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...]
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...]
Agatha Award Nomination
January 27, 2023 Leave a Comment
I grew up on Agatha Christie--I mean, after I read stuff like Encyclopedia Brown and Nancy Drew. There was something transportive about puzzling out a mystery. The Queen of Crime was great at stumping me. Later on, as a writer, I appreciated her skill at varying scenarios and clues (unreliable narrator, anyone?). My mom also loved Christie and was the one who first introduced me to her. That day, I wasn't sure what to borrow at the library, and the beginning of the adult section was right behind … [Read more...]
Lefty Award Nomination!
January 18, 2023 2 Comments
Have you heard of Left Coast Crime? If you’re a crime fiction fan and live West-ish (western US, Canada…), you might know of it. This exciting conference for fans brings together readers and authors for a wonderful time of connection. Every year, it changes locations. In 2023, it’ll be held in Tucson in March. I’m really excited about LCC since my book, Death By Bubble Tea, has been nominated for a Lefty Award in the Best Humorous Mystery category. Find me listed next to Ellen Byron, my … [Read more...]
While At Bouchercon
September 13, 2022 Leave a Comment
I’ll be honest. Bouchercon has intimidated me for years. A mystery fan convention that regularly boasts over 1000 attendees? That’s scary for an introvert like me. This year, though, I wanted to go in person, to mingle with authors and fans, and also to celebrate Sisters in Crime’s (SinC) 35th anniversary. (I’m currently VP on the national board and nominated to become President starting October 1, when the new term rolls around.) Here are highlights from my trip: SinC Executive … [Read more...]
Mustache Pretzels
July 22, 2022 2 Comments
I’m a fan of the soft pretzel. Sure, I like crunchy pretzels to munch on for snacking, but I have the fondest memories of soft pretzels. I think it all stems from a school trip I took to the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Using some spending money, I bought and devoured my very first soft pretzel—it was fabulous. I’m still hard-pressed to beat that initial savory taste. Growing up, I sometimes went to the local mall and browsed. The alluring scent from Auntie Anne’s would often follow me … [Read more...]
Hitting the SoCal Indie Bestseller List
July 15, 2022 2 Comments
I’ve blogged before about how tired I got during release week. Launching a new book (and a new series) requires dedication. I’m grateful to all the publications and bloggers and podcasters who gave me media coverage. I’m thankful to the great bookstagramming community, who’ve been sharing images of Death By Bubble Tea (including a few bubble tea selfies). Of course, I’m very appreciative of the readers who supported me. In fact, it’s the fans who clamored for my book and went out of their way … [Read more...]
ICYMI: NYT
July 11, 2022 2 Comments
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
July 9, 2022 Leave a Comment
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...]
