Popping into my blog to give you a quick update. I'm beyond thrilled to have Hot Pot Murder be nominated for 2 awards! My book has been shortlisted for: Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award: https://mysterywriters.org/mwa-announces-2024-edgar-award-nominations/ Lefty Award (in the Best Humorous category): https://leftcoastcrime.org/2024/Awards.html All very exciting! … [Read more...]
The Holidays Are Here
My friend Leslie Karst is blogging about holiday traditions in Hilo, Hawaii, which reminded me to share about the traditions I enjoy here in SoCal. One thing I appreciate is the sparkling of twinkly lights. A lot of them are wrapped around palm trees, and some of those trees get decorated (in a fun way) as candy canes. Then we have other twinkling sculptures like this whale with a Santa hat in Dana Point: I also like a nicely decorated Christmas tree, but I love the different creative … [Read more...]
It’s My Book Birthday!
Happy book birthday to me! HOT POT MURDER is out today! I've already gotten a few lovely reviews I'd like to share: “Great characters and a delightful mystery filled with luscious descriptions of food.”—Kirkus Reviews“The second installment of Chow’s cozy mystery series set at a California market, Hot Pot Murder is as charming and delightful as the first…Spending time with these characters is a treat, but—full warning—this book will make you hungry.”—Parade ABOUT THE BOOK Trouble is … [Read more...]
Kirkus Reviews
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...]
December Already?!
How can it be December? The calendar must have sped up. I’ve conceded to this time warp, though, by beginning to listen to Pentatonix music. For some reason, as a kid I used to really like “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Maybe it was the fun repetition or countdown of numbers. (Modern update: My nieces and nephews now do coordinated hand motions to the song.) I also like reflecting over the year as it closes out, so here’s my writerly spin on the List of Twelve: 12 Drafts DraftingMaybe … [Read more...]