I was meeting a fellow writer friend for lunch, someone I’d only previously interacted with online. When she showed up, she said, “You look exactly like your author photo!,” and she meant it as a compliment. This led me to wonder: How accurate should author photos be? I mean, I have friends who hate having their pictures taken. I know people who opt for … Continue reading Authentic Author Photos
I think I first heard about goat yoga from fellow writer, Sarah M. Chen. Then AJ Devlin put it in his book. And Paula Charles/Janna Rollins has a goat yoga studio in her new series. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to try it…at a party. For her birthday, my friend decided to corral some goats. Yes, the goats will come to you … Continue reading Goat For It!
After Left Coast Crime, I experienced a little moment of panic at SeaTac airport. Where was my e-reader? I mean, I did spot a Little Free Library at the airport. Should I circle back? Good news is that I eventually found my tablet nestled in a side pocket of my luggage. Not that I had to worry. I did also have books packed away inside … Continue reading Bookless in Seattle
For the last three weekends, I’ve been busy with bookish or writing-related activities. It seems like I haven’t had a “real weekend” in forever. While my hubby mistakenly believed the other day was Pi Day, I honestly thought, “What day is it even?” Case in point: When I went into the grocery store recently, I saw a Cheerios box with the word “Mom” on it; … Continue reading Realizations
Welcome to “Chicks Celebration,” our fun new Chicks on the Case feature! Join us as we Chicks share what we’re currently celebrating (book release, new idea, recent read)… 1. Which Chick is celebrating? Jen 2. The reason for the celebration? the launch of Ill-Fated Fortune (Feb 20th) 3. What did you do? As always, I had a fabulous blog tour with Great Escapes Book Tours, organized by Lori … Continue reading Chicks Celebration: Launch of ILL-FATED FORTUNE
Hurrah! It’s release day for Ill-Fated Fortune! This is the first book in Jen’s Magical Fortune Cookie series. Praise includes: “This first in a new series featuring a likable Chinese American heroine will appeal to fans of Jenn McKinlay, Eve Calder, or Joanne Fluke.” ―Booklist “I enjoyed all aspects of the pleasantly appealing whodunit.” ―Dru’s Book Musings ABOUT THE BOOK The first in the heart-warming … Continue reading Happy Book Birthday to ILL-FATED FORTUNE
Growing up, we didn’t usually eat dessert or get it when we went out—except at Chinese restaurants, which gave us treats for free. Sometimes we’d receive orange slices, but other times, we got fortune cookies! Not only did I enjoy crunching into them, but I also appreciated the fortunes inside. I started amassing the messages. It helped that when we got into the restaurant business, … Continue reading Fortune Cookie Message Collector
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
