Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 11
July 12, 2021
Off to Malice
This week from July 14 to July 17, I’m off to the Malice Domestic convention. It’s the first time I’m joining. Usually held near Washington D.C. every year, 2021 will be a virtual event. Although I was planning to go in 2020, complete with travel and stay options, I’m glad that I can at least participate in the upcoming online conference.
Typically, Malice Domestic honors traditional mysteries (think: Agatha Christie) and features the Agatha Awards (awards in the shape of teapots). The online version, More Than Malice, will be a crime fiction convention that brings together a mix of genres and authors. You can find out more on their website: https://www.malicedomestic.org/
July 7, 2021
June 25, 2021
Foodie Friday: Eggplant with Basil
Eggplant with basil: fried eggplant with aromatic spices
I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about this before, but one of my favorite vegetable dishes involves eggplant. The heady mixture of sweet (brown sugar?) and savory (ginger) always delights me. Although this is often served spicy, I like it only mildly hot and more garlicky. It’s usually a beautifully presented dish because of the vivid purple of the eggplant against the earthier tone of the brown sauce. I’ve tried multiple times to get the texture right–the eggplant needs to be tender but yet crisped on the outside. (My cousin in Taiwan says I just need to add more oil, but I’m not so sure about that!) I did find a blog post with tips on making the “perfect eggplant”–maybe I should try it out!
Here’s a recent eggplant dish I ordered from a local restaurant. I love the addition of the mushrooms, which adds to both the texture and the umami-ness.
There is eggplant buried underneath all the onions, cilantro, etc.!
June 14, 2021
Book Review: Winter Counts
5 stars
Genre: Crime fiction/thriller
David Heska Wanbli Weiden wrote an amazing debut that brings to life Lakota culture and brims with suspense. I love how the main character, Virgil Wounded Horse, has to come to terms with his history, grief, and disappointments in life. I was also emotionally invested in his relationship with his nephew.
Weiden does a great job of painting a nuanced picture of reservation life. He’s also able to weave in current issues, especially surrounding drugs. The narrative continues to get tighter and tighter until the explosive end.
A powerful punch of a novel with a layered and complex Lakota main character at the heart of it.
Find more of my book ratings and reviews here.
June 9, 2021
June 4, 2021
ICYMI Post
I’m on Chicks on the Case talking about the inspiration behind my cover for my upcoming Sassy Cat Mystery, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code! Check out the post here: https://chicksonthecase.com/2021/06/04/icymi-cover-reveal/
May 28, 2021
Cover Reveal on 5/30
That’s right! I’m super excited to have Dru’s Book Musings host my cover reveal for my upcoming Sassy Cat Mystery, Mimi Lee Cracks the Code (November 30, 2021). Be sure to check out her website on Sunday, 5/30: https://drusbookmusing.com/category/cover-reveal/
May 21, 2021
Lift AAPI Voices
Excited to announce that the #LiftAAPIVoices campaign launches today!
This is a wonderful giveaway, which begins 9:00am PST Friday, May 21 and ends Sunday, May 23rd at 11:59pm PST.
SUMMARY:
About 20 other Asian Diaspora women crime writers and I are coming together to raise awareness for AAPI and the Asian Diaspora through our #LiftAAPIVoices social media campaign in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.GIVEAWAY: Join our campaign and be automatically entered to win amazing books from Asian Diaspora Women Crime Writers
and a BONUS 1-year free membership to Sisters in Crime!
HOW TO ENTER: Show your support of AAPI by:
-Posting a message of solidarity.
-Taking a selfie with a book by an Asian author.
-Donating to an AAPI organization like #StopAAPIHate.
-Supporting an Asian-owned business.
These are some examples but feel free to be creative! Be sure to include the hashtag #LiftAAPIVoices.
Email LiftAAPIVoices@gmail.com with a link to your FB or Instagram post or tweet showing your support. If all looks good, you’ll get an email confirmation that you are entered in the giveaway!
OTHER DETAILS: One winner will be picked at random and announced May 24. We will notify the winner by email. Sorry, but US residents only and one entry per person. No purchase necessary.
Thank you for your support!
May 12, 2021
May 8, 2021
May 2021 Book Suggestions
I’m blogging on Writers Who Kill today and talking about books I’ve read or want to read by AAPI creators for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Follow along: https://writerswhokill.blogspot.com/2021/05/aapihm-book-recommendations-by-jennifer.html
