Grace Lin's Blog, page 33
April 10, 2014
still talking
I'm at the Texas Library Association and for the first time in what feels like forever, I reunited with my Hi-YAH! sisters, Justina Chen and Janet Wong:
Justina Chen, me and Janet Wong
I call them my Hi-YAH! sisters because a million years ago (in 2006) the three of went on what we called the Hi-YAH! tour; a nationwide tour to bring attention to Asian YA and Children's Literature in honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month:
the three of us in 2006During that tour we talked about the lack of diversity in children's literature, the problems books with minority characters had breaking the stereotype of being niche and unmarketable and how to make readers see that multicultural literature was literature for everyone.
Well, it's been eight years since we that tour and, ironically, we're still having the same conversation, over and over again.
It's tempting to think that nothing has changed, but they have. Not huge, big steps but there have been steps. I know I have been going on and on about the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon play and the other performances of my book that have and will occur, but, honestly, it isn't solely about me. Eight years ago, perhaps a theater wouldn't have taken a chance with such an "ethnic" play. But now places like Wheelock are producing it and I truly want it to be a success. Because if it does really well it's another step that shows that a story like Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, an "Asian, multicultural, ethnic story," is a story everyone can enjoy.
And would be a great way to continue an eight year conversation.
Justina Chen, me and Janet Wong I call them my Hi-YAH! sisters because a million years ago (in 2006) the three of went on what we called the Hi-YAH! tour; a nationwide tour to bring attention to Asian YA and Children's Literature in honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month:
the three of us in 2006During that tour we talked about the lack of diversity in children's literature, the problems books with minority characters had breaking the stereotype of being niche and unmarketable and how to make readers see that multicultural literature was literature for everyone. Well, it's been eight years since we that tour and, ironically, we're still having the same conversation, over and over again.
It's tempting to think that nothing has changed, but they have. Not huge, big steps but there have been steps. I know I have been going on and on about the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon play and the other performances of my book that have and will occur, but, honestly, it isn't solely about me. Eight years ago, perhaps a theater wouldn't have taken a chance with such an "ethnic" play. But now places like Wheelock are producing it and I truly want it to be a success. Because if it does really well it's another step that shows that a story like Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, an "Asian, multicultural, ethnic story," is a story everyone can enjoy.
And would be a great way to continue an eight year conversation.
April 8, 2014
Belated Hong Kong post: Man Mo Temple
After the Big Buddha, we went to Man Mo Temple--another place I had visited last time. I thought the incense was less stifling this time (however, I was soon to find out that was just because my nasal passages were blocked as my illness was just starting to get going) and I was able to gaze at the mesmerizing incense coils:
And be enchanted by the lanterns:
As well as the overall ambiance:
But I admit it was the less picturesque things outside that made me happiest. I found out I am supposed to have a wonderful year this year! This chart--with its recommended "lucky accessory" list--told me so:
And, even with the year's past illness and upcoming craziness, I believe I will. Even though they weren't on the list, I have two accessories that I am sure are extremely lucky.
Don't you agree?
And be enchanted by the lanterns:
As well as the overall ambiance:
But I admit it was the less picturesque things outside that made me happiest. I found out I am supposed to have a wonderful year this year! This chart--with its recommended "lucky accessory" list--told me so:
And, even with the year's past illness and upcoming craziness, I believe I will. Even though they weren't on the list, I have two accessories that I am sure are extremely lucky.
Don't you agree?
April 7, 2014
on my desk monday
It's the Korean version of Starry River of the Sky! It's on my desk as I am just finishing up my monthly (well, it's supposed to be monthly but lately it's been every other month) newletter. I'm giving this Korean edition away to a newsletter subscriber (I do a book giveaway every newsletter). If you want to subscribe to my newsletter, you can HERE.
April 4, 2014
Another event!
In honor of the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon performance, I will be participating in another (yes, another) event!
Benefiting the Chinese Historical Society of New England, I will be giving a special "Embracing the Multicultural Label" presentation as well as discussing the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon performance adaptation.
Sunday, April 13th at 1 pmFilm Lecture HallNewton North High School457 Walnut St., Newton, MA
Tickets available HERE!
A book signing and reception will follow.
Please come! I know it's a little late notice, so please spread the word even if you can't come yourself. But I hope to see you!
As usual, please check my event calendar for updates and changes to where I'll be!
April 2, 2014
belated Hong Kong post: seeing the big buddha again
Before I got so sick in Hong Kong, we were able to one fun thing--visit the Big Buddha! Seeing the Big Buddha was definitely a highlight on my last trip so I'm really glad I got to go again, this time bringing the Sasquatch and Rain Dragon!
It was a lot colder and mistier than last time though:
But that just gave the Big Buddha more ambiance:
Last time, I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and was looking much more stylish:
But I think I accessorized better this time:
And when I went up last time, I had a lot less weight to carry:
But I think I carry that extra 20 pounds or so pretty well, don't you think?
I think the Big Buddha was happy to see us! I know I was really happy to see him again.
Because he has a beautiful view:
It's inspired what I think may be the title of my new novel! But, I won't share it just yet...
Right now, I'm going to keep it a secret between me and the Big Buddha.
It was a lot colder and mistier than last time though:
But that just gave the Big Buddha more ambiance:
Last time, I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and was looking much more stylish:
But I think I accessorized better this time:
And when I went up last time, I had a lot less weight to carry:
But I think I carry that extra 20 pounds or so pretty well, don't you think?
I think the Big Buddha was happy to see us! I know I was really happy to see him again.
Because he has a beautiful view:
It's inspired what I think may be the title of my new novel! But, I won't share it just yet...
Right now, I'm going to keep it a secret between me and the Big Buddha.
April 1, 2014
Where I'll be at Wheelock!
If you haven't noticed, I'm super excited about the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production at Wheelock! It opens next week, but it's still not too late to get tickets. I'm going to be there the opening weekend as part of their grand festivities. Below is my event schedule as well as all the fun things they have planned! I hope to see you!!
Friday, April 11th 2014 150 The Riverway, BostonSpecial Event for WHEEL sponsors (become a sponsor HERE!)6-7:30 pm: Celebrate and Chat with Grace Lin, Puppet-Making workshop, Presentation of the WHEEL Award, and Grand Procession of Puppets7:30 pm: New England Premiere Performance of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (general public tickets HERE)
Saturday, April 12th 2014150 The Riverway, Boston Special Event fot WHEEL sponsors (become a sponsor HERE!)1-3pm: Draw a Dragon with Grace Lin, Traditional Chinese Dragon Dance Performance and Dragon Dance Workshop for Kids3 pm: Performance of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (general public tickets HERE)
Check my event calendar for any updates!
March 31, 2014
on my desk monday
I'm slowly getting better! I still have an unexpected booming cough and overall malaise but I'm pretty sure I'm no longer contagious. Now I just have to catch up on things--as I said earlier, I have a lot of belated Hong Kong posts to put up!
But in the meantime, I thought I'd show you this:
They are the costume designs for Wheelock Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production! When I met with Jane Staab, she let me have a sneak peak! Aren't they neat? They were created by the costume designer, Melissa Miller. I can't wait to see them come to life!
(The production opens in less then two week! Have you gotten your tickets yet?)
But in the meantime, I thought I'd show you this:
They are the costume designs for Wheelock Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production! When I met with Jane Staab, she let me have a sneak peak! Aren't they neat? They were created by the costume designer, Melissa Miller. I can't wait to see them come to life!
(The production opens in less then two week! Have you gotten your tickets yet?)
March 28, 2014
fortune cookie friday
"It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them."
- Confucius.
March 27, 2014
trying to do things right
The doctor says I have a nasty virus that is just lingering... my Hong Kong posts are going to have to be very belated as this sickness is just beating me down. But these recent articles about ethnic stereotypes in plays make me feel obligated to force myself out of the brain fog at least for a short post.
Just in case you missed it, Newton High School put on the play "Thoroughly Modern Millie" to the horror of many in the Asian-American community there. The play (I have not seen it but I have heard from many sources I trust) is rife with horrible Asian stereotypes, including a "a farcical Chinese accent." (When reading the accounts, the thing that makes me the saddest is how so many think "these people are just being too sensitive," which --to me-- shows a lack of empathy. I can understand if you personally don't find the play offensive but to dismiss someone else's obviously sincere distress is probably what started this fiasco in the first place.)
So, with this in the news and knowing that the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production will soon be opening, friends have asked me if I am worried.
I'm not worried at all.
I trust the people at Wheelock Family Theatre. How do I know my trust is not misplaced?
Jane Staab, the director of the Wheelock production, came to see me before they started to work. During our conversation, Jane told me that before their production of Peter Pan she seeked out leaders of the Wampanoag tribe, met with them and went over the entire script. There were many reasons why the Wampanoag refused to take their children to any Peter Pan production and Jane addressed them. Small reasons like removing of a feather to replace an ostrich feather (as feathers had meanings and an Indian--they did not find the use of that term offensive--would not do that). Jane also added words from their language into the script, such as "aquine" which means peace. And, most of all, Jane rewrote the lyrics to the offensive song "Ugg-a-Wug," keeping the lovely music and important message but removing the offensive word usage.
me & Jane Staab, the director of the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production at Wheelock
The end result, Jane told me, was two rows of Wampanoag Indians at their Peter Pan performance who all gave it a big thumbs up. I suspect the entire audience would've given the same review.
Which makes me so proud that Where the Mountain Meets the Moon will be produced by them. If they give Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production even half the consideration they did with Peter Pan, it's going to be fine. In fact, I know it's going to be much, much better than fine. It's going to be great! I can't wait!
Just in case you missed it, Newton High School put on the play "Thoroughly Modern Millie" to the horror of many in the Asian-American community there. The play (I have not seen it but I have heard from many sources I trust) is rife with horrible Asian stereotypes, including a "a farcical Chinese accent." (When reading the accounts, the thing that makes me the saddest is how so many think "these people are just being too sensitive," which --to me-- shows a lack of empathy. I can understand if you personally don't find the play offensive but to dismiss someone else's obviously sincere distress is probably what started this fiasco in the first place.)
So, with this in the news and knowing that the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production will soon be opening, friends have asked me if I am worried.
I'm not worried at all.
I trust the people at Wheelock Family Theatre. How do I know my trust is not misplaced?
Jane Staab, the director of the Wheelock production, came to see me before they started to work. During our conversation, Jane told me that before their production of Peter Pan she seeked out leaders of the Wampanoag tribe, met with them and went over the entire script. There were many reasons why the Wampanoag refused to take their children to any Peter Pan production and Jane addressed them. Small reasons like removing of a feather to replace an ostrich feather (as feathers had meanings and an Indian--they did not find the use of that term offensive--would not do that). Jane also added words from their language into the script, such as "aquine" which means peace. And, most of all, Jane rewrote the lyrics to the offensive song "Ugg-a-Wug," keeping the lovely music and important message but removing the offensive word usage.
me & Jane Staab, the director of the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production at WheelockThe end result, Jane told me, was two rows of Wampanoag Indians at their Peter Pan performance who all gave it a big thumbs up. I suspect the entire audience would've given the same review.
Which makes me so proud that Where the Mountain Meets the Moon will be produced by them. If they give Where the Mountain Meets the Moon production even half the consideration they did with Peter Pan, it's going to be fine. In fact, I know it's going to be much, much better than fine. It's going to be great! I can't wait!
March 24, 2014
on my desk monday
Back from Hong Kong, but still so sick. Boo hoo! I'll have to do a slew of belated Hong Kong posts because even though I was physically a mess, there were a lot of great memories. In the meantime, I'll just enjoy this yummy tea that I brought back. It's kind of a marmalade that you melt in hot water...so delicious and so throat soothing. I hope it helps me stop sounding like a toad.
