Jennifer J. Chow's Blog
May 8, 2025
News Flash: Anthony Award nominee
Happy to announce that Ill-Fated Fortune has been nominated for an Anthony Award in the Best Cozy/Humorous category! Congrats to all! Find the full list here: https://www.bouchercon2025.com/anthony-award-nominations
March 20, 2025
Left Coast Crime in Denver
This past weekend, I traveled to Denver for the very first time! Denver is known for its nature. I did get to see the glorious mountains…from a distance. Still lovely!
I stayed in downtown Denver and was able to take a walk to enjoy the sunshine (and brisk air) at Confluence Park. This is the spot where Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet. There’s something about water that soothes my soul.
Left Coast Crime is a fun conference and always well-organized by Lucinda and Stan. I love reconnecting with people there, both readers and authors. I did an author-reader connection with my Chicks on the Case blogging pals. Happy to report that I got to give Grace Koshida, Fan of Honor, her very first Girl Scout cookie (which she enjoyed)! Plus, I got to be on two panels (“A Bit of Magic” and “Lefty Humorous Nominees”); it’s always an honor to be a nominee for a Lefty Award!
author-reader connection
Grace Koshida interviewed by Leslie Karst
“A Bit of Magic” panel
Bonus: I got to meet up with a friend who moved from Los Angeles years ago. We caught up over a delicious lunch. Also, I hung out with Chicks on the Case bloggers for dinner (do you spot a food trend?). Finally, I visited Meow Wolf gallery with a group of friends for an immersive, intergalactic experience.
I’m lucky to be able to travel as an author and enjoy the supportive community of book-loving buddies. Until next time!
January 22, 2025
Happy belated book birthday!
Hurrah! It was launch day yesterday for me for Star-Crossed Egg Tarts. I’m happy to be back with Felicity and the gang for the second book in the Magical Fortune Cookie series. And I love how after reading it, Kirkus Reviews said: “Good things lie ahead in this series.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Felicity Jin returns in the second book in the heart-warming and deliciously mysterious Magical Fortune Cookie series from Lilian Jackson Braun Award-nominee Jennifer J. Chow.
Jin Bakery has been asked to cater the Lum-Wu outdoor wedding at Pixie Park. The day of the ceremony, Felicity is finishing the “cake” of tiered egg tarts as the wedding party arrives for the ceremony. When one of the groomsmen, Miles Wu, doesn’t arrive, Felicity’s best friend and local florist Kelvin generously steps in for him and the wedding goes smoothly?until cake cutting time.
That’s when Felicity finds Miles’ dead body beneath the table with her egg tarts display, stabbed by Kelvin’s gardening shears. With the detective’s sights on Kelvin, Felicity starts sleuthing away to prove his innocence, revealing dark secrets about all the wedding’s attendants. They each had something to hide?and a reason to quiet Miles forever. To make matters worse, Felicity’s powers of prediction are on the fritz thanks to the emotional turmoil of a surprise visit from her estranged father.
When the groom gets poisoned at the send-off party and winds up in a coma, the stakes are even higher, not to mention Felicity’s feelings for Kelvin are beginning to feel more than friendly. Will Felicity’s magic return in time to catch the true culprit and rescue her budding relationship with Kelvin?
December 9, 2024
New Author Photos
It’s been a while since I had new headshots done, so I decided to take the plunge! I love helping out local artists, so I got Kelly Krauter’s name from a friend. When I arrived at her studio, I loved the ambience there. She had a candle lit and was playing soft, relaxing music.
Her picture-taking space consisted of different backdrops, a few chairs, and a shiny reflector. Throughout the session, she gave me great tips on how to best post (I’m quite awkward at being in front of the camera). And I got to change my outfit a few times.
I culled the final five from a lot of options and made a poll for fans via social media:
The one with the highest vote would go on my next book (the third in the Magical Fortune Cookie series, to be released in 2026). Here’s the pie chart with results & the winner!
September 11, 2024
Finding Creativity in Sweden
Sometimes I get in a creative slump. This is larger than the “How do I finish this manuscript?” question. It’s more of a “Why am I writing?” dilemma.
When my mind gets stuck on a plot, I usually take a walk. The change of scenery and brisk breeze will often get my thoughts flowing.
My most recent creative slump found me jetting off to…Sweden. That’s right. It was a last-minute trip for me, but being in a different country reminded me that there is so much inspiration all around.
A few takeaways:
Different locations fire up your brain.
New language. Cobblestone streets. Picturesque waterways. All these reminded me that location can inspire. Setting really is a character, and you know what? I write about places that might be an adventure for others outside of my locale or region. And maybe I will set a story in Stockholm one day.
Sharing is at the core of important endeavors.
I stumbled onto the Royal Djurgården, a beautiful greeenspace. Originally a royal hunting ground, it is now open to all visitors to enjoy. I appreciate that “commoners” can now appreciate the natural beauty of it. What’s more is that there’s the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in the garden, and I love how artists were invited to share and show off their sculptures in this oasis. There’s a beauty in sharing, and the park reminded me that sharing stories also connects humankind.
Hoop-La
Life Rings
Wind Sculpture in Bronze IArtists embed messages in their works and provide new ways of perceiving.
The Fotografiska museum was one I had on my list to visit. I always appreciate different kinds of art, and contemporary photography is something I admire. What struck me about the exhibits was the artists’ intent. In videos, Shepard Fairey described how his artwork clearly sent messages and invoked reflection, and Feng Li talked about how he found surrealistic ways of looking at common scenes.
In Stockholm, I got a much-needed break, but I also found creativity. The trip fueled me by allowing me to receive creativity, through visiting a totally new country and understanding more about other artists’ visions.
July 29, 2024
A Heartwarming Homecoming
I grew up in the Central Valley, specifically Fresno, so I jumped at the opportunity to do some hometown events. I’m extremely grateful for Lorie Lewis Ham who coordinated not one but two opportunities to connect with residents! Before our arrival, we were also featured in local newspapers:
Authors bring mystery madness to Visalia
Summertime around Fresno is always very hot, and this season was no exception. In fact, we went during a heat wave when temperatures soared into the triple digits (I think 108 was the high). Thank goodness that the Tulare and Fresno County libraries had good working AC!
I’m so happy that locals came by and gave the libraries extra love! It was also great to chat with Lorie and get to know her better since I’d only interacted with online before this point. Bonus: Extended family that I thought were on vacation also attended the Fresno event, and my kids got to interact with their cousins! :)
As an extra special surprise, the local news channel came by.
ABC30 interviewed Lorie and me, so we were on a local segment later that evening (at the 9:15 mark on the video):
It was a beautiful homecoming. And the cherry on top? I got a recent note that the Visalia branch of the Tulare County Library system was carrying our newest books!
April 18, 2024
Book Review: Molten Death
5 stars
Genre: Cozy mystery
A delightful mystery that transported me to the Big Island. I loved following Valerie, when her relaxing vacation with Kristen, goes sideways after spotting a dead body in the lava.
Not only did this novel feature an unguessable whodunnit and whydunnit, but I appreciated the detailed insights about Hawaiian culture and history. Don’t forget to have snacks handy while you’re reading because this definitely made me hungry—for delicious eats and more in the series. Also, very much appreciated the extra recipes and Pidgin dictionary in the back.
A hot new series for cozy mystery lovers!
Find more of my book ratings and reviews here.
February 19, 2024
Writing Community & Ill-Fated Fortune
Writing is a solitary activity, but being a writer, or an author, requires community. Without regular support, writing goals can go on hiatus or disappear. I’m happy to say that there are many fellow authors and readers who are excited to cheer a writer on!
I’m compiling an incomplete list of people who are boosting me as my newest book, Ill-Fated Fortune, comes out tomorrow!
Please check out these bloggers/BookTubers who are providing encouragement and bookish love:
1) A Bookish Moment
On this YouTube channel, mystery authors Sarah E. Burr and J.C. Kenney chat about their writing process—and often invite special guests to join them! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psZM6EZzbJM
2) Beachbum Bookworm
Tiffany has a channel devoted to cozy mystery and romance reads. She’s a warm and welcoming personality to authors! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGiWh-YoSwA
3) Career Authors
This blog has a treasure trove of tips from various authors. I talk about using magic in your manuscript: https://careerauthors.com/using-magic-in-your-manuscript/
4) Crime Writers of Color
This is a great community of people who self-identify as crime writers of color. One of our fun YouTube channels has 10 Questions for Crime Writers of Color. Here’s mine, where I talk a little about Ill-Fated Fortune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHW92jRzXJ4
5) Dru’s Book Musings
Dru Ann Love is aptly named because she has so much love for authors. Find her highlighting new books and musing on recent releases; she even has authors writing special guests posts. Of Ill-Fated Fortune, she wrote: “I enjoyed all aspects of the pleasantly appealing whodunit.” https://drusbookmusing.com/my-musing-ill-fated-fortune/
6) George Cramer
George Cramer has a long career in law enforcement. Of Karuk descent, he often features diverse authors on his blog. I’m happy to be a guest, either in answering a Q&A or writing my own guest post. https://gdcramer.com/george-cramer-blog/
7) Jungle Red Writers
Jungle Red Writers has a group of seven smart and sassy crime fiction writers. They have the most interesting topics and also offer spots to guest writers. https://www.jungleredwriters.com/
8) Wicked Authors
Another great group blog and tight-knit community (they do writing retreats together!) is the Wickeds. These six best-selling authors write in cozy, historical, and traditional mystery space. On their blog, you’ll find fun conversations and also special guest posts, like mine about the enchantment of magical cozies: https://wickedauthors.com/2024/02/16/a-wicked-welcome-to-jennifer-j-chow-2/
Yay for the support of the bookish community!
January 22, 2024
News Flash: Awards Update
Popping into my blog to give you a quick update. I’m beyond thrilled to have Hot Pot Murder be nominated for 2 awards!
My book has been shortlisted for:
An Edgar special award, the Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award: https://mysterywriters.org/mwa-announ... Lefty Award (in the Best Humorous category): https://leftcoastcrime.org/2024/Award...All very exciting!
December 18, 2023
The Holidays Are Here
My friend Leslie Karst is blogging about holiday traditions in Hilo, Hawaii, which reminded me to share about the traditions I enjoy here in SoCal.
One thing I appreciate is the sparkling of twinkly lights. A lot of them are wrapped around palm trees, and some of those trees get decorated (in a fun way) as candy canes. Then we have other twinkling sculptures like this whale with a Santa hat in Dana Point:
I also like a nicely decorated Christmas tree, but I love the different creative greenery that pops up during this season. I know someone who makes these fabulous mini succulent wreaths every year:
Other stuff I enjoy are special holiday activities. For example, we’ve gone sand sledding as a family in Hermosa Beach. And one of my kids is trying to start up a tradition of eating seasonal cake pops:
Peppermint cake pop from StarbucksBooks-wise, beyond getting novels (which I adore) as presents, I appreciate the best-of-year lists that come out around now. I’m delighted to have Hot Pot Murder listed in Deadly Pleasures for their 2023 round-up!
Wishing everyone cheer and relaxation for the holidays!
