Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 56

Molting like a Cicada (or Self-Publishing)

“Courage is the hallmark of a warrior.”

I remember visiting Taiwan and hearing a repetitive whirring from the tree above me. It was the song of a cicada. Cicadas are known as “tree crickets” and live on branches. While their cousin crickets on the ground produce music by rubbing their wings, cicadas actually have built-in noisemakers (tymbals) that can be manipulated by using their muscles. In Chinese culture, cicadas are a symbol of immortality (because of their long lifespan) and rebirth (from their molting practices).

Like the butterfly, cicadas transform. They climb out of their old molted shells and spread forth their wings. What does molting have to do with warriors, like in the above quote? There is a battle tactic called “shedding off the golden cicada shell.” It’s part of the “36 Stratagems” written by General Wang in The Book of Qi. The technique he refers to involves masking yourself and becoming inconspicuous in order to avoid being attacked.

Interestingly enough, the physical shells of cicadas are actually highly valuable in Chinese medicine. Moltings offer a lot of chitin, protein, and amino acid. They’re supposed to have sweet and cold properties. The healing benefits of the shells include reducing fevers, soothing itches, and relieving spasms.

For me, I’m also molting. I’m shedding the old and taking on the new, just in time for the New Year. I’m also exhibiting the hallmark of a warrior by venturing into self-publishing. I recently got offered a publishing contract for my cozy mystery novel but have since decided to self-publish. I’m wading into unknown waters, like my friend Evelyne Holingue (please check out her new middle-grade novel).

My next step is a foundational piece: editing. I’ve already reworked my story using online and in-person critique groups, along with beta readers. Now, though, I’m getting professional help by soliciting a few editors for sample edits on my manuscript. These folks have done work on cozy mysteries before and came either recommended by acquaintances or through the acknowledgments pages of books I liked.

Is this all crazy or foolish? Possibly. But I invite you to follow me as I continue on my new publishing journey this year.

Foodie Friday: Tofu Fah

Tofu fah: smooth pudding-like tofu snack

A versatile dish, tofu fah can be served in either warm or cold weather. (People enjoy it iced in the summer months or heated in the winter season.) Apparently, in northern China it’s called “tofu brains.” Thankfully, my family’s from the southern region, where it’s known as fah or “flower.”

The best way to think of this dish is as a kind of tofu soup. It can be salty or sweet, depending on the accompanying liquid. I prefer the sugary version.

The key to this treat is in the silkiness of the tofu. It must be so soft that the tofu seems to melt in your mouth like jello. Want to try this at home? Here’s a simple recipe.

Do you have a favorite tofu dish?

‘Twas the Day of Christmas (a poem)

“Star light, star bright, your wish will come true tonight.”

Let me fill you in on what happened this past Christmas:

‘Twas the day of Christmas, when all through the home

Every creature was stirring and starting to roam;

The presents were stacked under the tree with great care,

In hopes that happy hands soon would be there.

 

The children all jumped out of their beds;

While visions of sweet toys danced in their heads;

And hubby in his ‘jammies, and I in my cap,

Had just awoken from our restive winter’s nap.

 

When out on the living room there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the gifts I flew like a dove,

To see the kiddos opening up presents wrapped with love.

 

The sun streamed in on something with my name,

But I wasn’t sure which giver to blame.

I opened it up, where to my eyes did appear,

A Kindle of my own—so wonderful and dear.

 

A present from my brother so lively and quick,

Who had read my blog and pretended to be St. Nick.

Next, another gift did appear before me,

One I had thought meant for my kids, you see.

 

First, brother! Now, hubby, with a box!

I knew that elegant gift didn’t contain socks.

So rip off the paper! And bumble with the bow!

Guess what I opened? I think you already know.

 

An e-reader, a Paperwhite to own,

As brother and hubby both let out a groan.

With great care, I needed to weigh

Which one to take, which to give away.

 

So now you know the foolishness of a blog post,

When you put down the gift you want the most.

Sometimes the people you love do read your words, it’s true;

And then it’ll be a double gifting for you!

Foodie Friday: Soy Sauce Eggs

Soy sauce eggs: eggs stewed in a soy sauce mixture

I like eggs. Hard-boiled ones are a great breakfast treat. Cooking them with a sweet-savory soy sauce base, though, makes them wonderful snacks or complements to meals. Nowadays, you can even buy a packet of the appropriate spices at the local Asian market. Then all you need to do is stick peeled, cooked eggs in the pot and simmer until done.

 

 

The Pantser Resolution

“Life brings you a bold and dashing adventure.”

You know, I thought of myself as a plotter and not a pantser when writing stories. After completing a number of manuscripts now, I realize that I’m more unstructured than I thought. Sure, I still do research and have a general idea of where the story’s going. Nonetheless, my characters always surprise me and act in ways that I never thought they would. Endings also tend to shift around for me, based on the protagonist’s unforeseen actions.

Since I’m owning up to my pantser personality, I figured I’d transfer that attitude over to my New Year’s Resolution. Every time I’m pretty good about sticking to my goal in the first few months and then the determination falters. In the past, I’ve tried specific aims or even a condensed one-word resolution. This year, I’m going to embrace my pantser side. I’ll relish in the fact that:

Life throws you curves
Unexpected blessings can flow (like my previous contest win and publication in an anthology)
Enjoyment can come in the little moments (which you’ll miss if you have too many plans in place)

Do you have a resolution for the next year?

Foodie Friday First: Frog Legs

I tried my first Southern-style…

Frog legs: battered goodness (tastes like chicken–not really)

It’s been a long time since I’ve had frog legs, and that was the Chinese version of them. I was really surprised at how tender the meat was (although it’s also slim pickings). It’s not quite like fried chicken, but it’s tastier in its own way. The nice thing is that being all battered up, they don’t really look like limbs.

Frog legs is also a French delicacy. I recently read FROG MUSIC by Emma Donoghue, author of the worldwide bestseller ROOM. I absolutely loved ROOM. FROG MUSIC is a historical book, featuring a French burlesque dancer named Blanche. There’s a unique friendship between her and Jenny, a catcher of frog legs. Donoghue still writes in an evocative way, but the subject material and tone of FROG MUSIC is totally different than her previous bestseller.

Have you read FROG MUSIC or tasted frog legs?

A Tale of Two E-Readers

“Treat yourself to something of quality.”

Here I am trying to teach the kids that Christmas is not merely about presents, but I do have something on my wish list: a Kindle Paperwhite. I’m not even interested in the bells and whistles of a Kindle Voyage, but in its predecessor. I already have a Nook device, so why would I need two e-readers? Here’s my argument:

Kindle Paperwhite (want)

Has a backlight, so I can read in dim environments
Can ditch the cloud reader and not have to use the Web for Amazon books
Download library books with a touch of a button (Nook uses sideloading)

Nook Touch (have)

Slight interior crack that’s created a blemish on the screen
Sometimes flips too many pages at once
Unable to access Kindle books, especially for author friends exclusively using Amazon

I know there’s a debate going on about whether to support the Amazon giant. In a recent interview, Jeff Bezos stated that “books don’t just compete against books.” He goes on to say that he’s interested in making books more accessible and affordable for people.

Is getting a second e-reader redundant? Give me your thoughts.

Foodie Friday: Pigs’ Feet

Pigs’ feet: stewed porcine hooves

Ah yes, the wonderful smell of soup. But what’s in this savory broth? That’s right, pigs’ feet. It’s a great confinement stew, filled with rich nutrients for new mothers. The meat itself is braised, so it falls right off. There’s also a gelatinous texture to some of the tasty bits. If you don’t think too hard about what you’re actually eating, it’s a pretty hearty dish for a winter’s day.

What’s a great stew for wintry days?

 

Standing versus Sitting

“Cut through organizational impediments and get some real work done.”

I’ve been hearing about studies that show the detriment of prolonged sitting. These awful side effects include chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic likened sitting to smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle has even been linked to early death.

So what’s the alternative? Some people use giant stability balls to maintain their posture while sitting at a desk. Others opt for exorbitant treadmill desks. An interesting idea, but I can’t imagine getting too much real exercise done while typing away.

Another viable option is a standing desk. However, before I fork over too much money for a permanent fixture, I wanted to try out the idea by using a portable unit.

How did working at a standing desk fare?

Professional Opinion

Pros: Better metabolism, Improved concentration, Increased blood flow
Cons: Body stiffness, Fatigue from standing, Sore feet

Personal Opinion

Pros: Better posture, Enhanced core, More appropriate eye level
Cons: Awkwardness while standing, Difficulty positioning papers on tray, Potential leaning of body for support

There are pluses and minuses. I’m feeling more strength in my abdomen, but sometimes I’m just tired of standing. I’ve been compromising by blending the two: standing for periods of time, and then sitting when I’m too fatigued.

What do you think about the standing versus sitting debate?

 

 

Simple Holiday Treats

*Special Winter Edition*

I’ve participated in annual Christmas cookie exchanges before, but never online. Thanks to an invitation from Patience Brewster, an artist who makes handmade ornaments and gifts, I’m involved in an exciting virtual cookie exchange. Through the Internet, I can connect with other foodies and find lovely holiday recipes.

In the past, I’ve baked tangy lemon bars or sculpted popcorn balls to bring to parties. This year, though, I’m lazy. If you’re swamped like me, here are a few simple holiday treats to try using prepackaged goods:

Reindeer Nutter Butters:

Ingredients:

Nutter Butters

Pretzels

Frosting (or peanut butter)

M&MsUse each Nutter Butter as a reindeer head. Place pretzels on top for the ears, using frosting or peanut butter as the glue. Add in the M&M eyes and nose. Voila!
Sparkling Rice Krispies Treats

Follow the traditional Rice Krispies treat recipe. While the tray is cooling, sprinkle red and green sugar crystals on top. Cut into squares when cooled down.
Yuletide M&M Cookies

Use refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (or a box mix). Bake cookies as directed, but five minutes before the end of cooking time, add in festive M&Ms. Put back in the oven and finish baking.

I’m passing the baton over to fellow bloggers with more unique (and complex) recipes to follow. Go look for their holiday recipes over the next few weeks:

Evelyne Holingue with her traditional French Buche de Noel

and

Veronica Roth with delicious Czech and British cookies