What Joan Didion and Norman Rockwell Have In Common
Didion and Rockwell may have used different mediums, but their art captured the same essence thanks to their detailed storytelling and unflinching look at our real lives.
Writing Update: Check-in and R&R Reflections
R&R update, querying, and reflections on the revision process for WSD.
Why I Write Older Characters
I think it’s so important to embrace diversity in perspectives, and oftentimes later-in-life stories are neglected. I want to be a part of changing that.
Thoughts on Themes from WSD
Instead of approaching it as a broad idea like “identity,” it helps when I ask a specific question and use the story to explore more. I’ll expand on this, using my own manuscript as the example.
Why I Write Multicultural Stories
Rooted in my own identity as part of the diaspora (mixed 2nd gen Japanese American), these kinds of stories almost always explore the delicate topics of identity and belonging, which I love.
Writing Update: Querying #7
It’s been a month since the last official update, and there have been some changes!
Managing Expectations
I’m very much a “manage my expectations” kind of person, but I’m finding myself wanting to let go of it in this instance.
Writing Update: April 2024 Works In Progress
So many projects, so little time! What does my work look like right now, and what am I doing to manage it all?
Why I Write Strong Female Characters
The decision to write strong female characters is rooted in my belief that literature has the power to empower, inspire, and challenge the status quo.
Writing Update: Querying #6
4 requests, 17 rejections, and 14 outstanding… I don’t plan to send any more queries at this point, so here’s to hoping!
Why I Write About Mental Health
Mental health narratives play a crucial role in so many important stories, and as someone personally affected by mental health struggles throughout my life, it’s important to me that my work reflect those realities as well.
Writing Update: New WIP (+ more query responses)
It doesn’t look quite like last year, where I literally wrote one novel manuscript after another, drafting constantly even while I was editing and revising the ones I’d already finished. It’s more of a mixed bag right now, and I feel good about that.
Writing Update: Querying #5
3 requests and 13 rejections… I’m happy with those numbers! I’d like to see more requests, obviously, but I’m also not going to complain.
Why I Write Disabled Characters
My choice to write characters with disabilities is a personal statement in many ways, that our voices matter. But it is also quite simple: I believe all kinds of people, with all kinds of stories, should be able to see themselves in literature and other media.
Why I Write About My Querying Process
I’ve benefitted so much from others in the publishing industry—whether authors, agents, or editors—who have shared their experiences and expertise. I’m no expert, but I want to pay it forward by being transparent about my own process.
