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It’s been three months, and I finally finished writing Chapter 9 in Book 3 of my Her Multiverse series. My favorite part? It’s clocking in at 87.6K words and I don’t think anything’s happened.
“Illusive” and “Weightless” both start in the middle of the action—and the whole purpose of the books are to catch the reader up to the present and answer big questions. Now that I think about it, they’re the same question, but answered differently. Where was Katie for two years and what happened to her?
As with last week, you will find the following in today’s newsletter (feel free to skip to those parts):
- Personal note
- What brought me joy this week!
- What challenged me
- What else?
- Support and love our community
- Tell me more
Personal note
I ticketed for Jin of BTS tickets today. If you’re wondering how my wallet is handling this onslaught, please know that I’m ignoring any and all reasonable questions about money for the foreseeable future.
JIN OF BTS IS GOING TO BE IN ANAHEIM IN JULY AND I WILL BE THERE SO THE REAL QUESTION IS HOW IS NOT YOONGI GOING TO MAKE MORE MONEY SO THAT I CAN BE HAPPY I WILL NOT BE TAKING FEEDBACK AT THIS TIME
I also may or may not have told my children they were absolutely not allowed on the internet when ticketing began. They will not fuck with my bitrate!!
Also, the nervous poops took over my life. I REALLY WISH MY BODY WOULDN’T RESPOND TO BTS SO HARD. (Heh. I said, “hard.”)
HOWEVER I SUCCEEDED AND WILL BE SEEING KIM SEOKJIN TWICE IN ANAHEIM IN JULY! KIM SEOKJIN!! KIM SEOKJIN!! KIM SEOKJIN!!
What brought me joy
Other than getting the Jin tickets, I can’t say I have found much joy lately, but ultimately, my community has pulled me through. Parenting has been frustrating—not because the kids are misbehaving or anything. Toddlerhood just feels impossible, and Kitsune (2) still doesn’t talk (yet manages to communicate her commands just fine).
Oh, wait. This is the joy section.
Connecting with my friends is what is bringing me joy. I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made with friends old and new over the last 46 years. I’m grateful that my experience interviewing people at Mochi Magazine and for Brazn Azn has carried over into asking good questions to my friends—especially my friends who I deeply respect and admire.
Few things get me glowing like, “Wow, that’s a good question” followed by a thoughtful answer.
So, in this season of AS;LDKFJA;SLDKFJADSKLF, cling to your friends. Get to know your loved ones deeply and with intention. Or, you know, mutter “I love you” and don’t make eye contact. That works, too.
What challenged me
It’s been a rough season lately. I don’t know what’s going on inside my brain, but I can’t seem to do things. I just want to zone out and listen to podcasts, consume content, and maybe eat some snacks.
It’s been a challenge to do anything else other than that—even when I know I have articles that need to be written. (For instance, um, I have THREE due soon or already due.)
What else
My novella is releasing next week!! It’s surreal to have so many books in the works and published. I keep forgetting to tell people about it and somehow, I just think my books will magically sell.
I guess it’s not magic, but still. Pre-sales are still going on, so please support me!
“Love As Soft As a Distant Star” is a cozy fantasy novella—and if that’s not convincing enough, it’s steamy, too. If you love arranged marriage/forced proximity tropes (I sure am a sucker for them), slow burns (seriously, the slowest), cozy feels, and soft, quiet love, then check it out.
Also, if you’re local, come meet me in San Francisco on Saturday, June 7. I will have all three of my books for sale, some candy, and can personalize autographs, too. I would love to meet my readers in person, and meet new folks as well. We’ll be at the Sports Basement on 610 Old Mason Street from 1 to 4 pm.
Support and love our community
I write about my articles for Mochi Magazine in this newsletter, but I don’t know that I’ve ever explicitly asked for folks to follow Mochi Mag on socials or subscribe to their newsletter. So, no time like the present!
Mochi Magazine is the longest running online Asian American women’s magazine, and as the entertainment editor for the past seven years, this magazine is where I’ve learned so much of my craft and it’s provided so many opportunities for both me and other Asian American writers.
I truly love this community, and I would be so happy if you joined us.
Follow Mochi Magazine on Instagram.
Tell me more
I know today was a super short newsletter (or at least, super short for meeeeee). Sometimes, that’s just how it goes.
But, I still want to hear from you! I love it when folks email me and share their stories. Please know that I am always so moved and touched that you reach out and give me a piece of yourself to carry and to hold. It is an honor that I don’t take lightly.
May you have a week full of chaotic joy!
