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...]

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...]

Cover Reveal: Death By Bubble Tea

I'm so excited for my new cozy series, the L.A. Night Market Mysteries, coming out in Summer 2022! The first book drops on July 5, 2022, and it's called DEATH BY BUBBLE TEA. You can pre-order it now! I want to especially thank the creators behind this amazing book cover. Jane Liu did a fabulous job doing the main illustration and capturing the night market vibe and the two cousins at the heart of the story. Judith Murello Lagerman was involved in the art design of the cover. About … [Read more...]

Author Speed Dating

I went to the More Than Malice convention a few weeks ago and participated in something called “Author Speed Dating.” It’s a timed event, where you get one minute to pitch your book to attendees. Honestly, it may have been as nerve-wracking as actual speed dating! I’ve pitched before (see my previous post). That was only to literary agents one at time, though, not simultaneously to a whole slew of people. I think there were over a hundred, close to two hundred folks, listening to the … [Read more...]

Off to Malice

This week from July 14 to July 17, I'm off to the Malice Domestic convention. It's the first time I'm joining. Usually held near Washington D.C. every year, 2021 will be a virtual event. Although I was planning to go in 2020, complete with travel and stay options, I'm glad that I can at least participate in the upcoming online conference. Typically, Malice Domestic honors traditional mysteries (think: Agatha Christie) and features the Agatha Awards (awards in the shape of teapots). The … [Read more...]

Holiday Trip: Taiwan and Japan

Hello, all! I've enjoyed a lovely extended holiday overseas. I'm still battling jet lag, but I have enough energy to highlight some of the spots I visited. Taiwan I launched a sky lantern. There's space on the four sides of the lantern to draw pictures and write well wishes or dreams. I got a treat at breakfast. Look at these cute steamed buns! An amazing sight I visited was the Fire and Water Spring! I learned more about the history of indigenous peoples in … [Read more...]

#BookReview: My Sister, the Serial Killer

5 stars Genre: Humorous crime fiction My Sister, the Serial Killer Pros: Funny; dark humorPlenty of great Nigerian referencesWildly original Cons: Entertaining; had me flipping the pagesUnusual ending that didn’t quite meet my expectationsSome loose ends left dangling, particularly regarding the backstory This book totally blew me away. It feels like poetry jumping off the pages.  First off, I loved the idea of the sister relationship as it involves murders. … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Jellyfish Salad

Jellyfish Salad: cold, marinated jellyfish appetizer The jellyfish (look for the white strands) is mixed in with shredded carrots and cucumbers. Jellyfish is often the centerpiece in a cold appetizer dish. Nestled next to sliced meats, you'll find long strands of milky white. Despite the similar appearance, jellyfish isn't noodle-soft. Instead, it has a slippery and chewy texture. On its own, jellyfish doesn't have any flavor. It takes on whatever sauce it's been marinated with; … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Loquat

Loquat: oval-shaped fruit; also known as Chinese plum Recently, I've had the chance to savor home-grown loquats. These fruit are generally bright orange and soft to the touch when ripe. The flesh tastes sweet but also has some tang. It is definitely plum-like in texture. However, due to the huge seed inside each single fruit, you've got to eat a lot of them to feel satisfied. Thankfully, they grow in huge clusters. Loquats are a once-in-a-while treat for me. They've got a fair … [Read more...]

Robot Revenge Audiobook

Here's a quick announcement for folks who like listening to their books: Robot Revenge is now an audiobook! You can find it here: https://www.audible.com/pd/Robot-Revenge-Audiobook/B07MTNZ2SH One reviewer calls it a fun cozy mystery that's "unique and well thought out." Plus, "Humor, an all important element for me, was sprinkled liberally throughout." Happy listening! … [Read more...]