Welcome to “Behind the Book,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share the real stories behind our stories: Inspiration, motivation, frustration, jubilation– research, rewrites, tidbits– you’ll find them all right here… I visited a fortune cookie factory for book research. With a new series called Magical Fortune Cookie novels, I had to. Yeah, it’s a tough job, but someone’s … Continue reading Behind the Book: Ill-Fated Fortune
That’s right! We’ve got a special going on for all you Barnes & Noble Rewards members. Use code PREORDER25 and get 25% off any preorders! (Print, ebooks, and audiobooks are all included.) Which books do we have lined up for 2024? FEBRUARY 20, 2024 ~ ILL-FATED FORTUNE ~ Jennifer J. ChowThe first in the heart-warming and deliciously mysterious Magical Fortune Cookie series: When Felicity Jin … Continue reading Special Alert: Preorder Deal on Chicks’ Books
Recently, my older daughter had to create a braided narrative for her English class. This means she wove together present and past timelines, along with different perspectives. Since the true story was supposed to contain a medical element, she decided to do an in-depth interview with my dad for inspiration. It’s been six years since my dad got a heart transplant, and it feels long … Continue reading New Year, New Heart
I’m not talking about Cascade pods, though those keep my dishes clean. Or coffee pods (#TeamTea here, and I use bags or loose leaf). I’m referring to dolphins. Over Thanksgiving weekend, my extended family went whale watching. The last time we tried (at a different location), the kids were young, and one of them did not enjoy the rocky ride. Alas, that previous experience had … Continue reading Why I Love Pods
Last weekend, I participated in the inaugural Ashland Mystery Festival. It took place in Ashland, OR (not to be confused with Ashland, OH—as one reader pointed out to me). Anyway, I had a wonderful time there! Unlike most mystery conventions, which happen in the same hotel, this one (organized by the amazing Ellie Alexander) spread out the activities. There were loads of things to do: … Continue reading A First Time for Everything
I like quizzes. What about you? Well, actually, I don’t like pop quizzes. I feel my kids’ pain when they talk about those—something clearly along the lines of feeling crushed by books: (Honestly, I still get stress dreams about taking exams.) Nevertheless, I’ve often enjoyed quizzes. These are the kind of questionnaires that come with glossy magazines. Nowadays, we can take fun tests online. Caveat: … Continue reading Who Likes Quizzes?
As Cynthia previously posted, fall is the time for fresh school supplies. My family recently visited Staples, and we ended up with a basketful of items. “Do you really need all this stuff?” I asked. “Yes!!” they replied. Here’s a sampling of what they got: A planner for the year. Can’t argue with those helpful to-do lists! Graph paper. Ahh, the math memories… (I still … Continue reading Pens, Pencils, and Preferences
Whew, it’s been a week! I’m deep in my revisions cave (for my new Magical Fortune Cookie series–coming to you in February 2024), where I sequester myself and stare at a screen for hours on end. Not only that, but I’ve had some stressors pop up over the last few days: tech problems, miscommunications, awkward run-ins… I’d say it’s a case of “when it rains, … Continue reading Interpreting Common Phrases
Hey readers, It’s release week for Hot Pot Murder! (Here’s the buy link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673134/hot-pot-murder-by-jennifer-j-chow/9780593336557/) Go ahead and visit it… I’ll wait. Now that you’re back: Did you know that I worked in a family restaurant (serving Chinese food) for years? That influenced me to write a culinary cozy, and it also served as an inspiration for Ba’s dim sum eatery in the L.A. Night Market … Continue reading Jen’s Restaurant Biz Quiz
Yes, it’s release day for Hot Pot Murder! Hooray, Jen! Here are a few reviews for fun:“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 … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday to HOT POT MURDER!
Well, yes, my eyes are getting worse. But this post isn’t about failing eyesight but boundaries, particularly with my “professional” and “personal” self. In my previous career as a social worker, we used to talk a lot about setting boundaries. It’s better for your emotional health to have rigid lines. As an author, I’ve found the lines blurring. Want some examples? CHICKS. Clearly, here at … Continue reading The Lines Are Blurring
Welcome to “Behind the Book,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share the real stories behind our stories. Inspiration, motivation, frustration, jubilation–you’ll find them all right here… Hello! Jennifer here, and I’m going to talk about HOT POT MURDER–and cooking disasters. As some of you know, I grew up in a family restaurant. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t … Continue reading Behind the Book: Hot Pot Murder
Chicks on the Case 