Surrey International Writers’ Conference

Honestly, I thought I might be too conferenced out to enjoy SiWC. I'd already attended three writing conferences this year and was ready for a break. The organizers, though, were so lovely and inviting. Plus, Canada! The forecast was rain, so I didn't get to leave the hotel much. I did take a quick walk to the local park, marveling at the fall foliage along the way (see my Instagram account for more photos), and even discovered a black squirrel (check out my IG reel)! At the … [Read more...]

ICYMI: NYT

This is what nobody tells you about release week: you get very tired. It’s exhausting riding the wave of needing to respond to every comment and tag. (Apologies to anyone I missed!) That plus guesting on blogs and doing multiple book events. In the meantime, you’re biting your fingernails, hoping that all of this work actually translates into sales—or more accurately, readers. Is someone out there really enjoying your work? But there are times when the unbelievable happens. I was floored … [Read more...]

At the Grocery Store

I like grocery shopping. Really, I do. I cherish it even more now than I did before. Having used grocery pick-up services back in 2020, I appreciate the chance to actually hold produce in my hands. Maybe food selecting is also enjoyable for me because it reminds me of past times with my mom. I’d tag along with her, pick fruit from the bin and maybe even weigh them on those nifty silver scales. If I was really good and well-behaved, I’d get a treat from the bakery (usually a roll). Or Tic … [Read more...]

The Great Unboxing

This festivity happens (hopefully) once a year—or maybe more if you’re lucky. It’s the celebration known as The Great Unboxing. Authors finally get to hold their literary lovelies in their hands, right before it reaches the rest of the public. Almost every writer I know does an unboxing video on this occasion. Check out my Instagram reel for the unboxing of Death by Bubble Tea (out July 5). There are a few things that I’ve learned along the way about receiving and unboxing author copies. … [Read more...]

The Countdown Begins

It’s panic time. Less than one month before my next book launches. Even though I’ve done it several times now (Bookshop link to all my books), I’m still nervous. I have a checklist of places and people to contact: bloggers, bookstores, fellow authors. Yet I still wonder, Am I forgetting someone? My next release is Death By Bubble Tea, and it comes out July 5 (preorder here). Interesting timing. Will it launch with fireworks or fizzle out? If you want to know more about my new culinary cozy … [Read more...]

To Swag or Not to Swag?

It’s conference season time! As an author, a lot my time is spent in solitary creation. There comes a few points every year where I actually get to go out and meet folks, including readers. This happens at book festivals, and to a smaller extent, at bookstores. Fan conventions, though, are a different beast entirely. These gatherings invite readers to mingle with their favorite authors. They’ve been on pause (or virtual) for the last few years, so I’m excited to see them up and running … [Read more...]

ICYMI Post

I'm on Chicks on the Case talking about the inspiration behind my cover for my upcoming Sassy Cat Mystery, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code! Check out the post here: https://chicksonthecase.com/2021/06/04/icymi-cover-reveal/ … [Read more...]

Cover Reveal on 5/30

That's right! I'm super excited to have Dru's Book Musings host my cover reveal for my upcoming Sassy Cat Mystery, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code (November 30, 2021). Be sure to check out her website on Sunday, 5/30: https://drusbookmusing.com/category/cover-reveal/ … [Read more...]

My Very First Webinar

I'm on the Writers Who Kill blog today talking about a speaking engagement I did all by lonesome. Check out my journey from when I first made a bold step and onward: https://writerswhokill.blogspot.com/2021/04/on-my-own-by-jennifer-j-chow.html … [Read more...]

ARCs, Glorious ARCs

There's something really beautiful about being one of the first. It's a privilege and an honor. This is especially true for getting to read someone's book baby. It does take an extremely long time to write and then publish something. Although 2020 has been an absolute wild ride of a year, there have been silver linings. Advance reading copies, or ARCs, has been a delight for me this year. I've been able to read fabulous work from both established and new authors. In the above photo, … [Read more...]