There is A LOT of preparation for a new baby. But no matter how much you think you’re ready, it all feels so rushed leading up to the glorious event. So it is with this book baby (my first and hopefully, not my last!) I feel like I’ve been preparing for ten years. And yet…
Tag: writing
The House Before Falling Into the Sea: Why It Matters
Kids are smart. Their stories in books give them agency…
Here WE go! Labor Before Birth
Last week, July 7, 2023, I got the email from my editor that my “cover is up!” This new author was like, “Yay, I can finally tell my friends.” Yesterday night, I realized “Nope, it’s MORE than that!” I tried to Google my title and my name and to my surprise… it is UP, I…
Needed Vacations and Help From AI
Vacations are important for the soul! May is not only Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, but also Mental Health Awareness Month. So let’s be mindful about observing it in the many ways we can (breathing with mindfulness, taking breaks or seeing a therapist.) For me, whether it’s doing “nothing” at home or taking a plane…
The Shift To AI and Writing
Is artificial intelligence (AI) a threat to writers and creatives?
‘Twas A Night Around New Years…
When all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even Ann’s mouse. Greetings sent out by email with care, In hopes that loved ones received them out there. The children with cousins and laptops in beds, With visions of dumplings and k-beef in heads. “Stonemama” in sweats and papa in ripped tees, Had…
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…
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…