Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 24
November 12, 2018
Vroman’s Walk of Fame
“Your loyalties are clear when it comes to friends.”
I was very excited to witness Naomi Hirahara getting inducted into Vroman’s Walk of Fame this weekend. The Author Walk of Fame started in 2014 to honor authors with a special connection to the bookstore and the community. Other writers who’ve been honored include Luis Rodriguez, Michael Connelly, and Lisa See.
Hirahara immortalized her handprints and signature in concrete in front of Vroman’s, the iconic Pasadena bookstore. (She credits childhood Japanese calligraphy skills for her ease of writing.)
Besides creating the Edgar Award-winning Mas Arai mystery series, Hirahara has written stellar nonfiction, middle grade—and has even curated exhibits! I love how she inserts detailed, accurate local settings along with a wealth of history into her work.
Way to go, Naomi Hirahara!
November 5, 2018
Vancouver Trip
“You long to see the Great Pyramids of Egypt.”
Sometimes it’s nice to have a change of scenery. I took a short trip a few weeks back to Vancouver.
Though I’ve been before for a whirlwind book talk, I didn’t get the chance to soak in the city back then. This time around, I balanced spurts of writing (and reading) with exploration of the local area.
Vancouver, to me, seems like a great mix of the natural and the urban. Here are a few highlights from my trip.
From the nature side…
I got to indulge in the festive colors of autumn. In Southern California, it’s hard to find such vibrant leaves. I didn’t even mind the nippy weather while admiring the amazing foliage.
I hiked Grouse Mountain. It takes 2,380 steps to climb to the top of “the Grind.” The ascent has an elevation gain of 2,800 feet , and it’s about 1.8 miles long. I made it in the average amount of time: 1.5 hours. Though I missed the sunset, I got to see the twilight at the top.
Vancouver is a seaport city and surrounded by beautiful water areas. I loved relaxing and soaking in the calm blue all around me.
My trip wouldn’t have been the same without seeing the urban parts as well. There are beautiful skyscrapers in downtown (1st photo) as well as antique buildings (2nd photo: Marine Building). I also dropped by the central library (3rd photo), which looks like the Colosseum.
And I mustn’t forget the food! I ate Canadian beef burgers, tried poutine, and devoured the yummy wild salmon.
October 29, 2018
Cozy Launch & Comic Con
Wow, this weekend was a whirlwind!
On Friday, I did Coffee & A Cozy. I enjoyed chatting about cover design, audiobook-making, and story creation.
Here’s the spread of treats:
Fun time with friends!
I also participated in LA Comic Con on Saturday. Seeing people dressed up was one of the highlights.
Look at the mighty crowd!
Great statues on the convention floor…
Costumes galore! Can you figure out who everyone is? (My fave is the first one.)
October 22, 2018
Wayfarers Chapel
I’ve had this building on my list of to-visit sites for a while. Located in the scenic Rancho Palos Verdes, it’s made of glass. Wayfarer’s Chapel, also known as “The Glass Church,” was designed by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright: Lloyd Wright. I love the surrounding redwood trees and ocean, which give this popular wedding spot a peaceful nature-filled atmosphere.
Nestled on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, it’s got an amazing view:
The chapel has some beautiful little gardens around it, including plots of roses. I, though, prefer the tropical blooms gracing this area:
It’s got a cute little fountain in the front, too:
And, of course, don’t forget the marvelous glass architecture!
Fun fact: Wayfarers Chapel is in the National Register of Historic Places.
October 10, 2018
October 8, 2018
October Fun
Want to see me in person in October? I’ve got two events lined up, so take your pick.
Coffee or tea? Whatever your drink of choice, come chat with me or just hang out in Redondo Beach. Find me on Friday, Oct 26th at The Great Room!
Is your superpower reading? Join me at the LA Comic Con! I’ll be there Saturday, Oct 27th from 9:30am-12:30pm at the SCBWI booth.
October 4, 2018
Book Deal Announcements
Hi All,
This book deal is getting real! Here are a few snippets from bonafide publishing news outlets.
A snippet from Publishers Marketplace, hailed as “publishing’s essential daily read”:
There’s also mention of me in the Sisters in Crime October newsletter!
Hurrah! Now I better get to work! Send well wishes my way :)
October 2, 2018
Robot Revenge Release
Hi Folks,
Just letting you know that ROBOT REVENGE is officially out! Hurrah!
Winston Wong is back on the case, but this time he’s taking a close look at his local neighborhood.
So happy book birthday to me! In the mood for any of the following cakes?
Straw-buried cake
I–scream cake
Death by chocolate
September 28, 2018
Foodie Friday: ANZAC biscuits
ANZAC biscuits: simpler oatmeal cookies with flair!
I’ve gone Down Under! At the request of one of my kids, we made ANZAC biscuits. These were cookies sent as part of care packages to soldiers in Australia and New Zealand during World War I. Note the name of the treats: ANZAC = Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Made from simple and spoil-proof ingredients, these biscuits are quick to make. I love how they’re rolled in oats, so I feel like I’m eating kind of healthy. Also, I like adding the optional coconut to make it a luxury treat!
Find the Martha Stewart recipe here. However, I had a hard time locating golden syrup, so we substituted corn syrup instead. Sorry!
What fun and maybe historically significant recipes have you tried?
