson and still returned to a rainy SoCal. Really, though, the hotel setting for Left Coast Crime (LCC) was so surreal and pretty! Majestic mountains, fluffy floating clouds, and impressive cacti surrounded me! I even saw a cactus with a rose growing on it! Of course, I didn't go for the secluded location. I went to see people--and they didn't disappoint either! It's … [Read more...]
Busy, Busy Bee
March 14, 2023 Leave a Comment
Hey all, This week will be packed! Today, I'm off to celebrate the anniversary of The Bookish Hour podcast. Come join me!It'll be two nights of Mystery March Madness with great authors. I'm on for tonight: March 14th stream: https://youtube.com/live/vVGTmYYzE4AMarch 16th stream: https://youtube.com/live/9hi9pFuKnQ8 Also, I'm flying out to Tucson for Left Coast Crime soon! I'm nominated for a Lefty Award for Death By Bubble Tea, and I'll be on two panels and busy with multiple … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Taro Mochi Bun
March 10, 2023 Leave a Comment
The first time I ever saw a taro plant was in Hawaii. I think I re-read the sign twice to check the name placard. I didn’t realize that the plant had such huge, broad leaves! I guess I mainly thought of taro as that nutty but sweet root vegetable. In my life, I’ve heard ube and taro get swapped around a lot. But they’re different root vegetables. Ube is much sweeter and richer. While they both have dull brown exteriors, ube often has purple flesh. This vibrant color adds much pizzazz to … [Read more...]
Book Review: Promophobia
February 23, 2023 Leave a Comment
5 stars Genre: Non-fiction Promophobia An extensive collection of informative essays from Sisters in Crime members that really dive into book promotion, particularly for mystery writers. Filled with many tips and individual case studies, showcasing success…and failure. An invaluable guide for authors who want insight into marketing their work. Find more of my book ratings and reviews here. … [Read more...]
