On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me — 3 dancing pigs, 2 handmade bells, and a portrait to put on the tree. I wish we owned a pig. I hear they’re very smart and clean! No, the 3rd ornament to have on your tree is not a pig, but the animals…
Author: AnnSukWang
Ann Suk Wang is a freelance journalist who writes picture books and children’s novels that highlight stories close to her heart, family and heritage. A graduate of UCLA (BA) and Boston University (MS), Ann is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI,) participates in various book writing groups, and was one of five finalists in the “We Need Diverse Books Short Story Contest." When not writing, Ann is most likely dancing, listening to podcasts, advocating for adoption (of children and pets), or sampling the next perfect dessert. She lives in Southern California with her supportive husband, two energetic sons, and canine bestie.
An Abyss of Grief: Tragedy in Connecticut and Mourning Together
Our hearts, as a nation in mourning, sank to new depths today. When innocent children and adults are sacrificed to the ills of our world, I’m sickened and saddened to an unfathomable degree. Even in an idylic place, as Newton has been described, even in this haven, a town is plunged into mourning… and we…
12 Days of Christmas Ornaments: A Tradition of Memories – Day 2
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me — 2 handmade bells and a portrait to put on the tree. So I must have looked at the mystery object so many years ago and wondered, “What in the world could that be?” Son: “It’s a bell, mommy!” Mom: “Well, of course…
12 Days of Christmas Ornaments: A Tradition of Memories
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a portrait to put on the tree… actually, my true earthly love (aka: husband Mike) did not give it to me, but I gave it to us 14 years ago. It was a Pooh and Piglet frame ornament with our newly married faces peeking…
1st Draft Done!
On November 30, 2012, I birthed a bouncing baby novel (50,221 word, 186 pages, middle grade/YA, thank you nanowrimo!) Though a joyous moment, I was tempted to tell the doctor to tie my tubes — I am not doing this 30-day thing again, (but then again, that’s how I felt last November 30. No really, 2.5…
A Month of Crazy Writing
November is National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.com). That means if you go to the website I indicated in parens, you can join thousands (maybe even millions? who knows, I’m bad in math) of crazy writers all over the world and write a 50,000+ word novel in a month. That breaks down to 25 days of…
The Neurosis of This Writer
Recently, I was stressed (again). So I listed all I’m doing (on a daily, weekly and monthly basis). Then I listed all that I wish I were doing and all that I wish I weren’t doing. Then I listed my priorities. If I had a few more days to kill, I’d add to my already…
Picture Book Review: Ferdinand is Still Fiercely Good
Some spoilers ahead. One of my top 10 favorite picture books of all time is celebrating its 75th birthday! The Story of Ferdinand was written by Munro Leaf, beautifully and comically illustrated by Robert Lawson. There is something endearing and timeless about this well-told story with a universally common theme. I know this, not because it…
Writing Journal: Rejected Rhino
Recently, my first short story submission was rejected from a children’s magazine. I won’t say which one, but it’s very well-known and rhymes with “this bites.” Honestly, I’m not bitter. I knew going in that I would have to send in 100+ submissions before getting my first acceptance; so I have at least 99 more…
Sniffing Out A Great Read — Middle Grade Chapter Book Review: Breaking Stalin’s Nose
Once in a blue moon, I read a book that takes my breath away. I read (in one sitting) one such children’s historical fiction recently – Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin. I first knew Yelchin as a talented illustrator, so was glad to see his drawings illuminate his story here. In this simple chapter…
Ann Suk Wang, Kidlit Author 