Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 5

Happy 35th, SinC!

Sisters in Crime officially started in 1987, so it’s been around for 35 years! We even had a members-only online celebration this past Saturday organized by the fabulous President Stephanie Gayle and amazing Executive Director Julie Hennrikus. It was filled with great panels, inspiring videos, and a fun social hour.

Even from the beginning, the organization strove to be inclusive and not exclusive; it welcomed not only crime writers, but all crime fiction fans.

The mission statement in 1987 read: “To combat discrimination against women in the mystery field, educate publishers, and educate the general public as to the inequities in the treatment of female authors, raise the level of awareness of their contributions to the field, and promote the professional advancement of women who write mysteries.”

The work, the need for equality, still continues to be relevant today. Check out this wonderful but probing article written by Immediate Past President Sandra Wong on CrimeReads.

I’m proud to be part of Sisters in Crime and its supportive community. If you write or read crime fiction, please check us out at Sisters in Crime. I believe in this nonprofit so much that I’ll be stepping into the role of President on the national board come October 1st.

So happy 35th, SinC! And I love how the modern gemstone for the 35th anniversary is jade. It resonates with me culturally; in feng shui, it symbolizes wealth. SinC has plenty of that—an abundance of knowledge and support.

Cheers to Sisters in Crime—to 35 years and counting!

While At Bouchercon

I’ll be honest. Bouchercon has intimidated me for years. A mystery fan convention that regularly boasts over 1000 attendees? That’s scary for an introvert like me.

This year, though, I wanted to go in person, to mingle with authors and fans, and also to celebrate Sisters in Crime’s (SinC) 35th anniversary. (I’m currently VP on the national board and nominated to become President starting October 1, when the new term rolls around.)

Here are highlights from my trip:

SinC Executive Director Julie Hennrikus, President Stephanie Gayle, and I got to say a little something at the opening ceremonies. We celebrated our 35th year by giving out cupcakes! (What else?)

I got to fangirl over amazing authors. It was the first time I met S.A. Cosby, who is utterly charming.

I also met up with Julie Anne Lindsey/Bree Baker (squee!) and chatted with a beloved author, Jean Kwok. And I connected with authors I admire, including Yasmin Angoe, Valerie Burns, Tori Eldridge, Naomi Hirahara, Mia Manansala, Delia Pitts, Raquel Reyes, and many more!

Readers, librarians, and booksellers were absolutely delightful. Thank you to those who came up to me to share how much they enjoyed my Sassy Cat Mysteries or my new book, Death By Bubble Tea.

It was moving to cheer on readers at the Crime Writers of Color’ Underrepresented Voices reception and Noir at the Bar. The Anthony Awards was so exciting, with such great nominees. (Spoiler: S.A. Cosby swept.)

E.A. Aymar sharing his excellent story, “Eulogy”

And while I was gone, I had some fun media mentions. BookBub listed Death By Bubble Tea as one of 16 Charming Cozies, and Penguin Random House Audio selected it as one of 6 Culinary Cozy Mysteries To Devour (shout-out to Stephanie Sheh, my amazing audiobook narrator!).

Although I’m (happily) tired from the convention, I’m also looking forward to my next event. No traveling needed. I’ll be doing a virtual night market tour talk on Monday, September 19 at 6:30pm Pacific, hosted by Torrance Public Library. And TWO lucky attendees will receive a copy of Death By Bubble Tea and a boba tea kit. Don’t miss out!

You can email JShimonishi@TorranceCa.Gov for the Zoom link. Please RSVP by 9/17.

Hope you all also had a fabulous week!

Off to Bouchercon

Just a friendly note saying I’ll be traveling to Bouchercon (9/7-9/11). If you’re going, find me there!

Book Review: The Christmas Clash

5 stars

Genre: YA rom-com

*Available Oct. 4, 2022

The Christmas Clash

Such a cute story! I relished the setting of the suburban mall, and the vivid descriptions brought back such good memories. Peter and Chloe complement each other well. I loved diving into their different personalities—and getting to virtually enjoy the cuisines of their family restaurants.

The holiday atmosphere added a special touch to the story, making it an even cozier feel-good rom-com. 

Find more of my book ratings and reviews here.

Foodie Friday: Chowdah

One of my favorite soups is clam chowder. Maybe because it reminds of the sea because I loved the ocean but grew up in landlocked Central California. Or perhaps since I liked those cute oyster crackers.

I have fond memories of going to San Francisco and enjoying chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

Once, I even wrote down a recipe from a cooking show to create homemade chowder. It was very tasty but took a long time to make. After that experience, I opted to get gourmet versions from eateries.

Saying that you have the best bowl of clam chowder is a huge claim. I recently heard of a place called Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach (they have a location is San Luis Obispo as well). The restaurant is known for their loaded clam chowders (like a baked potato with the works).

Would all the extras mess with the flavor? Only one way to find out:

Verdict: It was delicious. The extra seafood topping added even more ocean fresh flavor that put it over the edge. If you’re looking for a purist version, this isn’t it. But it’s hearty and clammy and tasty. My only slight issue was the bread bowl, which seemed pretty basic–I much preferred using grilled sourdough slices on the side to dip into the soup.

What’s a favorite soup of yours?

Giving Trees

One of my favorite books as a kid was The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein because of the tree’s generosity. Years later, I also realized it was a really sad story. Still, I think about trees in the same way—that they always give and give without complaint.

I love trees. As a child, I sketched out a blueprint for my ideal tree house. Too bad my parents weren’t sold on the idea.

I still love trees. It’s one of the many reasons I enjoy camping in the mountains. Fresh air. Twinkling stars. Impressive trees. Nature all around.

We recently went to the redwoods in Northern California and camped near the Avenue of the Giants. This is a 31-mile stretch of shaded road close to Highway 101. The redwoods there are massive—and splendid. I loved how some of them were fighters, survivors of fires. It soothed me to walk below their overarching branches.

Avenue of the Giants

The two main hikes we took were mellow ones. The Founders’ Grove is an easy loop. Be sure to borrow a pamphlet at the start of the trail because it’ll explain fascinating facts (paired with numbered markers) along the walk.

We also enjoyed Rockefeller Loop. The trailhead is not as close to the freeway as the Founders’ path, so it’s quieter and less crowded. I found the secluded area a great place to do some reflecting.

Sometimes, in life, it’s helpful to pause and take a break. I feel that way even with writing. There are authors who write every single day of the year. I can’t do that. Weekends allow me to refill my creative well.

Getaways help me to gain perspective, and they renew my writing passion. I’m grateful I got the chance to relax: to unwind from stress and deadlines, to remember the purpose of creating. I’m hopeful for bright days of writing ahead!

How do you relax?

Expressing My Voice

I was taught to listen. This meant obeying my parents. It meant paying attention to teachers. Often, I translated this rule as to not talk, to never talk. I once held an inner competition to not speak for a whole day (yes, I won).

I’d held back so long I had a difficult time even knowing what my own voice was, figuratively speaking. In high school, I started trying to find out. I wrote lots of poetry (some poems even got published). I did drama (even got some speaking lines).

Writing has been a refuge to me. An oasis where I can express my thoughts and feelings. This would be amazing place to write:

Outside patio of Bel Canto Books (in Long Beach, CA)

Stories have also been catalysts. They help me to excavate and explore myself even further.

Back when I was a fledgling writer, I wanted to create the Great American Novel. What did that even mean to me? I think something along the lines of Steinbeck. Or a brooding novel about individualism and, perhaps, apple pie. Truly, I didn’t know.

With my stories now, I feel like I am writing American tales. Based on my background and identity, which is just as valid an experience as any other. It’s taken me a long time to embrace this idea, and I’m still growing.

Actually, I just did a panel about Expressing Your Unique Voice at the Los Angeles Public Library-Northridge branch with Tori Eldridge, Naomi Hirahara, and Julie Tieu. It was a beautiful hybrid event, leaving me emboldened and empowered.

L-R: Naomi Hirahara, Jennifer J. Chow, Tori Eldridge, and Julie Tieu

I’ll continue to tell stories revolving around culture and family—and food. (Speaking of which, Ed Lin and I will be chatting in person about night markets and writing at Vroman’s Bookstore on Tuesday, August 2 at 7pm. Join us if you can!)

I encourage you to share your unique voice, whether through writing or a different medium!

Book Review: Under Lock & Skeleton Key

5 stars

Genre: Traditional Mystery/ Amateur Sleuth/ Impossible Crime

Fascinating story. I particularly loved Tempest and her multicultural background with all the interesting family histories and global experiences. I also adored the centrality of magicians and illusions in this book.

A gothic cozy, this novel offers a touch of the supernatural with the Raj family curse. It’s a new subgenre with interesting mystery possibilities. This is layered with an impossible crime, and I’m always in awe of those who can pull off a locked-room mystery with ease. Pandian does everything brilliantly.

The concluding parts of this novel feature a lot of misdirection, twists, and turns. Overall, it’s a very unique and enthralling mystery. Can’t wait for more magical reading experiences within this new series!

Mustache Pretzels

I’m a fan of the soft pretzel. Sure, I like crunchy pretzels to munch on for snacking, but I have the fondest memories of soft pretzels. I think it all stems from a school trip I took to the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Using some spending money, I bought and devoured my very first soft pretzel—it was fabulous. I’m still hard-pressed to beat that initial savory taste.

Growing up, I sometimes went to the local mall and browsed. The alluring scent from Auntie Anne’s would often follow me around the space. (Unfortunately, I didn’t usually get the chance/have the money to actually get one, but I could sniff all I wanted.)

Interestingly enough, I tend to encounter great pretzel finds on my travels. We once went to a place that served a soft pretzel literally the size of my head—good thing I had family around to share that giant appetizer!

More recently, I visited Arizona. There, I got to try a food truck that offered mustache pretzels. That’s right. They’re soft pretzels in the shape of a mustache.

Guess my parents were wrong. I can play with my food…and eat it! (Also, yes, it was delicious. Thanks for asking.)

I can’t tell if I enjoy soft pretzels more, particularly because of the trips and the associated memories. But maybe it doesn’t matter. Food and experiences frequently elevate each other.

What’s a fun food memory for you?

P.S. In other news, my foodie book, Death By Bubble Tea, hit the SoCal Indie Bestseller List for the second week in a row!

Hitting the SoCal Indie Bestseller List

I’ve blogged before about how tired I got during release week. Launching a new book (and a new series) requires dedication. I’m grateful to all the publications and bloggers and podcasters who gave me media coverage. I’m thankful to the great bookstagramming community, who’ve been sharing images of Death By Bubble Tea (including a few bubble tea selfies).

Of course, I’m very appreciative of the readers who supported me. In fact, it’s the fans who clamored for my book and went out of their way to buy it at indie booksellers all across Southern California that resulted in a recent milestone: Death By Bubble Tea hit number 3 on the SoCal Indie Bestseller List in the mass market paperback category! [what?! shocked face emoji]   

So THANK YOU, readers, for making me an official bestselling author! (Tip: If you’re looking for a great independent bookstore near you, check out www.indiebound.org.)

Here’s a quick summary and history of the list: The SoCal Indie Bestseller List is collated weekly by IndieBound and CALIBA. Per their website, IndieBound is “an initiative of the American Booksellers Association dedicated to making the world better one independent bookstore at a time.” CALIBA refers to the California Independent Booksellers Alliance, a non-profit that nurtures and promotes independent retail bookselling in California. The So Cal Indie Bestseller List debuted in 2004, and is one of other regional bestseller lists (New England, Pacific Northwest, etc.).   

Happy reading, everyone!